Herpes is an unpleasant nuisance. Most of us have met him at least occasionally. Except in rare cases of particularly sensitive people, when the battle with him can drag on for weeks, it usually goes away in a few days. Nevertheless, on the days when we are dealing with it, it is often the reason for a bad mood and an unrelaxed mood, especially in society. So we have enough reasons to make an effort and find a suitable solution to this problem.
What causes herpes?
Herpes is caused by viruses, there are quite a few in the herpes family. The best known is the Herpes Simplex 1 virus, which is commonly found above the lips and is discussed later in this post.
Herpes viruses of this type usually choose nerve cells as their host. They can rest in them for a long time and then erupt unexpectedly. It is estimated that 60% of the population becomes infected before the age of 18. From a state of dormancy, the virus is activated by factors such as stress, sunburn, UV rays and certain medications. If the body is healthy and the immune system is good, the visible signs of herpes usually disappear within 7 to 10 days. It is therefore clear that the first key to success in the fight against herpes is to take care of a strong immune system.
What to do when herpes occurs?
When, despite all the worries, herpes rashes still occur, action needs to be taken. There are many anti-herpes remedies available, and aromatherapists recommend essential oils and hydrolates. There is much confirmation to be found online and in publicly available libraries with the results of scientific research such as Pub-med that essential oils and hydrolates are successful in this fight. However, there are some basic recommendations to follow.
Natural remedies, including essential oils and hydrosols, can be effective if used early enough and often enough. It is therefore good to start using them at the first signs that indicate a possible outbreak of herpes, such as itching, fever, a feeling of tension at the site of the outbreak. We will only win the battle in this way if we are persistent and consistent enough. Two or three coats will certainly not be enough. However, if we apply the selected preparation several times a day and for several days in a row, we have a great chance that we will control herpes relatively quickly.
It is especially necessary to make an effort when choosing and find a truly natural and undiluted oil and hydrosol. Half-heartedness and the search for compromises will not work well here. Our body simply cannot get the help it needs to fight the herpes virus from inappropriate preparations.
Essential oils must be diluted before use
Particular care should be taken when using essential oils, which are highly concentrated plant essences. Before use, they must be diluted with carrier vegetable oils such as almond, jojoba, olive oil. This avoids excessive irritation of the skin of the lips and mucous membranes of the mouth. The diluted product should also be tested first to make sure that our skin can tolerate it.
The prepared aromatherapy preparation is applied to the herpes rash. It is good to avoid contact with the mucous membrane of the mouth, as it is very sensitive and can also react to contact with diluted essential oil with an unpleasant burning sensation.
An additional way to use essential oils on the lips is to apply a drop of essential oil to a neutral natural protective lip makeup. The fat and wax of the make-up will absorb and dilute the essential oil and the application of such enriched make-up will not irritate the lips excessively. In the case of herpes, such use is appropriate only as long as the rash is still small and closed.
Which essential oils can we rely on in the fight against herpes?
Since I just don’t like to use essential oils that are brought to us from distant places, I also prefer to use essential oils from our home herbs against herpes. In the first place here is certainly the essential oil of lemon balm. It is true that quality lemon balm essential oil has a high price, but if we know that we only need a few drops to help against herpes, one or two milliliters will be enough and the problem will be solved. Each drop of lemon balm essential oil must be diluted with 3-4 drops of carrier vegetable oil. Thus, from 20 drops of essential oil of lemon balm, as many as there are in one milliliter, we get 80-100 drops of lemon balm preparation, which is more than enough for the usual help in the outbreak of a viral rash.
Special care should be taken when buying lemon balm essential oil, as it is one of the most counterfeited essential oils in the world. The reason for that is its price. Therefore, choose a well-known and reliable supplier and make sure that the oil is not diluted or that it does not contain any additives.
Lemon balm hydrolate, which has similar antiviral effects as essential oil, is often effective for milder forms of herpes or more delicate and baby skin. We can also use the essential oil of lavender or hyssop. I leave it to the readers to decide on the use of tea tree essential oil, which is just as effective, but comes to us from distant Australia.
Choose your essential oil against herpes
For most of us, herpes is only an occasional nuisance and it is good to know that it is manageable by natural means. However, as with other natural remedies, essential oils are not for everyone. So let’s take our time, try the recommended essential oils, and choose the one that helps our body beat the herpes virus. Perseverance and patience will surely be rewarded.