Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Treat Genital Herpes With Alternative Remedies

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by HSV or the herpes simplex virus. Many individuals do not even know that they have this condition, since it can be dormant for several years before actual outbreaks start. Symptoms of an outbreak of genital herpes include the appearance of open sores, lesions or blisters in or close to the genitals and anus, pain when urinating, swollen lymph nodes in the groin area, fever, headaches and itching. Attacks can be triggered by such things as fatigue, menstrual period, a poor immune system and stress. This is a disease that is passed through sexual intercourse with an infected person. If you have been diagnosed with genital herpes, you should not be sexually active when you are having an outbreak. Even when your symptoms subside, you should use caution. Your doctor may prescribe medications, such as Zovirax, Valtrex or Famvir to treat your symptoms. You can also use alternative remedies to help support your conventional treatment.








Instructions








1. Switch to a more alkaline diet by consuming foods like seeds, whole grains, fresh vegetables and non-citrus fruits. Cut back on or eliminate processed foods, peanuts, colas, alcohol, baked products, sugar, white flour and dairy products when you have an outbreak of genital herpes, since they have L-arginine, an amino acid that can exacerbate your condition.


2. Ease itching and pain by sitting in a warm bath for 15-20 minutes. Adding Epsom salts can help ease the discomfort associated with genital herpes attacks. It is important that you remember to thoroughly dry off, afterwards, in order to keep your sores free of moisture.


3. Consider using tea tree oil, which is a natural antiseptic, on your lesions to help them dry up more quickly. Put one drop on your herpes sores right after you get out of the shower. Tea tree oil is derived from the fragrant leaves of a popular Australian tree that has been used, for several centuries, to address a host of health issues. You should only use tea tree oil for external purposes.


4. Try using zinc ointment to battle genital herpes outbreaks, as some individuals have found this beneficial. Avoid putting cortisone cream on your sores, as it can be counterproductive to the healing process, hinder your immune system and even contribute to the virus growing further.


5. Fight viral infection and help build immunity with cat's claw. Cat's claw comes from the root and bark of a vine found in the rainforest of the Amazon. It was first utilized by the ancient Incas for its medicinal properties and has gained popularity in modern times for its ability to boost the immune system. Make sure you get a standardized extract, which can come in liquid or capsule form. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have had an organ transplant, suffer from tuberculosis, have an autoimmune disease or have had a skin graft, you should not take cat's claw. Consult your doctor before using cat's claw if you take medications for diabetes, diuretics, blood thinners, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, estrogen or immunosuppressive drugs, to safeguard against possible interactions.

Tags: immune system, genital herpes, genital herpes, outbreak genital, outbreak genital herpes, they have, with genital