Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 and HSV-2 are among the most common and infectious of the virus. HSV-1 causes oral herpes and may be evident through cold sores, mouth ulcers, fever, and muscle aches. The virus is spread through contact with a host of the virus.
On the other hand, HSV-2, or genital herpes, is contracted through sexual intercourse. Symptoms include malaise, feeling flu-like, genital sores and blisters, painful urine, and others.
You can live with the herpes virus without symptoms. There is no cure for herpes, only symptomatic treatments.
Why Essential Oils Are Good For Herpes
Although there are several licensed antiviral agents available to treat the herpes virus, some have produced toxic side-effects. To supplement, antiviral agents have received some resistance from the herpes simplex virus. This opens the field for new and improved compounds that will prevent the virus from replicating and showing symptoms.
Chemical constituents of essential oils produce an agent that works against the herpes virus. As herpes does not leave its host once infected, the virus can remain inactive for years. Some essential oils may be used to prevent an outbreak or resurgence of symptoms of herpes.
8 Best Essential Oils For Herpes
1. Eucalyptus Blue Gum Essential Oil (Eucalyptus globulus)
The active component of eucalyptus that counters the herpes virus is unknown. However, the extract’s use as an antiviral agent is promising. This woody-scented oil can be used to work against herpes blisters. These annoying lesions are painful, and after bursting, tissues below the skin become exposed. This will later turn into even more painful sores and encourage further infection.
To soothe blisters, add 2 drops of eucalyptus to a tablespoon of coconut oil. Use a cotton bud to dab on affected areas.
Best for: Blisters
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Individuals with a compromised immune system are susceptible to developing severe cases of the herpes simplex virus infection. This was substantiated in a clinical trial conducted on a 22-year-old female who was suffering from a case of leukemia. Tea tree helps to stimulate the immune system. It gives the immune system an additional push to fight against the herpes virus, even when you don’t show immediate signs of the strain.
To administer as a massage oil, add 5 to 6 drops of tea tree in 30 ml of St. John’s wort macerated base oil. Massage onto the skin and let it absorb.
Best for: stimulating the immune system
3. Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint showed tremendous potential against HSV-1 and HSV-2 strains in a test. The minty, refreshing oil’s ability to penetrate the skin could be used as a topical agent to treat recurring cases of herpes, especially when manifested in cold sores. These are unattractive lesions that appear on the cheeks, lips, chins, and rarely on the gum.
Use peppermint to dab on cold sores when they appear. Add 2 to 3 drops to a tablespoon of argan oil. Using a cotton bud, dab on areas where cold sores appear.
Best for: cold sores
4. Lemon Essential Oil (Citrus limonum)
As a natural stimulant of the immune system, lemon produces an action that fights against viral infections. The refreshing oil also soothes and rejuvenates the skin when applied to itchy lesions and mouth ulcers. If you’re forced to scratch mouth ulcers, cold sores or lesions on the skin, they’ll be painful and sore.
Apply 3 to 6 drops of lemon to 30 ml of water and use as a mouth gargle for mouth ulcers. Be careful to not ingest. To soothe itchy, inflamed lesions and rashes on the skin, add 4 to 10 drops to a tablespoon of milk and use as a bath oil.
Best for: itchiness and mouth ulcers
5. Rose Absolute (Rosa centifolia)
Some components of rose are active against herpes, but we’re here to talk about that feeling it promotes. Once victimized by genital herpes, there’s this feeling of malaise. You feel sick, uneasy, or unwell, and aren’t able to get past that feeling. This absolute is big on promoting a sense of well-being.
If you’re looking to add a bit of strength to your down days, add 3 drops of rose to your diffuser or oil burner to perk you up. The fragrance of the oil will soothe your mind and lift your mood.
Best for: Malaise
6. Hyssop Essential Oil (Hyssopus officinalis)
Genital herpes is often spread through sexual intercourse with someone infected with the virus. Some individuals with this strain of herpes might not reveal symptoms for years. However, others might encounter blisters on the genitalia, body aches and fever, swollen lymph glands, and others. Research shows that hyssop may work against HSV-2 and provide relief against some of its symptoms.
To soothe herpes symptoms, especially on the genitals, add 6 drops of hyssop with a tablespoon of milk to a sitz bath and sit for about 10 minutes.
Best for: Genital herpes
7. Myrrh Essential Oil (Commiphora myrrha)
Sore throat is often associated with oral herpes. This can make swallowing and even breathing painful. Your voice might also go. The greater the inflammation of the throat, the greater the problem. Myrrh works to reduce the effects of inflammation and soothe a terrible case of sore throat. The oil’s touch is rejuvenating and gentle.
To reduce inflammation of the throat, add 3 drops to a tablespoon of base oil and massage the area. Another option is to use as a throat gargle. Add 3 drops to 30 ml of water, pour the solution into your mouth and gargle. Spit out after 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to swallow.
Best for: sore throat
8. Lemon Balm Essential Oil (Melissa officinalis)
As the herpes virus doesn’t go away, it could lay inactive in nerve cells for years without a reaction. Under extreme stress and tiredness, however, you may have an outbreak or recurrence of herpes. Getting a grip on long-term stress could impact the resurgence of herpes. Lemon balm has that “feel good” aroma that’s enough to leave you feeling relaxed.
Use to scent your room whenever you’re anxious and out of it. Three drops of the oil to your diffuser or vaporizer does quite the trick. It’s best to diffuse the oil when you’re ready to wind down and relax.
Best for: stress and tiredness
3 Best Essential Oils For Herpes Recipes
Soothing Eucalyptus Blend For Blisters, Lesions, and Cold Sores
Blisters, lesions, and cold sores caused by herpes are uncomfortable, unattractive, and painful. This blend primarily consists of oils that work against the herpes virus and inflammation. It’s soothing and may provide relief against painful skin ruptures.
To make this blend you’ll need:
- 2 drops of lavender
- 3 drops of eucalyptus
- 3 drops of tea tree
- 1 tablespoon of borage base oil
Combine the essential oils together and then add to the base oil.
Use a cotton swab to apply the solution directly to the affected area.
Use a band aid to cover blisters. This may prevention further infection.
Soothing Bath Wash Blend For Genital Herpes
Herpes rashes on the genitalia can be irritable and painful. A soothing bath wash should provide a measure of relief from skin inflammation in the area. For this bath wash you’ll need:
- 5 drops of hyssop
- 2 drops of peppermint
- 2 drops of tea tree
- 2 drops of chamomile
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Combine the oils together. Pour the mixture into an average-sized bath of warm water.
Get in the bath and sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will allow the oil blend to soothe the area.
Tranquilizing Diffuser Blend For Malaise and Stress Relief
Before breaking out in itchy, painful rashes, some hosts of the herpes virus may feel “unwell” without knowing why. To supplement, stress and fatigue can cause herpes to return or ‘activate’ the virus that may lie dormant for years. This tranquilizing blend is suitable for malaise and regulating stress. To make you’ll need:
- 3 drops of rose absolute
- 2 drops of lemon
- 1 drop of lemon balm
Add the oils to your diffuser.
The oils in this blend are uplifting and stimulating. Diffusing lemon and lemon balm will keep you cheerful and vibrant, and rose will ensure you’re less edgy and anxious.
To Summarize
- Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Oral and genital herpes are the most common forms of the virus. Once infected, the virus becomes a long-term situation. There is no cure for herpes, but you can treat its symptoms.
- Oral herpes usually shows symptoms on the face, while genital herpes shows on the genitals.
- The herpes virus may live inside its host for years without showing symptoms, until something tragic or stressful takes a toll on the body. The virus will then create outbreaks.
- Eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, lemon, rose, hyssop, myrrh, and lemon balm oils can be used to treat cases of herpes.
Read more:
- Therapeutic Essential Oils – The Truth You Should Know…
- Tea Tree Essential Oil Benefits & Uses (And How To Use)
