Skin is the largest organ in our body. Protecting everything else on the inside, it is completely exposed to all foreign microbes in the environment, the human skin faces a high risk of being infected by numerous factors. Herpes is a skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and affects various parts of the body.
When the infecting virus strain is HSV – 1, the disease affects the area near and around the mouth and is called Cold Sore or Oral Herpes. The HSV – 2 strain affects the genitalia and is considered a Sexually Transmitted Infection/ Disease (STI or STD) and is known as Genital Herpes.
Using Oregano Oil for treating Herpes has been found to be useful as the carvacrol present in the oil affects the virus cells and makes their membrane permeable and slowly destroys it.
Causes of Herpes
Here are some common causes of herpes:
- Fluid oozing from the sores.
- Touch, kisses or sexual interaction may spread the disease.
- People can re-infect themselves by touching an affected area.
- Physical or mental stress can bring back herpes.
- Hormonal changes can bring back herpes too.
- Exposures to UV light, exposure to excessive heat or cold.
Why use Oregano Oil for Herpes
Herpes is an extremely contagious viral infection that tends to spread through direct or indirect contact with an infected person or sharing their belongings. The HSV – 1 strain of this virus is a more common cause of infection than the HSV – 2 strain.
Declining or unfavorable physical and mental health or other illnesses can cause the HSV – 1 or 2 strain that had affected the person to reactivate and begin to spread. An impaired or deteriorating immune system caused due to other medical conditions increases a person’s susceptibility to the re-emergence of herpes.
Oregano Oil, scientifically referred to as Origanum vulgare(1) is a transparent and viscous fluid that comes from the leaves, flowers and buds of the herb called oregano. This plant widely grows in the Mediterranean countries. It is one of the essential oils that is utilised in both medicine and cooking. In the cooking sector, oregano has usage as an ingredient as well as a sprinkled herb. In medicine, the applications of this oil are widespread and mainly relate to skin care.
Can Oregano Oil Cure Herpes?
This oil comprises of certain natural compounds that can fight and exterminate harmful microbes from the body. The high concentration of phenol – a natural phytochemical present in it, this oil has strong and effective antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Other active compounds like linalool, thymol, carvacrol, naringin and terpene allow the oil to boost the immune system as well.
The antiviral agent carvacrol attacks the cells of the HSV and causes their membrane to turn permeable an eventually disintegrate slowly. This membrane is the main reason the body’s immune system becomes ineffective against the infection. As the antiviral does its job, thymol, a compound possessing antiseptic properties boosts the immune system. As the immune system becomes stronger and the protective membrane of the cells gets destroyed, the infection begins to fade away.
[Read: 7 Incredible ways of using Tea Tree Oil for Cold Sores]
How to use Oregano Oil for Herpes?
Herpes is essentially a skin infection that manifests itself in the form of sores which are very painful. There is no proper treatment of herpes in medical science but with the help of oregano oil, you can get rid of herpes in an effective manner.
[ Read: How to treat herpes with the Help of Natural Remedies? ]
There are a few ways to utilize Oregano Oil in the treatment of herpes. The different methods are:
1. Topical Application
Topical application means applying the oil directly to the lesions or sores on the affected area. Diluting the oil is mandatory; mixing 2 to 3 drops of Oregano Oil in 2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil will give the optimal mixture. Apply this mixture to the affected area twice or thrice a day. In the case of genital herpes, the area where the spine ends – the coccyges are the residence of the virus. Applying the diluted mixture to this region can be helpful.
2. Ingestion
Even though it is not a conventional method, ingesting Oregano Oil can aid in the treatment of herpes. Taking concentrated Oregano Oil is not advised as it can cause adverse effects to one’s health; instead of drinking water or juice with 2-3 drops of the oil in it is the correct way. Ingesting this oil on an empty stomach can be dangerous, so always consume it after a meal.
Oregano oil is an extremely potent oil and offers significant relief from the pain and discomfort caused by Herpes. In order to ensure that you can avail the complete benefits of Oregano oil to get rid of Herpes infection, you need to determine the exact quantity that you can use. In such a situation consulting an expert is the ideal option for you. An expert can suggest the exact quantity and methodology that you should follow to enhance the effects of the oil.
Necessary precautions to be taken
Certain precautions must be taken when it comes to using Oregano Oil for treating Herpes. The precautions are:
- Refrain from using this oil to treat children or pregnant women as it isn’t suitable for their health.
- Oregano is one of the herbs that belong to the same category as that of sage, basil, mint and lavender. Allergy to any one of these means that the person is allergic to oregano. Confirm this before applying.
- Patients diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus(2) must not use Oregano Oil to treat herpes.
- As it hails from the family of hot oils, this oil must never be used in full concentration. Always dilute it with olive, jojoba or coconut oil as it can burn and cause severe irritation.
- If the oil seems ineffective after being applied regularly for a couple of weeks, the patient should discontinue the use and approach a dermatologist for further evaluation.
- One must purchase high – quality organic Oregano Oil from a registered and dependable seller and look for signs of illegitimacy before paying for it.
- Lesions or blisters that cause extreme pain and ooze blood or other fluid must be reported to the doctor, and Oregano Oil must not be applied to them.
Other Home Remedies for Herpes
Using Oregano oil is an excellent remedy to help you get rid of this painful condition of herpes. You can also use some other natural home remedies to manage this condition effectively. All these home treatments are entirely organic and show useful results.
1. Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda has shown significant results in offering relief from itching and also helping out in the drying of lesions. The most useful application method is to take a wet cotton ball and dab it into baking soda. Then apply it over the affected area and let it stay for an hour. Then wash it off with warm water. Repeat this twice daily for useful results.
2. Garlic Paste
Garlic has exhibited excellent anti-viral properties and offers significant relief from herpes. Take a few cloves of garlic and crush them well. Now mix with two tablespoons of virgin olive oil. Now, take a cotton ball and dip it in the mixture and then apply over the affected area. Let it stay for an hour and later wash it off with warm water. Repeat this thrice every day for visible results.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is known for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix one tbsp of apple cider vinegar with three tbsp warm water and mix well. Now, dab a cotton ball in this mix and apply over the affected area and leave for two hours. Later on, wash it off with lukewarm water. Repeat twice daily for visible improvement.
[Read: Top 4 Methods of Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Allergies ]
4. Epsom Salt Bath
Add a tsp of Epsom salt to a bucket of lukewarm water. Now, wash the affected area with this water. Pat dry. Repeat this process once every day and you shall be able to get rid of the symptoms of the infection very quickly.
Here is everything that you need to understand while using Oregano Oil for treating Herpes. Apart from this, the contraction, as well as transmission of herpes, can be prevented by practicing safe and protected sexual intercourse, including oral sex.
Avoiding kissing, sharing items or having sex with a person showing the symptoms of Cold Sores or Genital herpes is a crucial preventive measure. You must incorporate antioxidant-rich vegetables along with Omega-3 rich foods to your regular diet so as to strengthen your immune system against herpes and other viral infections.
