Home Remedies for Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and Virus 2

These tried-and-true home remedies may help ease outbreak-related swelling, itching, and stinging. You probably already have what you need for these remedies in your kitchen cabinet or medicine chest

1. Topical garlic

Garlic may have antiviral properties against both strains of herpes. Crush up a fresh clove of garlic and mix it with olive oil to dilute. You can apply this mixture to a sore up to three times per day.

2. Cornstarch paste

Corn starch paste may also dry out lesions and relieve itching. Dip a wet cotton ball or Q-tip into a small amount of cornstarch and apply it to the affected area.

3. Baking soda paste

Applying a baking soda paste may help dry out lesions and relieve itching. To do this, dip a wet cotton ball or Q-tip into a small amount of pure baking soda and dab it on the sore.

4. Cool compress

You can also use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Apply an ice pack or a clean, soft washcloth filled with ice to the affected area. Repeat as needed every 4 hours. Be sure to never place ice directly on the skin.

5. Warm compress

suggests that it may be helpful to apply heat as soon as you feel a sore forming. If a sore has already formed, heat may help minimize pain and swelling.