Can love hurt? Yes, it can if you have genital herpes. About 500,000 people suffer from genital herpes and half of this crowd do not know they have the disease. Herpes is a painful viral infection which appears mostly on the genitals and near the mouth in the form of blisters, lesions and shingles. Caused by the herpes simplex type 2 virus, genital herpes can make life hell for the person who has it. He or she cannot have sex with a partner nor can find an easy cure to the condition. The ordinary herpes that occurs in parts other than the genital area is also painful. It can be a source of huge social embarrassment for patients, making them look ugly and awkward in public eyes.

Herpes cure: Once you get the herpes virus, there is no way to eliminate it from your body. You can only control the lesions and shingles it causes, or boost up your immunity levels to prevent an outbreak. Since the herpes virus is highly contagious, having sex with a herpes patient (during an outbreak) can mean a definite attack of the virus to the other partner. It also makes the intercourse painful and difficult for both the partners. Herpes blisters in the mouth area are no less severe. They cause a burning sensation, making it difficult to converse or eat.

Though drugs like acyclovir help, there is no complete cure to the herpes virus. Immediate relief is also a distant possibility as the virus attacks only in times of a weakened immune system. However, research has revealed that aromatherapy can offer instant cure from herpes attacks. Essential oils do not just fight the herpes simplex virus, but also boost up your immune system and lets you relax and ward off physical and emotional stress.

Aromatherapy for Herpes treatment: There are several essential oils with relaxing properties. But only a few help treat the actual herpes symptoms like lesions, blisters and shingles. Some of them are mentioned below:

1. Cayenne oil: Topical creams made from capsaicin, a compound found in Cayenne oil deadens the pain of herpes and shingles. Cayenne oil, when added with a cream base, can work well and provide immediate relief. But it can also burn the skin too much if used excessively. So, be careful in usage of the oil.

2. Tea Tree oil: Also known as niaouli, Tea Tree oil offers one of the best remedies for herpes. Recipes made using Niaouli cures instantly, alleviating the pain and embarrassment associated with herpes. Applying a single drop of Tea Tree oil directly on to the genital herpes lesions once a day can make the blisters vanish quickly. The oil’s healing properties help heal any external sore faster and herpes is no exception.

3. Myrrh and other oils: Though a bit expensive, Myrrh oil is also an effective cure. Other oils like Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Peppermint etc too help in treating herpes. To prepare a good remedy, dilute the essential oil of your choice in an equal amount of vegetable oil and apply directly on to the lesions. If applied immediately after an outbreak, you may prevent further outbreaks.