After a herpes diagnosis, many people understandably seek ways to manage symptoms and potentially speed healing. However, navigating the landscape of home remedies can be challenging. While prescription medications remain the cornerstone of herpes treatment, some complementary approaches may offer additional relief. It’s important to remember that herpes infections are lifelong, with the virus remaining dormant in the body and occasionally reactivating, causing recurrent outbreaks.
There are two primary types of herpes simplex virus: herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1), typically associated with oral herpes and causing cold sores around the mouth, and herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2), most commonly causing genital herpes. Both types are transmitted through direct contact, such as kissing or sexual contact, or from a mother to her child during childbirth. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 have HSV-1, and approximately 400 million people have HSV-2.
Prescription antiviral medications, including oral acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, are effective in minimizing outbreaks and shortening their duration. These medications can be used for initial treatment, recurrent episodes, and as a daily suppressive therapy to prevent outbreaks. However, home remedies may be used as a supplement to prescribed treatment, particularly for less severe outbreaks.
Lysine: Limited Evidence
L-lysine, an essential amino acid, has been investigated for its potential role in controlling herpes viruses. The theory is that it may compete with arginine, an amino acid HSV requires for replication, and increase arginase, an enzyme that breaks down arginine. However, experts caution that more research is needed. One physician specializing in infectious diseases notes that there are no head-to-head comparisons between L-lysine and standard antivirals in the medical literature and does not recommend its use based on current evidence.
Honey and Propolis: Promising, But More Research Needed
Topical honey and propolis, a substance made by honeybees, have shown some promise in studies. One Brazilian meta-analysis found that both propolis and honey helped herpes wounds heal faster than acyclovir, and honey provided similar pain reduction. Propolis and honey are thought to inhibit the virus by blocking early stages of infection and promoting wound healing and immune responses. However, propolis may be unsafe for individuals with allergies, bleeding disorders, or those who are pregnant or taking certain medications, and should only be used under a doctor’s guidance.
Lemon Balm: Potential for Pain Relief
Lemon balm, a topical herbal remedy, may offer pain relief for herpes outbreaks. A review of seven randomized controlled trials found that lemon balm preparations consistently lowered pain and swelling associated with cold sores, and some studies showed a reduction in lesion size compared to a placebo or acyclovir. One laboratory study suggested that lemon balm has direct antiviral effects. However, research is still emerging, studies are small, and the evidence isn’t as strong as that for standard antivirals.
Olive Leaf Extract: Showing Some Benefit
Olive leaf extract has also been studied, with one review suggesting it could reduce bleeding, itching, and pain, and decrease healing time compared to acyclovir. A small study comparing olive leaf extract to acyclovir cream found that scabs fell off sooner in the olive leaf extract group. While olive leaf preparations show antiviral actions against HSV, the evidence remains limited.
Other Approaches and Considerations
Research into cannabis compounds for herpes treatment is preliminary, with most evidence coming from lab studies rather than human trials. Current evidence does not support its use, and some data suggest it may worsen outcomes. Petroleum jelly may help keep sores moist and reduce pain during urination for genital herpes, and may reduce dryness and peeling for cold sores, but recent clinical research doesn’t indicate it hastens healing.
Topical or oral vitamins, such as zinc and vitamin E, have limited supporting evidence, and vitamin D supplementation has not been shown to provide symptom relief or prevent recurrence. Docosanol (Abreva), an over-the-counter cream, may reduce healing time for cold sores by nearly 18 hours if applied within 12 hours of symptom onset, but has not been directly compared to oral antivirals in clinical trials.
Simple self-care measures, such as over-the-counter pain relievers (aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen) and warm water soaks, can also help manage discomfort. Keeping the affected area dry and wearing cotton underwear are also recommended.
It’s crucial to emphasize that home remedies should never replace conventional prescription treatments. While some approaches may offer symptom relief, the evidence is often limited and inconclusive. Always consult with a healthcare professional about herpes treatment options and only use home remedies under their supervision. As of today, February 5, 2026, the medical consensus remains that prescription antivirals are the most effective way to manage herpes infections.
