Can Ayurveda Cure Oral Herpes?
Introduction
It is a viral infection, mainly of the mouth area and lips. Oral herpes is caused by a specific type of the virus – Herpes simplex virus. Oral herpes is also known as HSV-1, type 1 herpes simplex virus or herpes labialis. This virus causes sores on the upper and lower lips, tongue, gums, mouth, cheek or nose and sometimes on the face, chin and neck which are very painful.
About 90% of the people all over the world (even those who have never had symptoms of an infection) test positive for the virus that causes oral herpes.
People who have weakened immune system are at higher risk of infection and complications from the virus.
What is Ayurvedic Approach?
According to Ayurveda, oral herpes is caused due to the vitiation of all the three doshas in the body. There are various factors which are responsible for this condition like poor lifestyle and improper eating habits. Consumption of diet – ushna teekshna aahara (hot, spicy and penetrative foods) Guru abhishyandi aahar (heavy and channels blocking food items) leads to vitiation of Pitta and Kapha dosha mainly that lead to local channels blockage and produce typical symptoms, mentioned below.
As Mentioned in Ayurvedic Classic Book, Charak Rasa Vimana Too
दोषाः पुनस्त्रयो वात पित्त श्लेष्माणः|
ते प्रकृतिभूताः शरीरोपकारका भवन्ति, विकृतिमापन्नास्तु खलु नानाविधैर्विकारैःशरीरमुपतापयन्ति||५||
Tridosha or physical energies – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, during their normal state, they withstand the body and promote good health. When vitiated, they afflict the body with the various types of health ailments.
What are the Causes?
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a DNA virus that causes sores in and around the mouth. There are 2 subtypes of herpes that may cause these sores. These are
- Herpes Simplex Virus (Type 1): 80% of cases of oral herpes infections are caused by this virus.
- Another herpes simplex virus (Type 2): It causes 20% of the infections.This virus enters the body through small cuts, abrasions or breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. Its incubation period is about 3-6 days. Transmission of the virus is from person to person and more likely to occur if blisters or lesions are present. Children get exposed to the virus by touching an infected person. Adolescents and adults frequently get exposed to the infection by kissing an infected person or by sexual contact.
What are the Signs and Symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of oral herpes last for 2-3 weeks.
- Pain, burning sensation, sore lips or itching may occur at the infection site before the appearance of sores. These are considered as the early signs and symptoms of the development of oral herpes.
- Thereafter, clusters of painful blisters erupt and ooze out with a clear or yellowish fluid that may develop into a crust yellow in color.
- After a few days, they become crusted or scabbed and appear drier and yellow.
- In children, these lesions are commonly mistaken as canker sores but these are not canker sores as canker sores involve only the mucous membrane.
During First-Time Outbreaks, Some People Also Experience
- Fever
- Painful eroded gums
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
Ayurvedic Treatment of Oral Herpes
Planet Ayurveda offers various herbal remedies which are useful in treating oral herpes naturally.
1. Gandhak Rasayan
A natural formula that rejuvenates skin cells. It is an effective blood purifier that eliminates harmful toxins from the body. An excellent natural remedy for oral herpes, boils, and all skin diseases. It contains pure Sulphur.
Dosage – 2 tablets, twice or thrice daily, after meals with water.
2. Navkarshik Churna
A wonderful formula that helps in cleansing the blood and eliminate toxins from the body quickly. It contains herbs such as Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), babhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), neem (Azadiracta indica), Vacha (Acorus calamus) etc. The entire combination helps to balance Pitta and other doshas which are the root cause for oral herpes. Anti-inflammatory and blood purifying properties of herbs make skin clear and healthy.
Dosage – 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, twice daily after meals with water.
3. Pitta Balance
According to Ayurveda, Pitta dosha is responsible for various infections and allergies. So, the balance of Pitta dosha plays a vital role. Pitta balance is a wonderful combination which comprises of cooling compounds, natural calcium compounds to restore the Pitta balance quickly. Ingredients of Pitta Balance Capsules are Praval Pishti, Akik Pishti, Jahar Mohra Pishti, Kamdudha ras, Mukta Pishti, and Giloy Satva.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules, twice daily after meals with water.
4. Manjishtha
Manjishtha capsules of Planet Ayurveda are prepared from the standardized extract of Rubia cordifolia herb. This herb is an excellent blood purifier. It contains natural substances such as tannins and Sulphur, natural active ingredients that give the ability to eliminate bacterial or viral infections. This herb is also regarded as an anti-inflammatory as it contains salicylates and triterpenoids substances that alleviate swelling or inflammation. It is quite useful in skin disorders and heals the wound. So, Manjishtha capsules are highly effective in the treatment of oral herpes.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules, twice daily after meals with water.
5. Septrin
A highly effective herbal formula which is indicated in various disease conditions such as infections, allergies, cold sores etc. These tablets balance all the three doshas in the body and fight infection of every kind effectively. Ingredients of Septrin Tablets are Guggul (Commiphora Mukul), Haldi (Curcuma longa), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Marich (Piper nigrum), and Pippali (Piper longum).
Dosage – 2 tablets twice or thrice daily, after meals with water.
6. Nirgundi Oil
Vitex negundo is an aromatic shrub which is bitter and astringent in nature. Planet Ayurveda’s Nirgundi oil has wound healing properties and is the richest source of Vitamin C which makes it one of the best anti-inflammatory and antibiotic herbs. It also helps in reducing pain associated with oral herpes.
How to use – Rinse mouth with few drops of nirgundi oil by mixing it with few drops of water, once or twice a day.
7. Recumin Gel
A cosmetic product, enriched with amazing herbs like neem (Azadiracta indica) – leaves, bark and fruit extracts, Curcumin, Jasminum officinale, Cocos nucifera etc. It has got healing properties. How to use – It can be applied locally over the lesion – 2-3 times daily.
It is highly recommended to consult your Ayurveda expert for proper guidance. One’s prescription may vary as per the condition and severity of the disease!
All the products of Planet Ayurveda are free from chemicals and preservatives. These products are 100% vegetarian, pure and natural. They do not cause any side effects.
