Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes virus. The most common forms of the virus that affect human-beings are Herpes Simplex, which causes oral & genital cold sores, and fever blisters, and Herpes Zoster, which causes shingles. This virus affects both men and women, and in fact, even newborn babies.
Viruses are detected by looking for specific antibodies in the blood-stream. These antibodies are created by your immune system as a defense mechanism, and generally remain in the blood for a lifetime. Some doctors look at the existence of antibodies as reason to believe that we cannot be cured from a virus. Others believe that we must not presume that the virus still exists in the body just because antibodies are present. Let us take the example of two people who have HSV antibodies. One could be highly contagious and getting monthly outbreaks, whereas the other may have not shed or broken out in years. Current detection methods have no parameters to judge the current status of the virus.
Someone who was infected with chickenpox in the past will also have chickenpox viral antibodies in his/her blood. So, in a scenario where you have not had a herpes outbreak in a long, long time or shed the virus, why should the fact that antibodies show up in the blood be at all relevant?
Ayurvedic doctors always point out that every cell in the body is regenerated over a 40-day period, and therefore, any disease-causing agent can be eliminated from the body, even while the body continues to maintain a healthy stream of antibodies as a defense mechanism.
With the right awareness, we should work toward a better understanding of the word "cure" and better parameters to judge the present status of a previously infected person. Herpes antibodies, just like chickenpox antibodies, will never leave your blood. When would you consider yourself cured of herpes? Would you consider yourself cured of herpes if you stopped having outbreaks and passing it to partners?'
Here's to a world where it is unacceptable to say “there is no cure”, just as it is presently unacceptable to say "there is a cure"!
What is Herpes?
The herpes virus has an affinity for producing recurrent infections. This is because it tends to remain dormant in the body. It may remain dormant for years and then become active under suitable conditions. It is said that there are more than 100 varieties of the herpes virus. However, only 8 of them affect human-beings. These viruses have been named as Human Herpes Virus (HHV) and they have been numbered as 1 to 8. The herpes virus 1, 2 and 3 are the most commonly occurring ones.
Detailed study of Herpes Viruses
VIRUS | OTHER NAME | INFECTION |
|---|
| Human herpes virus 1 (HHV1) | Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) | Generally causes cold sores around the mouth (oral herpes). It can also lead to infection in the genital area (genital herpes). |
| Human herpes virus 2 (HHV2) | Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2) | Generally causes genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection. However, it can also cause cold sores in the facial area (oral herpes). |
| Human herpes virus 3 (HHV3) | Varicella-zoster virus | It causes chickenpox. When the varicella zoster virus after causing chicken pox, lays dormant in the body and then gets active again later on, it causes shingles or Herpes zoster. |
| Human herpes virus 4 (HHV4) | Epstein-Barr virus | It is the major cause of infectious mononucleosis. |
| Human herpes virus 5 (HHV5) | Cytomegalovirus (CMV) | CMV is also a cause of mononucleosis. |
| Human herpes virus 6 (HHV6) | | It causes Roseola. |
| Human herpes virus 7 (HHV7) | | It is closely related to HHV6 and HHV7. it can also cause Roseola. |
| Human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) | | It was recently discovered in tumours called Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS). These tumours are found in people with AIDS, and are otherwise very rare. HHV8 may also cause other cancers, including certain lymphomas (lymph node cancers), associated with AIDS. |
Stages of the Herpes Infection
Herpes is very difficult to treat and control, because the virus can remain dormant within the nerve bodies. A person infected with the virus, will go through the following stages of infection.
• Primary Stage: This stage usually starts 2 to 8 days after the person has been infected, but it can sometimes take much longer to begin. The infection is characterized by the appearance of small painful, red, fluid-filled blisters. If the blisters break, they form open sores. The surprising thing is that many people never even notice these blisters on their body, although they are infected.
• Latent Stage: In this stage, there are no blisters, sores or other symptoms. At this time, the virus is traveling from the skin into the nerves near the spine.
• Shedding Stage: Once the virus reaches its target zone, i.e. the nerves, it starts multiplying. It starts invading into the body fluids like saliva, semen or vaginal fluids. This is called shedding. There are no symptoms during this stage, but the virus can spread during this time.
How does Herpes spread from one person to another?
Transmission of Herpes Virus
| VIRUS | TRANSMISSION |
|---|
Human herpes virus 1 (HHV1) or herpes simplex virus 1 | Infection is contagious and is usually spread from an infected person via small breaks in the skin or mucous membrane. HSV-1 can also be transmitted to the genitals through direct skin-to-skin contact, often via oral sex. It also spreads by kissing. It spreads through sharing things like crockery and cutlery, razors and towels with a person who has an active lesion. It may be transmitted by a mother to her baby, during childbirth. |
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Human herpes virus 2 (HHV2) or herpes simplex virus 2 | Infection is contagious and is spread through skin-to-skin contact. But the main route of transmission is sexual contact. It may be transmitted during childbirth, when the baby is exposed to genital blisters. |
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Human herpes virus 3 (HHV3) is also called varicella-zoster virus | This infection can spread either through droplet infection (i.e. sneezing, coughing, etc) or by personal contact. A herpes zoster patient can spread the disease by contact. This virus has the ability to cross placental barrier and affects the fetus. |
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Human herpes virus 4 (HHV4) is also known as the Epstein-Barr virus. | It is a contagious infection and is transmitted through saliva. Coughing, sneezing, or sharing crockery and cutlery with an infected person. |
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Human herpes virus 5 (HHV5) is the official name of cytomegalovirus (CMV). | It can be sexually transmitted; can cause problems in newborn babies. CMV can be transmitted through sexual contact, breast-feeding, blood transfusions and organ transplants. |
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Human herpes virus 6 (HHV6) | Transmitted through saliva, though it is not transmitted through breast-milk. |
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Human herpes virus 7 (HHV7) | Spread through saliva, and possibly, genital secretions. |
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Human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) | It is likely that it is transmitted via sexual contact. It can also spread through activities where saliva might be shared such as deep-kissing. |
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of herpes are called outbreaks. When the virus attacks the body, it slowly starts multiplying. During this time there are no symptoms. This is called the incubation period. The first outbreak or set of symptoms appears 2 weeks or more, after the virus attacks. Generally, the herpes virus causes small red bumps to appear, which later develop into small blisters. These blisters are filled with fluid and are painful. If they break, they form sores. Sometimes, there is a crack, raw area or redness, without any pain, itching or tingling.
In Oral Herpes (mostly caused by Herpes simplex virus 1), there may be fluid-filled blisters inside the mouth, on the tongue or lips. There is extreme redness of the infected area, and the patient may experience pain, burning and tingling. There may be difficulty in eating. There may also be fever.
In Genital Herpes (mostly caused by Herpes simplex virus 2), one may also notice swelling, pain or itching around the genitals, possibly followed by painful red spots that can form small blisters. These blisters may burst to form open sores or ulcers, which then crust over and heal. However, there are many people with genital herpes, who have symptoms they don't recognize. For others, the first symptoms of genital herpes may show up 2 to 21 days after coming into contact with the virus. The first episode of herpes is often the most severe. This is because the immune system has not had time to develop protective antibodies. This means the virus can multiply rapidly, causing significant symptoms. The blisters in the genital area may cause pain while urinating. If it spreads to the anal area, there may be pain while passing stools. It is also associated with fever, body-ache and headaches.
Herpes Zoster or Shingles occurs when dormant varicella-zoster virus from an initial bout of chickenpox becomes reactivated. This virus may recur along nerve fiber pathways, causing multiple sores where nerve fibers end on skin cells. Because an entire group of nerve cells is often affected, shingles is generally much more severe than a recurrence of herpes simplex. The lesions generally appear in a band-like or belt-like pattern occurring on one side of the body and are often accompanied by itching, tingling, or even severe pain. Even after the eruptions have healed, the patient may complain of neuralgic pain.
Cytomegalovirus infection is one of the most difficult complications of AIDS. For a virus that barely causes a problem in most people with healthy immune systems, it can be amazingly nasty in people with damaged immune systems, as in people with AIDS. It may lead to diarrhea, severe vision problems including blindness, infections of the stomach and intestines, and even death.
Roseola (caused by Human herpes virus 6 and Human herpes virus 7) is characterized by high fever and a skin rash in small children. This infection accounts for many cases of convulsions associated with fever in infancy (febrile seizures).
Infectious Mononucleosis (caused by Epstein-Barr virus) is characterized by fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, body-ache, headache and swollen tonsils. Not everyone infected with the virus has symptoms.
How is Herpes diagnosed?
You should immediately contact your healthcare provider if you see any blisters, rash or cracks. You may be asked to undergo a routine blood-test and blood culture. Newer blood-tests, called type-specific tests, can tell whether you are infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2, although blood-tests cannot tell the difference between genital and other herpes infections. Your physician will be able to diagnose typical genital herpes, oral herpes or chickenpox by looking at the sores. Another laboratory test called 'culture' may be performed, in which the fluid of the eruption is studied to identify if it is HSV-1, HSV-2 or Varicella Zoster, or any other. However, one may still have genital herpes, even if the culture is negative.
What are the treatment options?
- Conventional System
- Complimentary Therapies like Homeopathy & Ayurveda (Natural Herpes Treatment)
For best results as far as duration and healing are concerned, treatment should begin at the first sign of an outbreak. It is possible to revert the outbreak, if treatment is started before the lesions appear.
There is no allopathic drug that can cure the herpes virus. The infection often recurs after treatment is stopped. Drugs can, however, reduce symptoms and quicken the process of healing.
There are mainly 3 antiviral drugs used to treat herpes. They are:
Acyclovir (Zovirax or generic)
Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
Famiciclovir (Famvir)
There is some evidence to suggest that these drugs may reduce viral shedding. They, however, definitely do not prevent it entirely. Taking adequate precautions like using condoms, and avoiding sharing of razors, etc, is therefore very important to prevent spreading of the infection, even when the patient is on these medications and there may be no active outbreaks.
Modern herpes treatment centers around the above antivirals, with very moderate success. Over a period of time, viruses like herpes develop new strains that render them immune to these allopathic drugs. Very often patients report no improvement with drugs like acyclovir.
Moreover, every time that a relapse of herpes occurs, allopathy offers the same medicines. These are strong drugs, and tend to weaken the immune system. Unfortunately, allopathic medicine does not offer any treatment that can fight the herpes virus when it is in its dormant stage.
There are also some side-effects associated with these drugs. like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache. There are also some very harmful effects associated with over-dosage, like hallucinations, seizures, and kidney damage in extreme cases (because of decreased urine production).
People have been becoming increasingly aware of the harmful effects these drugs have on their health in the long-term. Many are now realizing that they have other options, and are looking towards natural therapies to do away with the herpes menace.
Natural remedies have been used to successfully treat diseases like herpes for centuries, literally. For e.g. the licorice root has antiviral properties that have proven to be extremely beneficial in treating herpes infections, down the ages. Homeopathy has been achieving phenomenal results in treating herpetic infections, over the years. Ayurveda (the oldest medical discipline known to man) also effectively employs roots and herbs to thwart the reappearance of herpes.
Stress is an important factor in the recurrence of genital-herpes. Stress-reduction techniques like Deep-Breathing Exercises and Guided Imagery, reduces the recurrence of genital herpes outbreaks.
Ayurvedic Approach to Herpes
Ayurveda aims at balancing doshas, to treat herpes. Although herpes is 'tridoshaja', the predominant dosha involved are 'vata' and 'pitta'. Hence, classical Ayurvedic treatment revolves around pacifying these doshas.
The skin, blood and lymph are purified. Toxins are expelled from the body. This rejuvenates the skin’s underlying tissue and reduces the inflammation, tingling and burning.
Ayurvedic treatment of herpes also involves boosting the immunity. Herpes strikes again when the immunity is low, so Ayurveda works towards strengthening the immunity, naturally. This significantly reduces the risk of recurrent attacks.
Along with balancing the doshas and purifying and strengthening the body, Ayurveda also offers natural topical treatments, which can be applied locally, with tremendous success.
Monolaurin is a nontoxic nutritional lipid. It may, however, increase the die off of microorganisms and result in a 'Herxheimer Reaction,' a kind of flu, acne, allergic symptom, etc. You need to cut back on the level or even stop for a few days before taking lower levels and then going higher.
Treatment of Ocular Herpes
When the eyes are involved, the above systemic treatment is given along with eye-drops. In mild cases (without the involvement of cornea) Ayurvedic eye-drops like opthacare (Himalaya) are found to be useful. However, in severe cases or those that involve the cornea, antiviral drops like Idoxuridine may have to be used. External eye dressing and dust should be avoided in all cases. The patient may be advised to use dark-glasses. It is definitely advisable to also consult an eye doctor.
Biogetica Approach
Herpes is very difficult to treat and control, because the virus has the ability to remain dormant in the nerve bodies and attack when immunity is low. Furthermore, viruses are known to be excellent genetic engineers and any allopathic attempts to kill them directly result in them mutating and reappearing. Biogetica has a revolutionary approach for treating the variants of the Herpes Virus and the symptoms associated with it, like Cold Sores, Shingles and Blisters.* The Herpes Nosodes- weakened energetic imprints of the virus, used in our product kits work on the vaccine principle and constantly remind the immune system to fight the dormant virus and eliminate it.* Biogetica therapies are the evolutionary result of years of Homeopathic, Chinese, Ayurvedic, Synergetic and Biotech research, coupled with advanced German nosode therapy.* Each kit is designed to work simultaneously on cellular, physiological, mental, emotional and energetic levels, and bring about the changes necessary for you to live outbreak-free.*
A 3-month course of the kit usually results in the person never having another outbreak of cold sores or shingles for the rest of his/her life.*
The following plan outlines an integrated cellular, mental and energetic strategy to never having an outbreak again.
Therapies: Most products necessary are available in: The World is my Oyster Optimal-Kit, The PHP Essentials-Kit, The PHP Optimal-Kit, The Reckeweg Essentials-Kit or The Reckeweg Optimal-Kits. The Essentials-kits contain the therapies, and the Optimal-kits contain nutritional support items as well. It is best to order the Optimal-kit.
BIO 88: Once a day, for 3 months. Once every alternate day for the 4th month. Twice a week for the 5th month. Once a week for the 6th month. Highly chronic and long-standing cases can continue Bio 88 beyond 6 months, for a couple of times weekly, as needed.
HRPZ Formula III: can be used in place of Bio 88 and Herpezostin. Bio 88 will remind the immune system to keep the fight up, even if the virus is dormant. To be sprayed(one spray) under the tongue, twice a day, for the first 3 months. Then once a day for months 4, 5 & 6.
Herpezostin: 3 times a day, for 1 month. Continue in the 2nd month, only in the highly unlikely event of any symptom persisting.
Tibetan herbs: 3 times daily, as per marking on bottle, for the first 3 months; twice a day for the 4th and 5th months; once a day for the 6th month.
DMSO & Excelsa: DMSO application on the spine 3 times daily in month 1. Then 2 times daily in month 2. Then once daily in month 3. Then once a day on alternate days in the 4th month. Then twice a week in the 5th month. Then once a week in the 6th month.
Cellular Oxegenator: This is preferred over DMSO by some customers, and it is a safe and effective way of oxygenating cells. To be sprayed under the tongue thrice a day for the first 3 months; twice a day for the 4th and 5th months; once a day for the 6th month.
Virotox: 3 times a day starting month '2'. Continue through month '3'. Twice a day for the 4th and 5th month. Once a day for the 6th month. This new product is made by DNA labs and is currently only part of the Reckeweg Optimal-Kit. Users are welcome to order it separately.
Diet: Making your body an uninviting place for the virus. For 6 months, avoid caffeine, coffee, black tea, alcohol, peanuts, chocolate, processed sugars and white flour. Quit smoking today. Alkalize daily by drinking vegetable juice and taking Nature's defense or Vegeazy. Drink lemon balm tea available at any health-food store.
Mental Attitude: Try to stay happy and content. Choose your thoughts carefully. Feel good. Love yourself and the virus. The virus is your guide and teacher. Remember that you, the virus, and the entire universe are 100% energy and are constantly changing. The physical manifestation of the virus can be energetically changed.
Meditations: Do the meditations on the site everyday.
Blessings. We believe you will feel great.
Please note that each person reacts differently to the virus, and the time taken for the therapies to produce results may vary. We recommended taking the products for as many months as the years you've had the problem. Some customers prefer to take one dose of nosodes (hrpz 3 or Bio 88) once a fortnight, for years.
Natural remedies have been used to successfully treat diseases like herpes for centuries, literally. For e.g. the licorice root has antiviral properties that have proven to be extremely beneficial in treating herpes infections, down the ages. Homeopathy has been achieving phenomenal results in treating herpetic infections, over the years. Ayurveda (the oldest medical discipline known to man) also effectively employs roots and herbs to thwart the reappearance of herpes.
Stress is an important factor in the recurrence of genital-herpes. Stress-reduction techniques like Deep-Breathing Exercises and Guided Imagery, reduces the recurrence of genital herpes outbreaks.
Ayurveda aims at balancing doshas, to treat herpes. Although herpes is 'tridoshaja', the predominant dosha involved are 'vata' and 'pitta'. Hence, classical Ayurvedic treatment revolves around pacifying these doshas
The skin, blood and lymph are purified. Toxins are expelled from the body. This rejuvenates the skin’s underlying tissue and reduces the inflammation, tingling and burning.
Ayurvedic treatment of herpes also involves boosting the immunity. Herpes strikes again when the immunity is low, so Ayurveda works towards strengthening the immunity, naturally. This significantly reduces the risk of recurrent attacks.
Along with balancing the doshas and purifying and strengthening the body, Ayurveda also offers natural topical treatments, which can be applied locally, with tremendous success.
When the eyes are involved, the above systemic treatment is given along with eye-drops. In mild cases (without the involvement of cornea) Ayurvedic eye-drops like opthacare (Himalaya) are found to be useful. However, in severe cases or those that involve the cornea, antiviral drops like Idoxuridine may have to be used. External eye dressing and dust should be avoided in all cases. The patient may be advised to use dark-glasses. It is definitely advisable to also consult an eye doctor.
• Get more information about herpes. The better informed you are, the easier it will be for you to manage.
• Get in touch with your doctor. Advice from a professional will put you at ease.
• Practice stress management.
• Take care of the affected area of skin. Keep it clean and dry during outbreaks to help healing. Try to avoid touching herpes sores and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact.
• Avoid sexual contact from the time you first experience any symptoms until the sore has completely healed.
• Do not have oral genital contact in the presence of any symptoms or findings of oral herpes.
• In case of genital herpes, wear cotton underwear and avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing.
• A woman with herpes who is pregnant can pass the infection to her baby. A pregnant woman who has herpes should immediately contact her healthcare provider.
We understand that herpes brings with it a lot of fear and anxiety, So, we invite you to our Online Consultancy Program where you can interact with our physicians and get valuable tips to further assist your recovery. Depending on your individual case, our physician may guide you to follow deep-breathing techniques, relaxation therapies, meditation, pranayam or other therapies.