Everyone is at risk for oral herpes from HSV-1. In fact, studies suggest that by adolescence, 62% of Americans are infected with HSV-1. By the time people are in their 60's, up to 85% have been infected. Now, let's have that conversation about how a naturally potent antiviral blend can help and, what that application would be. I get lots of private messages and emails about this issue, no one likes to talk about it publicly on social media and understandably so, therefore I'm adding my two cents in this blog post that can be easily referenced when needed, so let's get started. From cold sores to genital sores, Herpes Simplex (HSV-1 & HSV-2) are both a common and contagious virus. Once it's in your system it can lie dormant for long stretches and be triggered on occasion by physical or emotional stress, overexposure to sunlight, a fever, even certain drugs and foods can light up the virus.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are very common worldwide. HSV-1 is the main cause of herpes infections on the mouth and lips, including cold sores and fever blisters. It is transmitted through kissing or sharing drinking utensils. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, although HSV-2 is the main cause of genital herpes. HSV-2 is spread through sexual contact. You may be infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 but not show any symptoms. Often symptoms are triggered by exposure to the sun, fever, menstruation, emotional stress, a weakened immune system, or an illness. There is no cure for herpes, and once you have it, it is likely to come back. However, some people may have one outbreak and then never have another one. In between herpes outbreaks, the virus lies dormant (as if it is hibernating or sleeping) in nerve cells. While exposure to HSV-1 is extremely common -- as many as 90% of American adults have been exposed to the virus -- and there is no stigma to having a cold sore, HSV-2 or genital herpes can cause embarrassment. Although there is no cure for genital herpes, an infected person can take steps to preventing spreading the disease and can continue to have a normal sex life. Source: http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/herpes-simplex-virus Read more about prevention here!
During times of breakout, fluid filled blisters erupt and do so usually in the same location if you're experiencing recurring breakouts. The blisters are painful to touch but it's important to keep the blisters clean and dry. This is a perfect scenario for Sexy Wellness Fresh Cleanse with soothing Rose Water, Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel, a tiny bit of almond oil, castile soap and Lavender essential oil. With very little soap, there's no need to rinse, just pat dry. Keep the area dry to allow the blisters to dry out and heal up faster (on all areas concerned, genitals included). BONUS: Not only will the antiviral properties of this cleanser benefit breakouts, it can also prevent spread of HSV 1 or 2 by sanitizing your hands after application. Give your hands a little extra Fresh Cleanse after cleansing breakouts and avoid touching any part of your face until your hands are clean!
I know that many of you will experience sticker shock when you click on the above link to Melissa (Lemon Balm) but let me help you breathe again... Robert Tisserand, an early writer on aromatherapy in our era reflects many of these same attributes, “The action of this oil is tonic (this means soothing to these early writers), rather than stimulant, it is a tonic to the heart, nervous and digestive systems, and the uterus. It is sedative, calming, antidepressant. It slows the respiration and pulse, lowers the blood pressure, and has an antispasmodic effect on smooth muscle.”
Dr. David Hill states that Melissa is a very powerful antiviral essential oil. Because it has now been confirmed that essential oils do penetrate the cells in our body and Melissa is 60% a phenylpropanoid (an organic compound associated with the structural components of the body’s cellular walls). Therefore, Melissa, with its antiviral property can inactivate a virus before it enters a cell. This is important since a virus needs a host cell before it can multiply and do its damage in the body. This makes Melissa very very effective against the herpes virus that 98% of us have.
He also notes the usefulness of Melissa as an antidepressant, especially in this day when big pharma is pushing so many dangerous antidepressant drugs. Even more alarming, where the fastest growing market of these drugs are children of preschool age.
Dr. Hill notes five health concerns that benefit from the calming properties of Melissa. These are depression, anger, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and cognitive impairments. He suggests diffusing Melissa essential oil at night. Also applying topically with Melissa and Frankincense for depression and Melissa with Patchouli for cognitive disorders.
Because of the expense of Melissa many writers note that it can often be used diluted and remain very effective. For example with cold sores (oral herpes) just a single drop of a 10:1 dilution may be sufficient for topical application 2 to 3 times a day. When you consider the expense of a doctor visit, time off work to make that appointment and, a prescription suddenly a bottle with 90 drops for repeated use that includes a myriad of important uses seems like a bargain in my mind at least! After all this talk about Melissa, why Myrrh too? I like this resinous EO a lot! Myrrh is very special as it can stimulate the immune system and blood circulation therefore relieve pain, calm swelling and promote tissue regeneration. Myrrh’s astringent and analgesic properties aid with hemorrhoids even leprosy and syphilis. TIP: For everyday skin issues, I combine Myrrh with Frankincense (equal parts) and keep it with me everywhere I wander, it's umbrella of uses is immense and, the combination is a beauty treatment for your skin in disguise! Back to Herpes Simplex - as soon as you feel the familiar tingling and slightly burning sensation signaling a breakout (argh!) start applying this remedy ASAP and be consistent! Of course, keep the area clean and dry and stay hydrated. Dehydration can trigger cold sores faster than you can imagine! Stay well my friends!
Recipe By: CampWander
