Ayurvedic Treatment for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Introduction

Are you suffering from painful blisters, burning sensations, or itching around the mouth or genital area? Do you experience recurrent outbreaks triggered by fatigue, low immunity, or stress? If yes, it’s time to explore a long-lasting solution to your problem.

A contagious viral infection remains dormant in the body and reactivates when immunity weakens due to stress, poor diet, or lifestyle imbalances is known as Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1, HSV-2). It is a highly contagious viral infection that leads to oral and genital herpes, causing pain, discomfort, and emotional distress.

In Ayurveda, it is correlated with spreading skin disorder (Visarpa), chronic skin diseases (Pitta-Kapha dominant Kushta), externally acquired infection (Aagantuj Vyadhi), arising due to Pitta and Rakta imbalance, weak immunity (Oja Kshaya) and Kapha accumulation.

To break the cycle of recurrence of HSV, Ayurveda focuses on detoxification (Shodhana), immune strengthening, and dosha balancing through detoxification therapies like purgative therapy (Virechana- Sadya Mridu Virechana) and bloodletting therapy (Rakta Mokshana), and use of various herbs like Neem, Haridra, Guduchi, and Manjistha, etc. as well as dietary modifications, stress management, Rejuvenation therapy (Rasayana Karma), Yoga therapy, etc.

If you are suffering from HSV, don’t worry, IAFA and its expert team, led by Dr. Sahil Gupta, have an effective and safe Ayurvedic solution to manage HSV and restore your health. Book your consultation today and take control of your HSV.

What is the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)?

The common viral infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus which primarily affects the mucous membranes and skin. It is a highly contagious disease that occurs through direct contact with the skin, saliva, or bodily fluids of the infected person.

This virus generally affects the oral and genital parts of the body. The virus, once infected in the body, remains in dormant condition and recurrent outbreaks occur during illness, stress and when the immune system is weakened.

What is the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) – As Per Ayurveda?

In Ayurveda, as such HSV is not mentioned but its symptoms are often correlated with conditions like Visarpa, Aagantuja Vyadhi, Pitta-Kapha dominant skin condition, etc. All these conditions are attributed to Pitta, Kapha, and Rakta imbalance along with a weakened immune system which predisposes the body to external infections. Weakened Oja, stress, and accumulation of toxin (Ama) in the body trigger recurrent outbreaks of HSV.

Who Gets Affected by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)?

HSV remains dormant in the body after the first infection, and it can reactivate when the immune system is weakened due to any factor like illness, stress, etc. Herpes Simplex Virus can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, etc. It is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads directly through saliva, skin-to-skin contact, or bodily fluids of an infected person. Individuals who get easily affected by herpes simplex virus are as follows:-

• Due to stress, illness, or medical conditions like HIV/AIDS, individuals who have weakened the immune system.
• Healthcare workers, athletes, etc. who have frequent skin contact with other individuals.
• People engaging in unprotected sexual activity are at higher risk of herpes simplex virus, especially genital herpes.
• Newborns are also easily affected by HSV if exposed to viruses from an infected mother during birth.
• People with poor lifestyle habits and who are under extreme stress.

How Common is the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)?

As per a recent survey by WHO, approximately 3.8 billion people under age 50 i.e. approximately 64% globally have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, the main cause of oral herpes, and approximately 520 million people aged 15- 49 i.e. 13% worldwide have herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, the main cause of genital herpes.

As per a study of 2016, HSV type 2 prevalence is highest among women and in the WHO African Region. More women i.e. approximately 313.5 million than men that is around 178.0 million were infected by HSV- 2. The number of individuals with oral HSV-1 was largest in the WHO Southeast Asia Region, followed by the Western Pacific Region.

In India, studies indicate a high seroprevalence of HSV-1 type, with some studies reporting around 80% in adults and, a seroprevalence of 50.0% for children which indicates seroprevalence increases with age. Seroprevalence of HSV-2 is also high, ranging from 7.9 % to 14.6 % in population-based studies.

Types of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is classified mainly into two types:

1) Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 / HSV-1 / Oral Herpes

HSV-1 mainly causes oral herpes, in which blisters and cold sores are formed around the lips and mouth. However, HSV-1 can also result in genital herpes through oral-genital contact. It mainly spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, kissing, close facial contact, sharing razors, utensils, oral sex, etc.

Oral sex can lead to the spreading of HSV-1 into the genital area. In HSV-1 symptoms like cold sores, burning sensation, painful ulcer, fever, swollen lymph nodes, etc. occur. Stress, weakened immunity, fever, excessive exposure to the sun, hormonal changes, etc. can trigger and reactivate HSV-1.

2) Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 / HSV-2 / Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is mainly caused by HSV-2, which results in painful blisters and ulcers in the genital and anal regions of the individuals. It mainly spreads through sexual contact that may be vaginal, anal, or oral. It also spreads through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas. Even without visible sores, it can spread from one person to another. In newborns, it can occur from an infected mother. HSV-2 results in a burning sensation, itching, etc. before the sores appear.

During the first outbreak flu-like symptoms, i.e. fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, etc. occur. Painful blisters form in the genital, thigh, and anal regions. Painful urination near the urethra due to ulceration occurs in HSV-2. The weakened immune system, illness, stress, menstruation, and fatigue are the main triggers of HSV-2 and also major causes of HSV-2 reactivation.