How Effective Is Aloe Vera for Herpes?

The effectiveness of aloe vera for herpes is unknown and often described as “promising.” Some of the first studies performed concluded that aloe vera might be helpful for speeding up the healing process of genital herpes. To use it for genital herpes sores, it should be applied topically rather than taken orally. Other alternative treatments, like laser treatments and zinc, also have potential to treat herpes outbreaks. Overall, however, it is best to continue using prescription medications or outbreak reducing techniques recommended by a health professional.

In the first studies of the effectiveness of aloe vera for herpes, the participants were only men. Each man was given an aloe vera gel, aloe vera cream, or placebo. The gel and cream proved to be about five to ten times more effective than the placebo, which is a significant amount. Out of the two kinds of aloe vera substances given, the cream was most effective, with the gel being roughly half as effective. Some participants saw improvement in their herpes symptoms within one week.

Researchers used topical cream rather than aloe vera in juice or pill form. It is not known whether aloe vera also has potential to treat fever blisters on the mouth. In addition, the trials consisted of men rather than women, though experts assume the substance will work on both sexes. A doctor may be able to suggest a cream and how many times a day it should be applied.

There are dozens of home remedies for treating or even curing herpes. Herpes does not have a cure, but some of its proposed remedies might have as much potential as aloe vera. For example, one study shows that using a laser for three minute sessions can speed up the healing of sores. Like aloe vera for herpes, many potential treatments for herpes are relatively harmless and can be used to supplement standard treatment. It is generally advisable to talk with a doctor before attempting to treat herpes with an alternative medicine, though.

Since aloe vera for herpes is experimental at best, those affected by the virus should not stop their current treatments. Aloe vera can be used as a supplemental treatment, preferably with approval from a health professional. Antiviral medications have been proven effective at reducing both the frequency and duration of outbreaks. These medications are available in both pill and cream form, and can be bought without a prescription in some countries.