Using oregano oil for herpes may help prevent breakouts and relieve symptoms of skin irritation, blisters, and inflammation. Studies have shown that oregano oil has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Using oregano for herpes can help eliminate symptoms of cold sores, shingles, and genital herpes. Cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox are in the herpes simplex family.

The use of oregano oil for herpes may irritate the mucus membranes, which may cause inflammation and pain. The topical application of oregano oil seems to be more effective in treating herpes than consuming it in oral form. Even though oregano oil is considered natural and safe, it can produce side effects when consumed in high concentrations. These side effects including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, however, they are usually mild and temporary. A health care provider should be consulted before treating a herpes infection with oregano oil to make sure its safe prior to beginning treatment.

The benefits of using oregano oil for herpes are not limited to its antimicrobial properties. Oregano oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The herpes virus produces inflammatory symptoms that may be quelled by the application of oregano oil. Oregano oil for herpes should be divided into multiple doses throughout the day, rather than taking large amounts of it at one time. The standard dose is approximately three drops every two hours at the start of symptoms.

Oregano oil may burn when it is initially applied, but this sensation usually will subside after a few minutes. Itching and inflammation of the lesions will usually subside soon after the application. Prior to using oregano oil for herpes, a small amount should be applied to a non-affected area of the skin to make sure an allergic reaction does not occur.

Oregano oil for herpes should not replace conventional medical treatment. When symptoms such as blisters, tingling, itching, inflammation, and burning of the skin occur, the health care provider needs to be notified. Other treatments, such as ant-viral medications, may need to be prescribed, either in topical forms or orally. When a herpes viral infection occurs, systemic symptoms may also be present. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication will help reduce pain, fever and inflammation, however, getting enough rest, eating healthy diet, and drinking plenty of fluids should also be considered to maintain a health immune system.