Herpes has been known to exist for thousands of years. Old texts discovered by the ancient Greeks described the Herpes Simplex Virus as present as early as the 5th century, but it was only recently (within the past 100 years or so) that it was understood.
HSV-1 is commonly known as cold sores. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are contagious and usually transmitted through kissing. More than half of the population in the United States has HSV-1. Most people are infected with HSV-1 during childhood from a non-sexual kiss from a relative or friend who has kissed them during an active outbreak of oral HSV-1. You need only come into contact with a cold sore once to contract HSV-1.
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 or HSV-2 is commonly known as genital herpes. Initial genital herpes symptoms can cause genital aches, pain, burning, tingling, sciatica (ache down one leg), and flu-like symptoms.
Canker sores aren't related to the Herpes Simplex Virus. Still, like herpes, they are ulcers (one or more) that appear on the inner cheek, gums, tongue, or inside the lips. Canker sores can be caused by stress or eating acidic foods, such as strawberries, tomatoes, pineapple, tomato sauce, and salsa. Canker sore symptoms can be healed with many of the same natural remedies used for herpes outbreaks.
Each year, at least 1 million people in the United States experience a Shingles outbreak. Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus, which is also responsible for causing Chickenpox.
Opening a book or a website and, without warning, seeing gruesome photographs of what a herpes outbreak looks like can be extremely upsetting, so you'll see no shocking photos of herpes here.
HSV triggers are factors that adversely affect your immune system and increase the likelihood of herpes outbreaks. Many HSV triggers are universal and can trigger an outbreak in most people. However, we all have individual strengths and weaknesses, depending on our physical and emotional health states before an outbreak, which is why HSV triggers can be as unique as our fingerprints. Understanding these universal HSV triggers can help reduce the risk of an outbreak, put your herpes into remission, and lower the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is highly contagious, but it is not transmitted through the air like cold and flu viruses. You could be in a room full of people with active herpes outbreaks and walk right through without a hitch.
The types of Herpes are..." Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6 (variants A and B), human herpesvirus 7, and Kaposi's sarcoma virus or human herpesvirus 8. A simian virus, called the B virus, occasionally infects humans (NCBI)."
Yes. You can contract more than one form of herpes. One does not make you immune to any of the others. However, how you can end up with Shingles is a bit different than how you contract other herpes viruses. Shingles can't be "caught" because it's activated by having previously had Chickenpox. However, you can get Chickenpox from exposure to the Shingles virus if you haven't had the Chickenpox vaccination.
Herpes tends to reappear in the exact location you were first infected. However, herpes can relocate from one area of the body to another, which is not typical, but it can happen. When this occurs, it's called Disseminated Herpes and is considered a complication of the Herpes Simplex Virus.
Viral shedding is the process by which the virus travels along nerves to the skin, just before blisters erupt. Shedding is also referred to as the prodromal phase. This prodromal phase (viral shedding) can occur without showing signs of an active outbreak, a condition known as asymptomatic shedding.
Unless you are a medical student or a serious geek, the data you encounter while researching how herpes hides from the immune system will probably make your brain spin and put your emotional nerves on edge. The following is just one example.
Herpes is diagnosed by examining visible sores or taking a sample for laboratory testing. Blood tests can detect antibodies toward HSV-1 or HSV-2, even between outbreaks. Most doctors can accurately diagnose HSV based on signs and symptoms, even without conducting lab tests. And, as embarrassing as it may be, the benefit of seeing your doctor for a diagnosis is that it's possible that what you think is an initial outbreak isn't. You can be infected and have no immediate symptoms. You can be symptom-free for weeks, months, and years (even decades).
Medical doctors often treat herpes with antiviral drugs and steroids. While antiviral prescription drugs should be reserved for acute infections, they are available and prescribed by medical doctors to just about anyone who wants to try them. Antiviral prescription drugs are believed to lower the ability of the virus to multiply in your body, thereby reducing your symptoms, but there can be terrible side effects.
When diagnosed with herpes, there are certain things your doctor, clinic, or lab may never tell you about the Herpes Simplex Virus, which aren't necessarily secrets or a result of negligence or an uncaring attitude. They are things that, more or less, go unsaid.
Pruritus is all-over itching that can drive one insane relatively quickly. What does Pruritus feel like? Pruritus might feel like tiny, invisible bugs biting you simultaneously or spider webs dragging across your skin, making you itch just enough to scratch or rub your skin. Only nothing is there. If you're taking medication and experience itching, contact your doctor or call 911. Pruritus is often an allergic reaction to prescription medicines or other substances. It can also be a reaction to elevated histamine in the body caused by foods or stress.
By definition, the word depression means to "sadden, make less active, and lower in value". Depression is defined as a hollow or low place, a lowly spirit, and less activity (not as busy).
Stress is a significant contributor to herpes outbreaks, and understanding its role is essential for achieving and maintaining viral remission. Why? Because stress triggers inflammation, which wakes the Herpes Simplex Virus from its dormant state. It shuts down your digestive tract until the stress passes. If a vicious dog were chasing you, your body would need energy to run like hell, pulling energy away from less essential functions until the danger passes. But this can happen when you're in a state of chronic stress, which is easy to be in these days. What does this have to do with herpes, and why is this so detrimental to your health? Because your immune system is mostly in your gut. No optimal digestion. No optimal immunity.
Becoming pregnant is a significant concern for every woman with herpes because it's possible to transmit herpes to the newborn infant, causing neonatal herpes. Here's what you need to know.
Rashes can appear anywhere on the body, and when you live with herpes, an anal rash or a rash inside your gluteal crack can be unnerving. Yes, you can have anal herpes, which leads to itching and blistering around the anus and, sometimes, a rash in the crack of your buttocks. But not all bottom rashes are herpes-related.
Has your bottom, thigh, or leg ever started hurting before, during, or after a genital herpes outbreak? Leg pain is more common than you think when living with genital herpes (HSV-2). Other sensations include numbness, tingling, skin sensitivity, overall leg weakness, and shooting pains. For example, if you have sensitive skin, sitting on a cold toilet seat can cause discomfort in your thighs. These sensations are similar to those caused by sciatica and can spread as far as your feet. It's caused by irritated nerves that have become sensitized as the herpes virus travels through your nerve ganglia. When these symptoms persist, it is called Postherpetic Neuralgia and is considered a complication of the Herpes Simplex Virus.
There can be many complications from the Herpes Simplex Virus, including everything from feeling more emotional during an outbreak to experiencing severe symptoms, even death. Complications include the following symptoms and conditions.
Yes. The Herpes Simplex Virus can cause Cancer. However, living with herpes doesn't mean you'll get Cancer.
The social stigma surrounding HSV is alive and well. No other virus is treated with as much prejudice as the herpes virus, so it can be intimidating to tell someone you coexist with herpes.
When you and your partner have both contracted the Herpes Simplex Virus, it may seem as though you won't have to worry about passing it on to each other. Sorry. From a psychological and emotional perspective, you may find comfort in knowing that your stories are shared and that you are loved, regardless. However, there is still much to consider.
First, The History of the Condom
Most of us love and treasure our pets as friends and family members. For some of us, they ARE our family. The last thing we'd ever want to do is pass on the herpes virus to them. But is this even possible? Can pets contract HSV?
Contrary to what you may hear, the Herpes Simplex Virus doesn't "get better" as you age. In most cases, herpes outbreaks become more frequent and severe. Why? Because as you age, your immune system doesn't function as well. This can pose problems in your middle years and worsen as you get older.
Most of the time, you're probably aware of what's stressing you out at any given moment. It's getting a flat tire on the way to work, being stood up on a date, a late fee on a bill you forgot to pay, a wailing baby, or that cashier who won't stop talking to the customer in front of you about last night's escapade.
The Earth and everything in nature have an electrical frequency that can help raise your vibration and ease stress. When we aren't connected to the Earth, we can lose our bearings and develop stressful symptoms. Grounding, also known as Earthing, is a stress management technique that relies on Earth's electrical charges to enhance cellular function, calm the heart, reduce pain and fatigue by influencing the healing process, and improve mood by connecting to the Earth. One of the best things you can do is spend 20-30 minutes outdoors in nature to absorb these energies and become more grounded and relaxed. This can help you avoid herpes outbreaks.
According to psychologist Elaine Aron, Highly Sensitive People comprise about 15-20% of the population. HSPs..." are high in a personality trait known as Sensory-Processing Sensitivity, which displays increased emotional sensitivity, stronger reactivity to external and internal stimuli (pain, hunger, light, and noise), and complex inner life."
Inside your brain are two small, prehistoric organs called the amygdalae, which I refer to as your inner fish. Your amygdalae (there are two) are responsible for managing your emotions and for your "fight, flight, or freeze" response. When constantly in a state of fight-or-flight mode, you become fatigued, irritable, sad, and hypersensitive (FISH).
Most of us don't give much thought to breathing until we can't, but something is happening as we breathe (besides getting air) that is crucial to our health and wellness. We are balancing our oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Whenever we breathe in, we take in oxygen (and our red blood cells fill with it). Whenever we breathe out, we release carbon dioxide, a waste product. If we aren't breathing correctly, it causes an imbalance, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and panic attacks.
When seeking to enhance your health and wellness, you cannot overlook the importance of your living spaces. When your environment is cluttered, dirty, or you live in a place that doesn't please you, the energy is negative. On a subconscious and energetic level, this negativity is felt whether you are fully aware of it or not. Ongoing stress lowers your immunity, making it more challenging to prevent and recover from herpes outbreaks and other illnesses. The following information will help you to clean up, organize, and decorate all of your spaces for optimal relaxation and immunity.
Inside your brain is a tiny pair of organs called amygdalae. Your amygdalae are responsible for managing your emotions and mood, which can affect the frequency of your herpes outbreaks. Imagine, if you would, that your amygdalae are a lot like two small fish, and your brain is their fishbowl. If you have ever owned an aquarium, you know you must use a water conditioner to maintain a balanced pH. The same applies to your brain's ability to experience peace and calm.
As a Behavior Modification Instructor, all I had to do to see noses tip toward the ceiling and eyes roll sideways was mention the word "exercise." Exercise is often considered synonymous with WORK. However, avoiding exercise isn't an option. Why not? Because it is necessary for oxygenating your body's cells. Without oxygen, your body's cells are depleted of energy, your immune system fails to function correctly, and you end up in pain with a flat rear end.
Have you ever sat down to a favorite meal that you couldn't wait to sink your teeth into, become distracted by your phone, and looked down to see your plate nearly empty without remembering to savor a single bite? If so, you know what it's like to NOT live in the moment. Mindfulness meditation is about living in the moment.
One way to reduce stress is to get your feelings out on paper, which is why journaling is often recommended. It's a powerful emotional outlet that can reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, trauma, and feelings of depression. It can also improve your physical health by lowering physical health markers, which boosts immunity. It can also lead to an improved outlook, better sleep, and improved energy.
Near-death experiences, or NDEs, often trigger being even more sensitive. And, even if you're not, we are spirits living in physical bodies. Most of us do not remember what heaven was like, but for those who have crossed over and come back, it is a memory that increases our sense of spirit and, possibly, our sensitivity to life as well. I experienced this in my own life at about 10 years old when I drowned, and again, when my heart stopped, after giving birth to my youngest son.
If you want to be happy for an hour, take a nap. If you want to be happy for a day, go fishing. If you want to be happy for a month, get married. If you want to be happy for a year, inherit a fortune. But if you want to be happy for a lifetime, do something good for someone else.
A goal for the future, such as getting fit, securing a job position, writing a book, starting a business, spending time with loved ones, or buying a house, must be SMART.
The human circadian rhythm is as old as time. People are meant to be awake during the daylight and asleep at night. In the modern world, this is almost unheard of. We wake up too early (or too late) and go to bed way after dark. 90% of people aren't getting enough sleep compared to only 5% 100 years ago.
Not only do your heart, soul, dreams, and wishes enter your relationships, but so do your worst fears and any leftover emotional baggage you might be carrying. Emotional baggage can make relationships toxic or, at the very least, incompatible. Unhealthy relationships cause stress that manifests in physical discomfort, illnesses, and, when living with herpes, more frequent and severe outbreaks.
Relationship red flags are emotional signals that demand your attention and indicate when something is not quite right about a person, place, or thing. Feeling confused, uncomfortable, edgy, or unsafe around another person is a significant warning sign.
The following are your personal rights as a human being living on Earth. Read them daily as a reminder of your worth.
Whether you've decided to leave a narcissist or just a plain old-fashioned abuser (male or female), there are safety measures to consider before you walk out the door and never look back.
There are two types of immunity: innate and acquired. Your innate immune response is the one you receive at birth. As you passed through your mother's birthing canal, you came into contact with microorganisms from her vagina and rectum. You also received organisms through breast milk and, if you were bottle-fed, through your formula. These microbes have developed in and on you as you've aged. They outnumber your body cells by trillions. They are known as your microbiome.
If you're like me, when someone mentions cleansing or detoxing, In that case, you immediately have images of sitting on the toilet with your pants around your ankles, sweating, feeling faint, and groaning in pain, all the while wondering how in the world you ever could have thought cleansing might have been a good idea and vowing never to do it again. It doesn't have to be this way. It can be much, much easier. Painless.
Our ancestors didn't eat refined, GMO, or fast foods. Until approximately 100 years ago, humans continued to eat the same foods they had always eaten, based on the seasons and availability. We ate what was found in our backyards. We foraged, picked, and hunted. Furthermore, the soil was richer back then and supplied plants with the minerals we needed to maintain optimal health by eating them. Today's soil is often depleted of nutrients, and plants are consequently less nutritious than ever. Do you know that wheat (the kind our forefathers ate) doesn't exist anymore? Today's wheat is genetically modified and harmful. What makes us think we can eat these "new foods" and maintain health and wellness? We can't, not without causing bodily inflammation and health issues.
I provide the following HSV-worry-free meal plans to help you avoid food-related HSV triggers while you're still educating yourself on how to reduce HSV flares. Please don't feel you have to use them. My HSV Meal Plans are healthy options when you suspect your diet is triggering outbreaks and want to avoid HSV food triggers.
I'm not keen on suggesting you take any individual supplement permanently. Individual supplements lack the synergistic qualities necessary for optimal health and are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Take vitamin C, for example. When you eat an orange, you receive a daily dose of vitamin C, fiber, sugar, protein, vitamin A, and calcium. Unless blended with other nutrients, a vitamin C supplement, on the other hand, contains ascorbic acid. That's it.
L-lysine (known as lysine) and arginine are amino acids found in foods containing protein, which rebuild your bodily tissues (internally and externally), such as your muscles and skin. Both play vital roles in maintaining optimal health and wellness. You'll have to contend with these two particular amino acids to reduce herpes flares.
There are some basic vitamins and minerals that are necessary for optimal health and wellness. These are discussed here. This page lists supplements known to specifically target the Herpes Simplex Virus and may help to reduce the frequency or severity of herpes outbreaks, unless you have Nervous System Dysregulation. In that case, they may not work optimally to reduce the frequency or severity of herpes outbreaks. My top three suggestions are quercetin, lysine, and spirulina. Yes, spirulina contains slightly more arginine than lysine, but the benefits far outweigh the risk of being overcautious with this superfood, as long as you don't take it daily.
Intuition is that inner message or gut feeling you get in the pit of your stomach that tells you some person, place, or thing is or isn't right for you. Intuition is essential for guarding your mind, body, and spirit against stress and harm.
Many people suffering from chronic fatigue, irritability, sadness, and hypersensitivity (FISH) have negative spirit attachments. Negative spirit attachments can cause a range of mental, emotional, and physical symptoms, such as moodiness (anxiety, depression, anger, rage), headaches, dizziness, roving pain, sleeplessness, and stomach complaints.
Are you often bothered by others' negativity or a sense of something wrong about a person, place, or thing? There are ways to protect yourself spiritually, no matter where you are, without anyone knowing.
By familiarizing yourself with the major festivals throughout the year, corresponding days, planets, and rulings, preparing prayer altars thoughtfully, understanding the meanings of colors, and using symbols and objects effectively, you can significantly enhance your wellness journey.
Has your home life been a little stressful lately? This simple space-clearing ritual can be just what you need to remove unwanted energies and restore peace, comfort, and calm to all your spaces.
Our early ancestors documented the practice of burning herbs, such as sage, to cleanse individuals, groups, places, and things of negative energy and evil spirits. You can do the same. Here's everything you need to know about smudging correctly.
People have used salt for centuries to protect against negativity and evil spirits. Ancient Celts used salt to ward off bad luck. Both Jesus and Mohamed mentioned salt as being a blessing. Some people throw salt over their shoulders to ward off bad luck, while others place salt around the home to purify it of evil spirits. Salt is often used to purify altars before and after rituals.
Black Witch Salt, or Sal Negro, is a potent protective blend used in folk magic, witchcraft, and hoodoo. Traditionally, it is a mixture of salt, ashes, and/or other blackening agents, such as pepper or coal. It's believed to absorb and repel negative energies, curses, and ill wishes.
When placed in recipes or around the home, items found in your kitchen can help increase the positive energy in your space, ward off illness, and create peace of mind. Need more money? Place green apples where you can see them until you are ready to eat them. Do you need personal protection? Tuck a bulb of garlic somewhere or add it to your pasta dish. Want more playfulness in your life? Keep a bowl of nuts, such as walnuts, Brazil nuts, and pine nuts, within reach for their magical benefits or as a healthy snack for others.
Essential oils are derived from the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of plants. Some essential oils are derived from fruits, such as orange, lemon, and grapefruit peels, and from spices, such as cinnamon and cloves, while others are derived from resins, such as myrrh and frankincense.
There are specific signs of negative energy in a home or workspace you shouldn't ignore. If you notice any of the signs listed below, you can use essential oils to protect yourself and your spaces.
There are specific signs of negative energy in a home or workspace you shouldn't ignore. If you notice any of the signs listed below, you can use essential oils to protect yourself and your spaces.
Across many ancient traditions, stones were seen as gifts from the Earth, symbols of strength, healing, protection, wisdom, and spiritual connection. The Bible, Quran, and Talmud mention precious stones not as objects of worship, but as symbols of beauty, sacredness, and the wonders of creation.
Fluorite is a multicolored stone (primarily greens, lavenders, and browns) that reflects different colors when exposed to UV light. It is found worldwide in China, France, Central North America, Mongolia, South Africa, Switzerland (pink and red versions), and Russia.
Stones and crystals are known for their magical healing properties. Ancient Aztec, Chinese, and Egyptian civilizations incorporated crystals, gemstones, and rocks into personal care products, statues, sarcophagi, and talismans to prevent and release mental, physical, and spiritual blockages. Since then, they have been used in healing modalities and rituals for centuries to energetically balance the mind, body, and spirit.
A stone and crystal apothecary is a personal collection of natural stones chosen for their appearance, symbolism, and the meanings different spiritual traditions have attached to them over time. People use crystals in many ways, including meditation, ritual, reflection, and as reminders of personal intentions. There is no single correct way to use a crystal or build an apothecary. It is a personal practice shaped by intuition, curiosity, and connection to the natural world.
The following stones and crystals are deemed the most beneficial for you to use or wear for improving your mental, emotional, or physical well-being, according to your unique zodiac personality. The stones and crystals in bold lettering are the ones that are highly suggested in most circles, according to zodiac sign and element.
An inadequate diet, lack of exercise, and poor sleep often cause Depression. Many alternative modalities, such as stone and crystal therapies, can help you move beyond sadness, oppression, and mild Depression.
Stones and crystals have been used for centuries to block or absorb negative energy, alleviating stress and certain medical conditions. The following stones and crystals are most commonly used to relieve stress and anxiety. You can wear them as jewelry, use them in prayer, or place them around the office and home to harmonize personal and environmental energies. When worn as jewelry, try to wear the stones close to your heart.
The following is a list of ailments associated with stress, along with the stones and crystals historically believed to alleviate their symptoms.
The gemstone Tiger's Eye (also known as Tiger Eye) is a stone mined primarily in Austria, Brazil, India, Mexico, and South Africa. It belongs to the quartz group and is typically black-brown to gold, with lighter, shimmering bands of gold or yellow. The bands are fibrous structures in the rock caused by extreme heat and pressure, which give the stone the appearance of a lion's Eye.
Before you go tossing stones and crystals into your favorite beverage for a boost of natural energy, here's what you need to know to avoid a hospital trip (or worse).
Besides sipping, tea also serves another purpose. Tea is often used for exploring the past, present, and future. Interpreting the shapes and symbols of tea leaves is called the art of Tasseography, also known as Tasseomancy.
Discover the history of the crystal ball, famous crystal balls and readers, how the crystal ball works (scrying), how to select a crystal ball, and how to interpret one.
The pendulum has been used in divination for several hundred years to receive information. Named after the Latin word pendulus, meaning "hanging," the pendulum was first scientifically investigated in the early 1600s by Galileo Galilei, who studied its regular motion for timekeeping.
Who has not heard about the legend of "Bloody Mary," where, if one stands in front of a mirror and says "Bloody Mary" three times, a witch is said to appear to kill the one who uttered it? Discover the history of the mirror, mirror superstitions, and twelve ways to use a mirror for spiritual purposes.
The candle may be one of the oldest objects used in magic. In ancient times, after sunset, the candle flame lit a path in the darkness of night. It also symbolized a means of avoiding any potential negativity or evil lurking in that darkness. To this day, those who practice candle magic (rituals) still believe that fire holds spiritual qualities that help us navigate life's physical and spiritual aspects.
Many people have explored the origins of Tarot, but I would like to share my insights to help you understand its history, if you're interested. Over the past hundred years, Tarot has been used as a card game and for fortune-telling. However, it's only been in the past couple of decades that Tarot has been recognized as a tool to amplify one's inner voice of intuition.
The 1200s
