Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Ayurvedic view of herpes (visarpa): a supportive adjunct only, not a substitute for antiviral treatment.
Ayurveda has no separate disease that exactly matches herpes. Blistering, burning skin eruptions are traditionally discussed under visarpa, and herpes zoster is sometimes compared with a pitta-dominant visarpa. This is an interpretive framework and not a proven match.
How Ayurveda looks at it
What practitioners may discuss
What the evidence says
Evidence that Ayurvedic herbs or treatments cure herpes, stop recurrences or clear the virus is limited. Some plant extracts have been studied in laboratories, but this does not show they work in people.
Important cautions
Key point
Use Ayurveda only alongside, and never instead of, proper diagnosis and antiviral treatment.
Before your appointment
Note when the first symptoms began, where the sores or rash are, and any fever or pain. List past episodes, triggers, partners who should know, and any pregnancy. Bring your medicines and past reports, including HIV or STI tests. Ask about antiviral options, how to protect others and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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