What herbs are known to help herpes?

Answer 1

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) has provided relief for some when applied as a topical ointment. A 1993 study involving 115 people afflicted by fever blisters or genital ulcers applied a cream containing lemon balm extract to their affected areas, five times a day. Eight days later, the subjects were examined and it was determined that healing of the infected lesions took place in 96 percent of the group. It is believed that the presence of caffeic, rosmarinic, and ferulic acids present in lemon balm lends the herb its antiviral properties.

In a separate study from the same year, the antiviral efficacy of lemon balm extract was evaluated and its action found to be detectable within a few hours of application, ranging from three to 24 hours, depending on the strength of the extract used. Without treatment, recovery from an outbreak typically takes from one to two weeks.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), given as glycyrrhizic acid, has also shown therapeutic benefit in the treatment of herpes. High levels of glycyrrhizic acid have actually affected irreversible deactivation of the herpes simplex virus in vitro. It should be noted, however, that prolonged use of licorice may result in the retention of sodium and a loss of potassium. Therefore, anyone being treated for high blood pressure should seek professional advice and care.

Other herbs to consider, according to the book, Managing Herpes, published by the American Social Health Association (ASHA), are goldenseal, taken in capsules or teas, which has antiviral properties, and garlic, an ancient folk remedy for colds that has been shown to inhibit a number of viruses, including herpes, and bacteria in vitro. In addition, the book states, "practitioners of homeopathic medicine, naturopathic medicine, and Chinese herbal medicine also have treatments for people with herpes." The book also notes that a healthy lifestyle is important in the management of herpes. They remind us to: eat a balanced diet, get the proper amount of sleep and exercise, avoid excesses of caffeine and alcohol, stay away from tobacco, and be careful to manage chronic stress.

The natural treatments described above are effective, safe, and without the unpleasant side effects often experienced with synthetic medications. The standard allopathic treatment for herpes simplex is, most often, topical applications of the drug, acyclovir (Zovirax), but the rate of healing is often the same, or even less accelerated, than is experienced with the herbal therapies discussed above.

If you think you may have herpes, or have been exposed to the virus, you should seek evaluation from a physician. Unless definitively diagnosed, you shouldn't presume that an outbreak of sores is the result of a herpes virus. Other factors could be at work, including the onset of venereal disease, or even the presence of the HIV virus. If it is known that you, in fact, harbor the herpes virus, you should avoid sexual activity while the blisters are present. If you are a woman, you should have regular Pap smears, since some studies suggest that persistent herpes infections may be associated with Cervical cancer.