The use of herbs for herpes is one of the ways of managing the symptoms of the viral infection and suppress them as well. Herbs may look local and ineffective but we cannot rule out the fact that these natural medicines have been saving lives since the existence of man and has not lost the potency and effectiveness. There are so many herbs that are used to suppress herpes, some may be readily available while others may need to be searched for.
There are medications that can be used to reduce the recurrence of the symptoms of herpes but there are also wide range of side effects associated with them. Hence the need to get a safe and effective treatment option. There are evidences and testimonies which showed that natural herbs can treat active herpes sores and prevent recurrence. Before we look into the herbs for herpes, let us explain what the virus is, its mode of transmission and symptoms.
WHAT IS HERPES?
The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV is a viral infection that causes blisters and sores in and around the mouth, tongue, hands, fingers and genitals. In some people, herpes may not cause blisters or sores and this is known as being asymptomatic HSV while others experience blisters and sores on their body. Herpes is very common that an estimated 3.7 billion people under age 50 (67%) have HSV-1 infection globally while an estimated 491 million people aged 15–49 (13%) worldwide have HSV-2 infection.
There are two types of herpes simplex virus and they are oral and genital herpes. Oral herpes or HSV-1 causes blisters and sores to appear on the face and mouth. HSV-2 on the other hand, causes sores to appear on the genitals, anus, buttocks, inner thighs and even inside the vagina. Both types of virus can be transmitted through oral and genital contact with an infected person. Currently, there is no known cure that will stop the symptoms or remove herpes virus from the body however, there are herbs that can be used to relieve the symptoms.
NATURAL HERBS FOR HERPES
Here are some natural herbs that can help relieve the symptoms of herpes and prevent recurrence of active blisters and sores.
Some of the herbs for herpes are:
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera as one of the herbs for herpes is a perennial, succulent plant that holds large amounts of water in its leaves. Aloe vera has tough, fleshy spear like leaves with gel in the innermost part. The gel contains substances known as glycoproteins and polysaccharides; glycoproteins helps to stop pain and inflammation while speeding up healing process, polysaccharides helps the skin to grow and repair. Aloe vera is known to have wounds healing properties that can help heal sores caused by herpes. Pure gel from aloe vera can be applied on the sores directly without being diluted but remember not to use same gel to apply on other parts of the body.
2. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a plant with medicinal properties that can relieve inflammation and soothe sensitive skin. Witch hazel had any antiviral properties that can treat herpes sores and blisters. Witch hazel can cause irritation on sensitive skin so it is best to dilute it with a carrier oil if your skin is sensitive.
3. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis ) is one of the herbs for herpes that is native to Europe. It was initially grown to attract bees but it was also discovered to be a calming herb that have medicinal properties. This herb is used as an extract or a major ingredient in making topical creams that will treat cold sores caused by herpes.
A study of 116 people showed that applying lemon balm to lip sores will provide relief especially in swelling and redness after 2 days but it was also discovered that there was little improvement in pain relief. Another study showed that the symptoms of HSV-1 did not recurr after lemon balm was used. Lemon balm can be used to speed up the healing time of both oral and genital herpes.
4. Pau D’arco
Pau d’arco ( Tabebuia avellanedae ) is a tree that is native to Central and South America, its inner bark and wood has medicinal properties that can treat different conditions like pain, fever, arthritis, boil, ulcers and herpes simplex virus. There are two active chemicals that are found in pau d’arco, these chemicals which are lapachol and beta-lapachone are called naphthoquinones.
According to lab tests, these active chemicals were able to destroy viruses, fungi, parasites and bacteria however, there are not enough studies to show if this herb will be effective in humans. Also, it is not sure the exact dose that will be needed and the side effects in the human body. You can use pau d’arco to treat herpes simplex virus but you should use it under your health provider’s instructions.
5. Peppermint
Peppermint, also known as Mentha piperita is a plant whose leaves and stems are used for wide range of things including for medicinal purposes. Peppermint is native to Asia and Europe bit it is naturalized to North America. This herb contains menthol and can be used to treat many diseases like indigestion, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, and irritable bowel syndrome. Peppermint has a calming and numbing effect that can provide relief to blisters and sores that are caused by herpes simplex virus.
6. Siberian Ginseng
Siberian ginseng is a shrub whose roots are medicinal, the roots contain a mixture of components called eleutherosides and also polysaccharides. According to scientific researches, Siberian ginseng has effects on herpes viral infection. A study with 93 people with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 found out that the herb reduced the number of outbreaks and the symptoms were lesser while the healing period was faster.
7. Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue green algae that is found in warm alkaline water nd warm climate as well although most of this herb is grown in a laboratory. There has been many researches and tested carried out on test tubes and animals on the benefits of spirulina. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions like allergic reactions, liver disorder, oral cancer and eye disease. Many studies on test tubes shows or suggests that spirulina can be used to treat herpes and its symptoms. However, many researchers are not sure if the herb can be effective in humans.
8. Tansy
Tansy also known as Tanacetum vulgare is a plant that has antiviral properties that can treat herpes. It contains 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-DCQA), axillarin and others. These properties have been researched on and it was discovered that tansy can be used to treat herpes and its symptoms.
CHINESE HERBS FOR HERPES
Some Chinese herbs can be useful in treating the symptoms of herpes simplex virus.
Some of these herbs are:
1. Anemarrhena Asphodeloides
Anemarrhena asphodeloides is a plant that is native to China and Mongolia. The rhizomes of this plant has a sweet but bitter taste. It is known to have polysaccharides, flavonoids, and neomangiferin. It is combined with other herbs to prepare a medicine that can be used to treat genital herpes.
2. Phellodendron Amurense
Phellodendron amurense is a plant whose barks are used to make medicines. This herb contains berberine, palmitine, phellodendrine and other alkaloids. The component berberine has anti-inflammatory effects that can be used to treat many conditions. This herb is mixed with other Chinese herbs to make safe but sure curative medicines that can treat genital herpes.
3. Rehmannia Glutinosa
Rehmannia glutinosa is a plant, the roots are used to make medicine. Rehmannia glutinosa is one of the common herbs used in making traditional Chinese medicines. It is also used to make medicines for herpes and other conditions.
HERBS FOR HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS 1
1. Moringa
The extract of moringa oleifera can be used to treat herpes simplex virus 1. This herb is native to Africa and Asia, the extract can be used to resist HSV-1. A study carried out on HSV-1-infected mice, the extract was administered orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg three times daily and there were improvements. There may be changes too if the herb is used on humans.
2. Artemisia Anomala
Artemisia anomala is a perennial plant that has anti-inflammatory properties that are highly effective in treating wounds including sores caused by herpes simplex virus 1.
3. Aristolochia Debilis
Aristolochia debilis is native to southern China and central to southern Japan. It is used as medicine for treating gallbladder pain, joint ache, eczema, weight loss, snakebite, arthritis, wounds and sores. However, you should know that this herb is toxic and can cause kidney damage and increase the risk of having cancer. In fact, many countries have ban products that are made with acid from aristolochia.
Other herbs are
- Patrinia villosa
- Hijiki (algae)
- Taraxacum mongolicum
HERBS FOR HERPES SIMPLEX 2
Herbs for treating the symptoms of herpes simplex virus 2 include:
1. Sage
Sage is from the mint family, it is an aromatic herb that can be used as a flavouring for many foods and also for making medicines. Sage can be used to soothe sores and blisters caused by herpes simplex virus
2. Rheum Palmatum
Rheum palmatum or Chinese rhubarb is a flowering plant whose roots and underground stem are used in traditional Chinese. It is used for treating cold sores and can also reduce swelling as it contains components and chemicals that are effective.
3. Melaleuca Tea Trees
Commonly known as tea tree, this plant has properties that can be used to treat wide range of diseases and health conditions including acne, wounds and sores. The oil from this plant is widely known as medicine.
CONCLUSION
Herbs for herpes may sound old-fashioned but there are very effective and safe for treating sores and blisters caused by herpes. Know that herpes cannot be cured but they can be suppressed to avoid recurrence of symptoms. You can use any of the herbs to relieve the symptoms and bring relieve to the skin.