Conditions:
Herpes
Related Terms
•
Genital Herpes, Cold Sores
Principal Proposed Treatments
•
Melissa (Prevention and Treatment), Aloe Vera (Treatment), L-Lysine (Prevention), Topical Zinc (Treatment)
Other Proposed Treatments
•
Eleutherococcus, Vitamin C, Bee Propolis, Sandalwood, Astragalus, Cat's Claw, Elderberry, Licorice
The common virus known as herpes can cause painful blister-like lesions around the mouth and in the genitalia. Slightly different strains of herpes predominate in each of these two locations, but the infections are essentially identical. In both areas, the herpes virus has the devious habit of hiding out deep in the DNA of nerve ganglia, where it remains inactive for months or years. From time to time the virus reactivates, travels down the nerve, and starts an eruption. Common triggers include stress, dental procedures, infections, and trauma. Flare-ups usually become less severe over time.
Conventional medical treatment consists of antiviral drugs, such as Zovirax. Such medications can shorten the length and intensity of a herpes outbreak or, when taken consistently at lower dosages, reduce the frequency of flare-ups. However, they are not dramatically effective.
Principal Proposed Treatments for Herpes
Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)
More commonly known in the United States as lemon balm, Melissa officinalis is widely sold in Europe as a topical cream for the treatment of genital and oral herpes. This herb is a native of southern Europe and is widely planted in gardens for the purpose of attracting bees. Its leaves give off a delicate lemon odor when bruised.
Melissa cream appears to be helpful in the treatment of genital and oral herpes. It can be applied only at the first sign of blisters or on a regular basis for the prevention of flare-ups. However, there is no evidence that melissa will stop you from infecting another person.
What Is the Scientific Evidence for Melissa?
Early studies of melissa ointments showed a significant reduction in the duration and severity of herpes symptoms (both genital and oral) and, when the cream was used regularly, a marked reduction in the frequency of recurrences.1 In one study, the melissa-treated participants recovered in 5 days, while participants receiving nonspecific creams required 10 days.2 Researchers also described a "tremendous reduction" in the frequency of recurrence. However, because these studies weren't double-blind, the results can't be taken as reliable.
A subsequent double-blind study followed 116 individuals with oral or genital herpes at two dermatology centers.3 Treated subjects showed a significantly better rate of recovery than those on placebo, according to physician and patient ratings.
A recent double-blind placebo-controlled study followed 66 individuals who were just starting to develop a cold sore (oral herpes).4 Treatment with melissa cream produced significant benefits on day 2, reducing intensity of discomfort, number of blisters, and the size of the lesion. The researchers specifically looked at day 2 because, according to them, that is when symptoms are most pronounced. Furthermore, long-term follow-up suggested that use of melissa can prolong the interval before the next herpes flare-up.
The most commonly used European melissa product is manufactured using a method that tests the herb's activity against the herpes virus. Here's how it's designed: Human or animal cells are grown in a petri dish and then infected with herpes virus. Left alone, the virus would gradually spread throughout the dish, killing all the cells. However, in this test, standard paper disks containing melissa extract are inserted into the petri dish. The commercial extract is standardized so that a dose of 200 mcg per disk forms a 20 to 30 mm zone of protection from the virus.5
We don't really know how melissa works. The leading theory is that the herb makes it more difficult for the herpes virus to attach to cells.
For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full melissa article.
Aloe Vera
The succulent aloe plant is famous as a treatment for burns and minor wounds. However, while there is little evidence it is effective for those purposes, two studies suggest that aloe has potential value in the treatment of herpes infections.
A 2-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial enrolled 60 men with active genital herpes.7 Participants applied aloe cream (0.5% aloe) or placebo cream 3 times daily for 5 days. Use of aloe cream reduced the time necessary for lesions to heal (4.9 days vs. 12 days), and also increased the percentage of individuals who were fully healed by the end of 2 weeks (66.7% vs. 6.7%).
A previous double-blind placebo-controlled study by the same author enrolling 120 men with genital herpes found that aloe cream was more effective than pure aloe gel or placebo.8 The author theorized that the oily constituents in the cream improved aloe absorption.
For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full aloe article.
L-Lysine
Another famous treatment for herpes involves the amino acid L-lysine. When taken in sufficient doses, it appears that regular use of lysine supplements might be able to reduce the number and intensity of herpes flare-ups.9 However, a study evaluating lysine taken only at the onset of a herpes attack found no benefit.10 (Consider using melissa for this latter purpose.)
One double-blind placebo-controlled study followed 52 participants with a history of herpes flare-ups.11 While receiving 3 g of L-lysine every day for 6 months, the treatment group experienced an average of 2.4 fewer herpes flare-ups than the placebo group—a significant difference. The lysine group's flare-ups were also significantly less severe and healed faster.
Another double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study on 41 subjects also found improvements in the frequency of attacks.12 Interestingly, this study found that 1,250 mg of lysine daily worked, but 624 mg did not.
Other studies, including one that followed 65 individuals, found no benefit, but they used lower dosages of lysine.13,14
For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full lysine article.
Zinc
Zinc lozenges or nasal sprays are thought to be effective for fighting the viruses that cause colds. A recent study suggests that topical zinc may be helpful for herpes infections of the mouth and face as well. In this trial, 46 individuals with cold sores were treated with a zinc oxide cream or placebo every 2 hours until cold sores resolved.17 The results showed that individuals using the cream experienced a reduction in severity of symptoms and a shorter time to full recovery.
Zinc is thought to interfere with the ability of the herpes virus to reproduce itself. However, the formulation of zinc must be properly designed to release active zinc ions. (Similar considerations apply when using zinc to fight cold viruses.)
Some participants in this study experienced burning and inflammation caused by the zinc itself, but this seldom caused a serious problem.
Other Proposed Treatments for Herpes
Eleutherococcus, incorrectly called Russian or Siberian ginseng, has shown promise for the treatment of herpes. A 6-month double-blind trial of 93 men and women with recurrent herpes infections found that treatment with the herb Eleutherococcus (2 g daily) reduced the frequency of infections by almost 50%.18
One study suggests that topical treatment with a vitamin C solution may speed healing of herpes outbreaks.19
Oral vitamin C may also be useful, especially when combined with bioflavonoids.20 For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full vitamin C article.
The results of a small controlled study suggests that the honeybee product propolis cream might cause attacks of genital herpes to heal faster.21
There is some evidence that elements in kelp might help to prevent infection with several kinds of viruses, including herpes simplex.22 However the evidence is very preliminary at this time.
In test tube studies, sandalwood was found to slow the growth of herpes virus.23
The herbs astragalus, cat's claw, elderberry, tea tree oil"25 and licorice are sometimes recommended for herpes as well, but there is little evidence as yet that they really work.
The herb echinacea appears to be helpful for colds and flus. It is thought to work by stimulating the immune system. However, in a 1-year double-blind placebo-controlled study of 50 individuals with recurrent genital herpes, treatment with echinacea failed to reduce the rate of flare-ups.24
View References
Last reviewed March 2002 by Medical Review Board
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