Natural remedies for herpes

by Deborah Mitchell

"I know there's no cure and that I'm facing a lifetime of trying to control it," says Ginger (not her real name), a 29-year-old software designer with herpes. "I don't want to depend on drugs, but are there any natural ways to deal with herpes?"

Ginger's question resonates with the estimated 45 million sexually active adults in the United States who have the herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) that causes the sexually transmitted disease genital herpes.

Once the virus passes from infected people to their sexual partners through genital, oral, or anal sex, it takes up residence in the nerve endings that supply the skin or mucous membranes in that location. Since the virus is not destroyed, it may cause recurrent, painful blisters in the same area.

Ginger's first experience with herpes included fever, headache, and muscle aches, followed by an outbreak of itchy, painful blisters on her buttocks, genital area and upper thighs. This is typical of most initial herpes infections. Recurrences are usually less severe.

Most experts agree that the best predictors of repeat herpes outbreaks are physical and emotional stress. There is also evidence that diet plays a role. According to Richard Hamilton, MD, author of The Herpes Book, stress is the primary factor responsible for frequent recurrence of herpes. Chronic stress is believed to impair the immune system, making it harder to hold the virus at bay.

For some women, flare-ups often occur at specific times before their menstrual cycles. People often experience an outbreak when they have a cold, flu, or other illness. Others have flare-ups after exposure to the sun or to extremes in temperature. Excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, sugar, and recreational drugs have also been linked with recurrent herpes attacks.

Meditation, exercise, deep breathing, listening to music, and adequate sleep (eight hours recommended) can reduce stress and help control repeat attacks, says Joan Borynsenko, PhD, author and co-founder of the Mind/Body Clinic at Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Since there is evidence that caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and meat, can exacerbate herpes, a trial period of not consuming these substances can help determine if they contribute to flare-ups.

Some studies have suggested that the amino acids lysine and arginine can influence the herpes virus. While this has not been proven conclusively, it is reasonable for herpes patients to consume foods rich in lysine (which hinders the growth of herpes virus) and avoid foods rich in arginine (which promotes growth of herpes virus).

Foods rich in lysine include:

• Beans
• Bean sprouts
• Brewer's yeast
• Chicken
• Fish

Foods high in arginine include:

• Chocolate
• Nuts
• Coconut
• Gelatin

Moderate amounts of arginine are found in corn, barley, wheat, white flour products, and oats, so these foods should be eaten in moderation.

Wayne Diamond, a naturopath and psychotherapist in Philadelphia specializes in herpes and other viral diseases. He believes that alkaline-producing foods discourage activity of the virus while acid-producing foods encourage it.

Alkaline-producing foods include:

• Green vegetables
• Whole grains
• Non-citrus fruits
• Brown rice
• Potatoes and yams
• Tofu
• Beans

Acid-producing foods include:

• Coffee
• Fried foods
• White flour and related products
• Soft drinks
• Alcohol
• Processed meats and cheeses

Naturopaths Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno, authors of the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, recommend daily doses of the following to help boost the immune system. Even though these nutrients may contribute to a healthy immune system, there is little scientific evidence supporting their beneficial effect on recurrent herpes attacks.

• Vitamin C: 2,000 milligrams
• Vitamin E: 400-800 International Units (IU)
• Zinc: 30-60 milligrams
• Bioflavonoids: 1,000 milligrams
• Copper: 1 milligram for every 10 milligrams zinc

Alternative health practitioners recommend some of the following natural remedies, though most are not currently supported by scientific evidence of their effectiveness in treating symptoms of herpes.

Lemon balm

Varro E. Tyler, PhD, ScD, professor emeritus of pharmacognosy at Purdue University, says that lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) cream can actually fight herpes. A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that lemon balm shortened healing time, prevented the spread of infection, reduced pain, and may have increased the interval between episodes. Substances in the lemon balm called "tannins" appear to provide these healing qualities.

Olive leaf extract

Anecdotal reports from patients and doctors claim that olive leaf extract provides excellent results against herpes virus, says James Privitera, MD, of Covina, California. Reportedly, calcium elenolate, derived from the extract, kills viruses, including the herpes virus. Currently no controlled scientific studies support these claims.

2-deoxy-glucose

Carrie Louise Daenell, ND, a naturopathic doctor in Denver, Colorado, has had success with a simple sugar called 2-deoxy-glucose, an antiviral and wart treatment, which she mixes with cream. "I've just expanded the application to using it topically for genital herpes," she says. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting this practice.

Licorice

A small amount of licorice (as glycyrrhetinic acid, a component of licorice root), applied topically, may reduce pain and healing time.

Zinc oxide

There is some evidence that topical zinc oxide can reduce pain and healing time, but it is recommended for men only, as it can irritate vaginal tissue.

Red marine algae

Carrageenan, extracted from red marine algae (Cryptosiphonia woodii), has been used successfully in scientific studies to inhibit the herpes virus, relieve symptoms, and help prevent repeat episodes.