Herpes is an outbreak of lesions around the mouth, eyes, esophagus or genitals caused by the herpes simplex virus Type 1 or Type 2, also called HSV-1 and HSV-2. After an outbreak, these viruses can lie dormant in the nervous system and become reactivated under stressful conditions. Since herpes viruses are becoming resistant to conventional antiviral treatments like acyclovir, natural treatments using herbs may offer another strategy for dealing with them. It is important to consult a professional before beginning herbal therapy and to be aware of potential herb-drug interactions.
Peppermint
Peppermint, or Mentha piperita, is an aromatic herb native to Europe but now cultivated throughout the world. The plant’s essential oil contains menthol, menthone and limonene, which have antibacterial and antiviral actions. Peppermint leaf is used to treat digestive problems, respiratory infections and gall bladder disorders. The oil is a topical remedy for pain, headache and neuralgia. A study reported in the 2003 issue of Phytomedicine tested peppermint oil against an acyclovir-resistant strain of HSV-1 in vitro. The study found that the oil reduced the resistant virus by 99 percent after three hours. This study shows that peppermint oil has antiviral activity against a resistant strain of herpes virus in vitro, but random clinical trials are needed to test the efficacy on human subjects.
Sage
Sage, or Salvia officinalis, is an aromatic culinary and medicinal herb native to the Mediterranean. It is a traditional digestive remedy for upset stomach and flatulence, and is also used as a mouthwash, gargle and treatment for sore throat and inflamed gums. Sage contains potent volatile oils like thujone, cineole, borneol, camphor and salvene. The plant is also rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids. A study published in the January 2008 issue of Phytomedicine tested water and alcohol extracts of sages grown in different environments. The study found that the alcohol extract of sage grown in a warm Mediterranean climate had an antiviral effect against both HSV-1 and HSV-2. The study also found that host cells treated with Mediterranean sage before being infected had a reduced level of viral activity. Sage needs to be tested in human clinical trials to see if these results can be replicated.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, is an aromatic herb with a long history of traditional medicinal use. The leaves contain essential oils like citronellal and the citrals—geranial and neral—in addition to phenolic acids and flavonoids. Lemon balm traditionally treats sleeplessness, anxiety, stomach upset and loss of appetite, and has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral actions. A study published in the September 2008 issue of Phytomedicine tested lemon balm essential oil on HSV-1 and HSV-2 in vitro and found that the oil significantly reduced both viruses without being toxic to host cells. This in vitro study should be replicated in clinical trials to determine the efficacy of lemon balm on humans.
References
- “Phytomedicine”; Virucidal effect of peppermint oil on the enveloped viruses herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro; Schuhmacher A, Reichling J, Schnitzler P; 2003
- “Phytomedicine”; Comparative in vitro study on the anti-herpetic effect of phytochemically characterized aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Salvia officinalis grown at two different locations; Schnitzler P, Nolkemper S, Stintzing FC, Reichling J; January 2008
- “Phytomedicine”; Melissa officinalis oil affects infectivity of enveloped herpes viruses; Schnitzler P, Schuhmacher A, Astani A, Reichling J; September 2008
