Herpes refers to various viral diseases caused by one form of the herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 or HSV-2. Herpes diseases include oral and genital herpes, which are outbreaks of blisters on the mouth or genitals; herpetic whitlow, or lesions on the fingers; herpes gladiatorum, or skin lesions; and keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea. Herpes is not curable, since the virus lies dormant in the body between outbreaks, but antiviral herbs may help to suppress the virus and lessen the frequency of recurrent infections. It is important to consult a health care professional before starting herbal treatment.
Pale Purple Coneflower
Pale purple coneflower, or Echinacea pallida, is a prairie plant native to the central plains areas of North America. Native American people used the plant to treat mouth sores, toothaches, sore throat, colds, coughs, infections and digestive disorders. They introduced the plant to European settlers, who used it to treat boils, blood poisoning and inflammatory skin diseases. Active ingredients in purple coneflower include ferulic acid, caffeic acid, verbascoside, rutin and echinacoside, and contemporary herbalists use the plant for its antibacterial, antiviral, immunostimulant and anti-inflammatory properties. A study by S. Schneider, et al, published in the February 2010 issue of "Planta Medica" tested the juice and extracts of the aerial parts of pale purple coneflower in vitro for antiviral activity. All of the extracts were effective against HSV-1 and HSV-2, but the juice had the highest antiviral action, even when diluted. The juice killed the HSV after infection, and was also able to prevent cells from becoming infected. This research supports current uses of the coneflower as an antiviral agent. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and test the juice and extracts on humans.
Lemon Balm, Peppermint, Thyme
Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis; peppermint, or Mentha piperita; and thyme, or Thymus vulgaris; are aromatic herbs and members of the mint family. When steam distilled, the leaves release an essential oil with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Traditional healers use these essential oils to treat bronchitis, fungal, bacterial and viral infections, and inflammatory diseases of the mouth and throat. A study by S. Nolkemper, et al, published in the December 2006 issue of "Planta Medica," tested six essential oils for their action against HSV-1 and HSV-2. The study found that lemon balm, peppermint and thyme were the most active in suppressing both viruses, and that rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, apigenin, eriodictyol and luteolin were the major antiviral ingredients. The essential oils were even active against strains of the viruses that were resistant to acyclovir, a conventional antiviral drug. This study supports the traditional antiviral use of these essential oils. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism of action and to test these results on humans.
Tea Tree
The tea tree, or Melaleuca alternifolia, is an evergreen member of the myrtle family native to Australia. The essential oil from the leaves has medicinal value, and traditional healers use it topically to treat wounds, insect bites, skin infections and fungal infections. The diluted oil is also used as a mouthwash to treat tonsillitis and sinusitis. The oil contains terpenoids such as limonene, terpinen-4-ol, p-cymene, alpha-terpinene, y-terpinene and alpha-pinene. A study by P. Schnitzler, et al, in the April 2001 issue of "Die Pharmazie" tested tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil for activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2. Eucalyptus oil showed weak action, but tea tree oil was 98.2 percent effective in suppressing HSV-1 and 93 percent effective against HSV-2. A recent study by A. Astani, et al, published in the May 2010 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" found that tea tree essential oil ingredients alpha-terpinene, y-terpinene and terpinen-4-ol worked together synergistically to produce a high antiviral activity. The researchers also state that the oil allows skin penetration of the antiviral ingredients, making it a promising therapy for recurring infections. Further studies are needed to determine how tea tree oil works and to test these results on humans.
References
- "Planta Medica"; Anti-herpetic properties of hydroalcoholic extracts and pressed juice from Echinacea pallida; Schneider S, Reichling J, Stintzing FC, Messerschmidt S, Meyer U, Schnitzler P; February 2010
- "Planta Medica"; Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro; Nolkemper S, Reichling J, Stintzing FC, Carle R, Schnitzler P; December 2006
- "Die Pharmazie"; Antiviral activity of Australian tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil against herpes simplex virus in cell culture; Schnitzler P, Schön K, Reichling J; April 2001
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils; Astani A, Reichling J, Schnitzler P; May 2010
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