The garlic plant, first cultivated over 5,000 years ago, contains several components which may help treat and prevent genital herpes. Genital herpes is one of the most frequently occurring sexually transmitted, infectious diseases and manifests itself in lesions and blisters. Garlic and its infection- and inflammation-fighting properties may benefit genital herpes symptoms. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to fully support garlic for the treatment of genital herpes.
Vitamin C Component Benefits
People with weak immune systems are more likely to develop a genital herpes infection says Dr. Alan R. Gaby, a nutritional medicine specialist. Garlic contains vitamin C, which has been shown to inactivate viruses such as herpes simplex--the virus responsible for genital herpes--and increase immune system functioning, according to Gaby. Although garlic is thought to fight viruses and strengthen the immune system, additional scientific evidence is needed to completely support its effectiveness in the treatment of genital herpes.
Vitamin B6 Component Benefits
Low levels of vitamin B6 have been linked to improper immune system function, which can trigger a herpes simplex viral attack. Garlic is an excellent source vitamin B6, and may restore an impaired immune system, according to Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute. People lacking adequate amounts of vitamin B6 are reported to have decreased immune system cells called lymphocytes, and decreased amounts of an immune system protein known as interleukin-2. The Linus Pauling Institute states that when levels of vitamin B6 were restored in these individuals, levels of lymphocytes and interleukin-2 returned to a normal range. The B6 benefits in garlic may help boost your immune system, but have not been sufficiently proven by the medical community to treat the herpes simplex virus.
Sulfur Component Benefits
Garlic is a member of the lily or allium family and contains allicin, one of the best known sulfur containing compounds. Allicin not only gives garlic its famous odor, but has potent anti-viral and anti-bacterial forces to help in the fight against genital herpes. Genital herpes may be caused by two types of herpes viruses---herpes simplex virus type 1 or HSV-1, and herpes simplex virus type 2 or HSV-2. Although genital herpes outbreaks are most commonly caused by HSV-2, they can also result from HSV-1, the primary cause of cold sores or fever blisters. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 400 mg of standardized garlic two to three times daily to help defeat genital herpes. Though its sulfur components act against sexually transmitted diseases, garlic has not been sufficiently proven to treat genital herpes.
