Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus type 2. Symptoms of herpes vary widely per person, ranging from asymptomatic carriers to those who have many severe and painful outbreaks. Herpes is incurable, but prescription medications have been developed to decrease both severity and duration of outbreaks. In addition to prescription medications, many alternative treatments are being developed to achieve similar results.
L-Lysine
Lysine is an amino acid that must be obtained from food as it is not made by the body. It is believed that lysine supplements may decrease the frequency and severity of outbreaks when taken in sufficient amounts. However, the American Social Health Organization warns that some studies have shown lysine to have no effect on the herpes virus. It is always best to seek advice from a healthcare provider before starting supplemental therapy.
Propolis
Propolis is a waxy substance created by bees to build their hives. Medline Plus indicates that results from early studies show that topical propolis can improve genital herpes lesions. WebMD references a study in which topical propolis was shown to speed healing of herpes lesions better than a topical prescription medicine. Propolis can be found at health food stores, or it can be purchased online.
Echinacea
Claims have been made that an Echinacea supplement works to bolster the immune system, leading to fewer outbreaks. A study was performed in the United Kingdom in which 50 patients were given Echinacea, and 50 other patients were administered a placebo. The study showed no difference in results for the two groups. More studies must be completed to determine the true efficacy of Echinacea.
Considerations
Alternative treatments for herpes are considered supplements. Since they are not classified as medications, they are not regulated by the FDA. However, they can be readily found in grocery and health food stores. Some of these alternative treatments have shown promising results, but studies are still being performed to determine how effective they will be. To be on the safe side, consult a medical provider before starting a supplemental regimen.
