Herpes is a chronic, recurrent infection that is caused by viruses from the Herpesvirus family. This large group of viruses includes the herpes simplex viruses, which cause "cold sores" and genital herpes in humans. Once a person is infected, the viruses persist in the central nervous system and re-emerge at inopportune times. There is currently no cure for herpes, but several medications have been developed to help decrease the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Herbal remedies are also frequently employed in herpes management. However, while some studies suggest that herbal treatments can be helpful, scientific scrutiny has not yet shown any convincing evidence of benefit.
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, is a popular herbal treatment for herpes. At least one recent study, published in the journal "Natural Products Research," supports this use. Available as a cream, ointment, or extract, it is applied to the affected area several times daily. An additional benefit of lemon balm is that its leaves make a pleasant-tasting, calming tea. People who are allergic to plants in the mint family should avoid lemon balm.
Green Tea
Much like lemon balm, topical green tea exhibits a healing effect on herpes lesions, possibly due to the tea's tannin content. Other teas have similar properties. A steeped and cooled teabag is applied directly to the affected area as needed. In July 1996, "New Scientist" magazine reported that Joan Hibberd, a British physician, had filed a patent application to capitalize on tea's anti-herpes effect.
Comfrey
Rich in allantoin and mucilage, comfrey has long been used for treating wounds, sores and ulcers. Comfrey compounds can be applied liberally to the skin except in infants and pregnant women. Unfortunately, the content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in commercial products varies widely, and these chemicals are toxic when eaten. Therefore, in July 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the internal use of comfrey.
Aloe
Aloe vera is another herb with a long history of use for skin conditions. Available as a gel, cream, ointment or whole plant, aloe can be applied to affected areas as needed. People with aloe sensitivities should avoid this herb, and alcohol-based preparations should not be applied to broken skin.
St. John's Wort
An herb that has widespread use as an antidepressant, St. John's wort has also found favor with some herpes sufferers. Much of the discomfort associated with herpes is due to irritation of the nerve roots where the virus lies dormant between outbreaks. Either oral or topical St. John's wort may reduce this pain for some people. Topically applied St. John's wort can cause photosensitivity, though, and people who take antidepressant drugs should seek a physician's advice before using this herb.
Immune Enhancers
Since herpes outbreaks are believed to occur as the result of a weakness in the immune system, many oral herbal preparations are designed to boost immune function. While there is no scientific proof of efficacy for this purpose, traditional herbal immune-boosters include Echinacea purpurea, garlic, ginseng, Astragalus, olive leaf and Reishi and maitake mushrooms. Herbs that are reputed to kill herpesviruses include Melaleuca, clove, bitter melon, St. John's wort, Aloe vera and licorice root, according to "Prescription for Herbal Healing."
Dosages and Warnings
There is little standardization of herbal preparations, so people who use these remedies should follow product directions. Consultation with an herbalist or health-care professional is also advised, particularly for individuals who use both herbs and other medications and who are thus at risk for drug-herb interactions. Most herbal remedies have not been subjected to rigorous scientific review and are not approved for use by regulating agencies. Finally, persons who are allergic to specific plants should avoid using remedies containing any related species.
