Herpes is infection caused by one of two types of the herpes simplex virus. According to dermatologist Christina Cernik, M.D., in the June 9, 2008 issue of "Archives of Internal Medicine," symptoms include small, painful blisters and weeping open sores. Symptoms appear on the part of the body where the virus gains entry, usually the thin skin of the mouth or genitals. During the first few outbreaks, Cernik says that some people also experience flu-like symptom such as fever, fatigue, headache or poor appetite. Herbalists traditionally used sarsaparilla to treat a variety of skin complaints, however you should talk to your doctor before using it for herpes.
Definition
Sarsaparilla is a generic term that encompasses several species of a flowering vine in the Smilax family. According to holistic medicine specialist Alan R. Gaby, M.D. in his 2006 book, "Natural Pharmacy," sarsaparilla grows throughout Mexico, South America and the Carribean. Gaby says it is the brown or red, fibrous root of the plant that is throught to confer medicinal properties. Sarsaparilla root contains sapononins which may quell inflammation, and flavonoids that inhibit the reproduction of viruses, including herpes.
Effectiveness
In the winter 2008 issue of the "American Journal of Chinese Medicine," researcher Linda S. M. Ooi, Ph.D., of the Chinese University of Hong Kong reported that sarsaparilla extract inactivated the herpes simplex virus in test tubes. However, compounds that work well in test tubes do not always work well in people. In the spring 2003 issue of "Dermatologic Therapy," dermatologist Alan M. Dattner, M.D., says that sarsaparilla has been used historically to treat a variety of infections with skin manifestations, including leprosy, syphilis and lyme disease, as well as the autoimmune diseases, psoriasis and scleroderma. However, Dattner says, there is no evidence that sarsaparilla worked especially well for any of these conditions.
Safety
Gaby says that sarsaparilla can cause stomach or urinary tract problems in high doses. Overall, however, there is little safety information on sarsaparilla. Sarsaparilla does not replace conventional medical treatments for herpes or any other medical condition. If you use it, you should include this information in your health history, just as you would include any prescription or over-the-counter drugs that you use. Although herpes outbreaks usually subside with no treatment at all, frequent, severe or prolonged symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
Use
You can purchase sarsaparilla at many health and specialty stores. To use it, Gaby suggests taking 2 g to 4 g three times per day in the form of capsules or 2 mL to 4 mL three times per day in the form of a tincture. Alternatively, you can prepare a tea from 2 g of the crushed dried root. To do this, allow the root to steep in boiling water for 10 minutes and then discard. Allow the tea to cool to drinking temperature and repeat up to three times per day, as desired.
Considerations
As of November 2010, sarsaparilla has never been studied in people with herpes. However, several other herbs have. Gaby recommends lemon balm and witch hazel. According to Gaby, several nutritional supplements --- such as lysine, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc --- also offer benefits to people with herpes. All people with herpes benefit from a healthy lifestyle that includes adequate sleep, regular exercise, stress management and a balanced diet.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; The Treatment of Herpes Simplex Infections; Christina Cernik, M.D. et al.; June 9, 2008
- "Natural Pharmacy: Complete A to Z Reference to Alternative Treatments for Common Health Conditions"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
- "American Journal of Chinese Medicine"; Antiviral and Anti-Proliferative Glycoproteins from the Rhizome of Smilax; Linda S. M. Ooi, Ph.D. et al.; Winter 2008
- "Dermatologic Therapy;" From Medical Herbalism to Phytotherapy in Dermatology: Back to the Future; Alan M. Dattner, M.D.; Spring 2003
