Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating your herpes. According to the Family Doctor website, herpes refers to a collection of viruses that cause painful blisters and sores. Some types of herpes cause cold sores around your mouth and sores on your genitals, while other types of herpes cause chickenpox and shingles. Before taking herbs to help treat your herpes, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Licorice
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is usually grown in Greece, Turkey and certain parts of Asia. Licorice has been used to treat numerous conditions in both Eastern and Western healing traditions. Licorice, a member of the legume family, possesses a sweet and nutritious taste. The root of the plant is used medicinally. Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," states that herbal preparations containing licorice root inhibit the growth of herpes simplex. Pizzorno adds that topical application of this herb is helpful in reducing healing time and pain associated with cold sores and genital herpes. Before taking licorice to help treat your herpes, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Lemon Balm
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is a plant native to Europe, although it now grows throughout the world. Lemon balm is used in medicine, cosmetics and other consumer goods. Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, features a slightly sweet and sour taste. The flowering herb of the this plant is used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including herpes. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," lemon balm is an antiviral whose essential oil has been used externally to treat herpes simplex. Pizzorno notes that lemon balm rapidly interrupts infection and significantly reduces healing time. Before taking lemon balm to help treat your herpes, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Lavender
Lavender is an herb that may be effective in treating your herpes. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia, is a plant native to the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean, although it now grows throughout Europe, Australia and the United States. Lavender thrives in sunny and stony areas. Lavender, a member of the mint family, has a bitter taste. The flowers of the plant are used medicinally to treat numerous health problems. Tilgner notes that lavender is an antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Herbalists use lavender oil topically to treat a variety of skin ailments. Tilgner cautions that lavender should be avoided if you are pregnant, unless you are under the guidance of a qualified health care professional. Before using lavender to help treat your herpes, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
