The herpes simplex virus is commonly divided into the type 1 and type 2 classes, also known as HSV-1 and HSV-2. While type 1 is generally limited to mouth sores, and spreads through sharing utensils or by kissing, some people with this virus also develop genital lesions. Type 2, also known as genital herpes, comes from sexual contact. People with both types suffer periodic outbreaks, often triggered by stress or illness. There is no cure, but pharmaceutical, over-the-counter and herbal remedies may lessen symptoms and speed healing. Recent research links pine oil with possible symptom relief, but always talk to your doctor before attempting any self-treatment.
Pine Oil
Long used in cleaning products because of its germ-killing properties, pine essential oil comes from the needles of various types of pine tree. Essential oils are extremely concentrated liquids extracted from leaves, needles, roots and other parts of plants. Natural healers use pine oil for inhalation therapy and as topical medicine. Its most common external use involves adding it to creams or alcohol rubs to soothe aching muscles or to chest rub formulas for congested lungs and sinuses. While some herbalists may use the oil in internal medicine, those unfamiliar with its potency should stick to pine needle infusions rather than ingesting the more concentrated pine essential oil, notes Jeanne Rose, author of "The Aromatherapy Book."
Theory
Studies conducted at the University of Heidelberg in Germany tested dwarf pine, chamomile, anise, lemon and peppermint essential oil as possible herpes treatments. The research team examined the essential oils for their efficacy against both type 1 and type 2 herpes simplex viruses. Pine oil achieved a 99 percent success rate against the type 1 virus and 98 percent against the type 2 virus. The team concluded that topical ointments featuring pine oil essential oil "might be useful" in treating herpes viruses on the mouth or genital area, especially drug resistant strains, the study authors concluded.
Considerations
Other than the 2008 study, alternative medicine formulas for treating herpes do not involve pine oil. The pine oil research used in vitro tests, making human trials necessary before the actual extent of pine oil's ability to treat herpes viruses is known. Ask your practitioner if more research needs to be done before she can recommend using pine oil to treat herpes. Prescription or over-the-counter herpes products containing pine oil may be unavailable, entailing that you guess at the right percentage of pine oil to other ingredients when crafting a cream, salve or tincture.
Alternative Recommendations
UMMC cites studies that found lemon balm, rhubarb and sage creams to be effective against cold sores, and peppermint oil to stop several viruses, including herpes. Additionally, research links aloe vera gel to a reduction in genital herpes in men, according to UMMC. Aromatherapist Jeanne Rose recommends preparations made with lemon balm, basil, grapefruit, tea tree, hyssop or lavender oils. Mayo Clinic, which includes alternative medicine options for some conditions, lists none for either genital or mouth herpes.
References
- Unversity of Maryland Medical Center
- Mayo Clinic: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Mayo Clinic: Genital Herpes
- PubMed.gov: Efficacy of Anise Oil, Dwarf-Pine Oil and Chamomile Oil against Thymidine-Kinase-Positive and Thymidine-Kinase-Negative Herpes Viruses.
- Google Books: "Botanical Medicine in Clinical Practice"; Richard R. Preedy; 2008
- "The Aromatherapy Book"; Jeanne Rose; 1992
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