Oral herpes and genital herpes are caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus, or HSV. There are two forms of HSV: HSV-1 causes oral herpes, commonly known as cold sores, while HSV-2 causes genital herpes. There is no vaccine or cure for herpes. As such, treatment aims to reduce outbreaks and lessen the severity of an existing outbreak. Some herbs may have antiviral properties and may help alleviate symptoms, but scientific evidence to show they are effective is limited.
Siberian Ginseng
Siberian ginseng, or Eleutherococcus, may reduce the severity, frequency and duration of genital herpes outbreaks, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. An article published in the June 2001 issue of "Antiviral Research" also notes that this herb may be active against HSV-1, the virus that causes oral herpes. Short-term use of Siberian ginseng is safe for most adults, RxList states, but side effects may include drowsiness, anxiety and muscle spasms. It is contraindicated in a number of conditions including hypertension and diabetes. Seek medical advice before using it.
Lemon Balm
Topical application of lemon balm may help heal cold sores, the UMMC notes. It may also inhibit replication of HSV-2, according to an article published in 2008 in "Natural Product Research." Lemon balm is likely safe for most adults, but ingestion may cause dizziness, nausea and vomiting, RxList states. Do not use this herb to treat oral herpes lesions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as you may ingest it.
Aloe
The UMMC notes that topical use of aloe gel may improve genital herpes symptoms. However, there is little scientific evidence that it is effective. An article published in the October 2005 issue of the medical journal "Herpes" states that there is insufficient clinical data to be confident of the efficacy and safety of aloe as a genital herpes treatment. Topical use of aloe is not associated with significant adverse effects, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states.
Preventative Measures
Once you have become infected with the herpes simplex virus, herpes symptoms are likely to recur throughout your lifetime. Since there is no cure for herpes, prevention is important, both to prevent an initial infection and to reduce the likelihood of further outbreaks. Simple measures to avoiding oral herpes include not sharing personal items with other people, reducing stress and regularly washing your hands. Don't kiss anyone who has a cold sore. Limiting the number of sex partners and using condoms will help limit the spread of genital herpes.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Herpes Simplex Virus
- PubMed.gov: Antiviral activity of an extract derived from roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus
- RxList: Ginseng, Siberian
- PubMed.gov: Inhibitory activity of Melissa officinalis L. extract on Herpes simplex virus type 2 replication
- RxList: Lemon Balm
- PubMed.gov: Use of complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of genital herpes
