Herpes is a term that describes numerous viruses which cause painful skin lesions. The American Academy of Dermatology states that the herpes simplex virus causes sores and blisters to develop on various parts of your body, including your nose, genitals, buttocks, around your mouth and elsewhere on your skin. Herpes often responds to herbal medications, although before taking herbs to treat your herpes, you should always check with your physician to see if this type of treatment is appropriate for you.
Herpes
Herpes simplex virus infections are a common source of annoyance for affected individuals as the sores associated with this condition are painful, unsightly and reappear from time to time -- often during times of stress. Genital herpes is the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases among Americans. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," approximately 45 million Americans have this condition, although less than 50 percent of infected individuals develop serious symptoms.
Herbal Medication
Certain herbal medications for herpes may be taken orally while others are applied to your blisters or sores. Balch states that the following herbs may be effective in treating your herpes: astragalus, black walnut, goldenseal extract, cat's claw, licorice root, olive leaf extract, red marine algae, spirulina, tea tree oil, cayenne, echinacea, myrrh, red clover and St. John's wort. Many herbal medications for herpes possess antiviral activity and help boost your immune system health and function.
Featured Herb
Black walnut is an herb that is often used to help treat herpes sores and blisters. Black walnut, notes Balch, may be used topically to treat this condition. Black walnut helps heal mouth and throat sores, cleanses your body of certain types of parasites and helps treat bruising, fungal infections, herpes, poison ivy and warts. Black walnut may also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels in some individuals. The leaves, nuts and inner bark of the black walnut tree are used in herbal preparations.
Disclaimer
Herbal medications should be taken according to the instructions provided by your physician. Herbal medications, though intended to help treat your condition, may cause undesirable side effects in certain people if taken inappropriately. Consult a qualified health care professional -- such as a naturopathic physician or allopathic physician trained in herbal medicine -- to better understand the risks and procedures associated with herbal supplementation. Always tell your doctor about other health conditions you have that he or she may not be aware of before using herbs.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Herpes Simplex
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
