Herpes results from a viral infection. The herpes simplex virus-1, or HSV-1, is responsible for oral herpes, while HSV-2 causes genital herpes. Oral herpes, which spreads through saliva, is characterized by the presence of red sores, known as cold sores, around the mouth. Genital herpes, which is transmitted through sexual contact, causes lesions around the genitals and on the inner thighs. A typical treatment for herpes is an oral or topical anti-viral medicine. Garlic and lysine might also help to improve symptoms, but evidence showing their effectiveness is limited. Talk to your doctor before using them for herpes.
Garlic
Garlic is a pungent, tasty herb used to flavor foods. It is also sometimes a complementary treatment for a broad spectrum of conditions, including high cholesterol, cancer, hay fever, osteoarthritis and bacterial infections. Early research published in the October 1992 issue of "Planta Medica" showed that a compound found in garlic, known as allicin, might have anti-viral effects. However, more up-to-date studies are lacking. You can eat garlic raw or take it in capsules or tablets. You may also apply garlic oil to your skin. Ask your doctor how best to use this herb.
Lysine
Lysine is an amino acid supplied by a variety of foods, including chicken, fish and potatoes. It is also available as a dietary supplement. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that taking 1 to 3 grams daily might help to reduce the number of outbreaks of cold sores and genital herpes, and may speed up the healing process. However, UMMC adds that evidence to prove lysine's effectiveness for herpes is not conclusive. Discuss with your doctor whether taking a lysine supplement might be helpful.
Safety
MedlinePlus notes that taking garlic orally is likely safe, but adds that applying it to the skin may cause a burn-like lesion. If you take garlic orally, it may cause side effects, including nausea, body odor and diarrhea. It might also interact with other medicines, such as anti-coagulants and birth control pills. Mississippi Baptist Health Systems notes that high doses of lysine might cause gallstones or increase cholesterol levels.
Considerations
As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure. This is particularly relevant to herpes, because once you become infected with the herpes virus, it will lay dormant in your body for the rest of your life, causing periodic flare-ups. You can help prevent oral herpes by refraining from kissing people with cold sores and not sharing personal items like toothbrushes. You can lessen the likelihood of contracting genital herpes by using condoms and limiting your number of sexual partners.
