Genital herpes is a disease that can profoundly impact your physical, emotional and mental well-being. Because there is not a cure for the condition, it is important to learn how best to manage life with genital herpes. Because of a great deal of scientific research, it is possible to continue living a healthy and happy life as long as you take certain precautions. Garlic may be one natural choice that can be helpful in managing genital herpes, but check with your doctor before supplementing your diet with garlic.
Identification
Herpes simplex viruses are a complex system of microbes capable of causing a variety of infections, including genital herpes, according to Dr. Lawrence R. Stanberry in his book, "Understanding Herpes." Genital herpes, sometimes referred to as genital warts, is both a common and chronic sexually transmitted disease. Certain anti-viral drugs and lifestyle factors now allow for the management of genital herpes, though a full cure does not exist. Garlic is a natural anti-viral food that is sometimes purported to help with genital herpes.
Function
Garlic is one of the most valuable foods available, according to certified nutrition consultant Phyllis A. Balch in her book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." This is due to its natural antibiotic nature and its ability to stimulate the immune system. The amino acid derivative alliin is converted to allicin in the body, and it is this component that has antibiotic and anti-bacterial effects. Balch adds that its antibacterial effect is estimated to be equivalent to 1 percent of that of penicillin.
Benefits
According to Martha Schindler Connors and Dr. Larry Altshuler in their book, "The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies," garlic is a proven anti-viral supplement that can help fight infection both inside and out of the body. Research shows that garlic can fight the viruses that cause both forms of herpes -- oral and genital -- and an isolated garlic compound has been shown to be effective against warts. Dr. Richard Huemer and Jack Challem note in their book, "The Natural Health Guide to Beating Supergerms," that other research has indicated garlic may be helpful in suppressing genital herpes outbreaks in patients who suffer from AIDS and therefore have depressed immune systems.
Considerations
Although supplemental garlic may be helpful in fighting genital herpes, it is not a substitute for antiviral drugs. Be sure to see your doctor immediately if you believe you may have contracted genital herpes, and follow their prescribed regimen. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have been taking garlic to fight genital herpes or for any other reason, as it may conflict with other treatment.
References
- "Understanding Herpes"; Lawrence R. Stanberry, M.D.; 2006
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2002
- "The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies"; Martha Schindler Connors and Larry Altshuler, M.D.; 2009
- "The Natural Health Guide to Beating Supergerms"; Richard P. Huemer, M.D., and Jack Challem; 1997
