According to the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), alternative remedies are those that are used in place of conventional remedies for the treatment of disease. Many patients who use conventional remedies for herpes find that drugs are no longer effective after a time or that the cost or side effects of drugs are prohibitive. For these people, alternative remedies may be a good choice for the treatment or management of herpes.
Cat's Claw
According to a 2009 report in the American Journal of Health System Pharmacy, Cat's Claw is a woody vine that grows wild in many parts of Central and South America. The inner bark of cat's claw has been used to make liquid extracts, capsules, teas and topical preparations that have been used for over 2,000 years in the treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer, arthritis and viral infections such as herpes and HIV. Though clinical trial data are lacking, in vitro (cell culture) studies suggest that Cat's Claw has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immune-stimulating properties that could help diminish viral replication and promote healing of lesions in herpes. According to NCCAM, when taken at recommended doses, cat's claw is associated with a low rate of side effects such as headache, dizziness and vomiting.
Hsien-Ho-T'sao
Hsien-Ho-T'sao, also known by its Latin name Agrimonia pilosa, is a perennial herb native to Northern Asia and Eastern Europe that has been used for ailments from sore throat to internal bleeding. According to a 2002 report in Phytotherapy Research, water-based extracts of the herb significantly inhibited the replication of the herpes virus in cultured human cells without killing them. According to the Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas, Hsien-Ho-T'Sao is rich in vitamin K and should not be taken by people on blood-thinning medications. Other side effects include lower blood sugar and heart palpitations.
Mango Stem Bark
According to a 2007 article in Pharmacology Research, extract prepared from mango (Mangifera indica) stem bark has been a traditional South and Central American remedy for a variety of conditions, including herpes. Mango stem bark extracts have been formulated into coated tablets, capsules, syrup, cream, ointment, suppositories and ampoules for injection. Studies in rats and gerbils suggest that mango stem bark mainly functions as an antioxidant, preventing cell damage due to free radicals. In a clinical trial of 590 patients with unspecified skin problems, more than 90 percent were partially or completely cured after using a topical proprietary preparation of mango stem bark called Vimang. No side effects were reported. NCCAM does not provide safety information on mango stem bark.
References
- "American Journal of Health System Pharmacists;" Pharmacology and Therapeutic Uses of Cat's Claw; G.I. Erowele and A.O. Kalejaiye; Jun. 1 2009
- "Phytotherapy Research;" Antiviral Activities of Medicinal Herbs Traditionally Used in Southern Mainland China; Y. Li, L.S.M. Ooi, H. Wang, P.P.H. But, V.E.C. Ooi; 2004
- "Pharmacology Research;" The Paradox of Natural Products as Pharmaceuticals. Experimental Evidences of a Mango Stem Bark Extract; A.J. Nunez-Selles; R. Delgado-Hernandez, G. Garrido-Garrido, D. Garcia-Rivera, M. Guevara-Garcia, G.L. Pardo-Andreu; May 2007
