Herbs for Herpes Simplex
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Name not given
Posted on: August 14, 2001

My husband has had a split lip for quite some time. He went to an oral surgeon who sewed it up and it enlarged and was worse then ever. The doctor said it was from a herpes virus. A medical doctor has put him on several medications that have helped, sorta. Is there an herb that perhaps would help him internally? We are thinking perhaps he has a lack of something in his system.

Herpes simplex normally appear as "cold sores", affecting the face around the mouth and eyes. The herpes simplex virus may be transmitted by kissing. Cold sores around the eyes should receive medical attention.

In general, you want to increase your immunity to combat the virus. Improve diet and digestion so that nutrients are well absorbed. Get lots of sleep and take anti-viral remedies. Anti-viral herbs include Calendula, Echinacea, St. John’s wort and garlic. Dandelion root, taken as a tincture or as Dandelion coffee (available at health food stores) provides nutrients and improves digestion. Recommended supplements include Vitamin C, 2 grams a day and the anti-herpes amino acid lysine, 500 mg twice day.

Your diet is important. A whole food diet, high in fresh, raw fruit and vegetables and low in refined food, processed food and fats helps the immune system to fight the herpes virus.

The amino acid lysine appears to inhibit replication of the virus. It is available in fish (salmon, sardines, tuna, halibut) and legumes (peas and beans, especially cooked mung beans). For example, a cup of black beans, lentils or soybeans will provide 2500 mg of lysine, twice the recommended daily dosage recommended to suppress the viral replication

The amino acid arginine encourages the herpes virus to replicate. Argenine is especially high in nuts, wheat, caffeine, chocolate, carob, bacon, coffee, sugars, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, mushrooms. These foods should be avoided.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is effective against the herpes simplex virus. Make a tea with 4-6 teaspoons of the herb per cup of boiling water. This can be taken internally and applied externally on the lesions. Lemon Balm has antioxidants to strengthen the immune system, and antiviral compounds that target the herpes virus.

St. John’s Wort: Make a strong tea and dab it on the sores when cooled. The hypericin in St. John’s wort is effective against Herpes simplex.

Garlic is effective against the herpes virus, and is best taken fresh in pastas or salads

Pear juice is rich in anti-herpes caffeic acid

Keep towels, face cloths and bed linen separate to avoid others contacting the virus.

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