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The Eclectic Physician
Natural Health Care
by Beth Burch N.D.
Herpes-
Herpes simplex is a very common viral disease that causes cold sores and
genital lesions. It is estimated that anywhere from 40-100% of the US population
has had herpes at some time. About 30% of the population suffers from recurrent
herpes infection. An initial infection of herpes causes fever, along with
painful ulcers in the mouth, on the lips or the genitals. Subsequents recurrances
begin with a tingling or itching sensation in the affected area, followed
by the appearance of a pimple-like bump surrounded by reddened tissue.
The pimple(s) progress to a painful blister, that ruptures and exudes blood
and yellowish fluid. The lesions then crust over and healing begins. Herpes
is very contagious. Contact with the lesions will result in infection ~75%
of the time. Serious complications of herpes include eye infection and
infection of the brain, called herpes encephalitis. Impaired immune function
will increase the chances of recurrance and serious complications. Current
conventional treatment is th e use of topical and oral antiviral medications.
Serious complications must be treated with intravenous antivirals.
Natural treatment for herpes involves enhancing immune function (see
immune enhancement). Decreasing the amino acid arginine and increasing
the amino acid lysine has been found to be helpful in inhibiting the herpes
virus. Herpes virus requires arginine for replication, low levels of arginine
and high levels of lysine inhibit the virus from reproducing. Foods high
in arginine are chocolate, peanuts, seeds and nuts. Foods high in lysine
are vegetables, fish, turkey and chicken. Lysine can be taken as a supplement
(1000 mg three times a day) and has been found to be effective in decreasing
outbreaks, especially if combined with a low arginine-high lysine diet.
Supplements of zinc and vitamin
C are helpful in speeding the healing of herpes. Of course, prevention
of infection is important, both to unaffected people and to other areas
of your own body. Avoid contact with lesions and with affected areas in
the tingling prodromal stage when the virus is being shed.
Herbal treatment-
Echinacea(internal)-
an effective herb to enhance immune function, it also has specific antiviral
activity.
Liquid extract- 1/2- 1 teaspoon three times a day
Dry herb in capsules- 500-1000 mg three times a day
Standardized extract (3.5% echinacoside)-150-300 mg three times a day
Lemon Balm(external)- has specific anti-herpes action due to
constituents called polyphenols. These attach to receptor sites on the
virus preventing it from attaching to the body's cells. Several studies
have shown it speads healing of herpes sores, decreases recurrance and
if used in initial herpes infections, no recurrances occurred.
Apply the cream containing the concentrated extract (70:1) of lemon
balm liberally two- four times a day.
Other herbs- Licorice (topically as glycyrrhetinic acid), St.
John's wort, Garlic, Tea Tree
Oil (topically)
* The information presented in this web site is intended to inform and educate.
It is not intended replace a qualified medical practitioner to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
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