Herbal Herpes Help

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Unfortunately, I am one of the many Americans who have genital herpes. I want to try and stay away from pharmaceutical medications because I do not want to ruin my liver. I have heard that herbs are sometimes used. Can you tell me more about them?
—M.B., Los Angeles, California 

Stansbury responds: Because herpes is a virus, all of the measures known to improve the immune system might reduce outbreaks. Our immune systems are weakened by too little sleep; too much stress; too much sugar, alcohol and processed foods; and by a diet lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables. Improvements in these areas should be the first step.

One of the most widely discussed natural therapies for herpes eruptions has been the essential amino acid lysine, shown to assist the body in fighting all viruses, including these difficult ones. Lysine often is combined with vitamin C and taken in 500-mg tablets three times per day with meals, doubling or tripling the dose at the first sign of an outbreak.

Herbs that have been specifically shown to be active against the herpes virus include lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). An inexpensive option would be to consume these herbs as tea — several cups per day — reducing over time as outbreaks improve. These also may be found in tincture and pill form in health-food stores.

Other herbs to consider are immune builders such as astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), echinacea (Echinacea spp.) and medicinal mushrooms. If outbreaks occur with stress more than the immune system being run down, also consider adrenal-supportive and nerve-supporting herbs such as ashwaganda (Withania somnifera).

Nutrients thought to reduce viral activity include vitamin C, zinc and beta-carotene. You might take an antioxidant formula which would include these, along with the above herbs and nutritional/lifestyle changes, for three to six months to determine if outbreaks can be reduced in that time. Increase the dosage at the onset of any outbreaks that occur during this period.

If pharmaceutical therapy is necessary, liver-supportive herbs can be used in tandem with herpes drugs. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and burdock (Arctium lappa) are among my favorites.

Willard responds: Many people with genital herpes remain asymptomatic, that is, carrying the virus in a dormant state, for years or even their entire lives. After the initial infection, the virus will remain in a dormant state in the nervous system until something triggers an outbreak. Herpes outbreaks will sometimes recur after minor infections, trauma and stress.

Once a person has herpes, it is unlikely that he or she will ever rid the body of the virus. The goal is to keep herpes in a dormant state. The most important factors in dealing with herpes are stress and immunity. If a person already has herpes lying dormant in the nervous system, good immunity, low stress and good physical and psychological health will lower the incidence of recurrence. I always get the person to take essential fatty acids, such as evening primrose (dosage is usually 2,000 mg twice daily), on an ongoing basis, as it helps reduce outbreaks.

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