Herpes Simplex Virus Affects One in Four Sexually Active: Coping with the Herpes Virus
What Does Herpes Look like and What is it? Find Creams or Medicines for Herpes
There are 2 types of herpes virus. Type 1 (herpes simplex) causes cold sores, skin eruptions, and inflammation of the eye cornea. An infected eye can lead to serious complications. Treat immediately.
Type 2 (genital herpes) is the most common form and is a sexually transmitted disease. This virus can be passed onto babies in the birth canal; therefore, a Cesarean section may be required. The virus never leaves the body; it can only be kept under control. If not controlled, it will cause painful blisters around the mouth and genitals, which are highly infectious. Low immunity and stress can cause the dormant virus to break out into open sores.
There are actually about 80 known viruses in the herpes virus family but the two we address here are the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2). Both types are extremely contagious during their active stages, and an outbreak of either type is usually preceded by a period of "tingling sensation" in the area. If one can learn to notice this prodomal symptom and take evasive action before the outbreak occurs, sometimes an outbreak can be completely avoided. Typically, the type one virus will affect the mouth area, resulting in cold sores and fever blisters while the type two strain most commonly effects the genital area.
This information was provided by Herbal Remedies where can find an assortment of natural remedies for Herpes, including
Wonder Cure (1oz) powder: Wonder Cure is a topical medication for the treatment of Herpes simplex labialis and provides instant relief for other common skin infections such as cold sores, ringworm, and impetigo.
Samento-Extra Strength 600mg - 30 Caps: Beneficial in the treatment of a wide range of immune system related conditions; these include but are not limited to cancer, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, allergies, ulcers, systemic candidacies, all forms of herpes, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, intestinal disorders and HIV infection.
Essential Oil Tea Tree (2oz): Tea Tree only grows in Australia's northeast region of New South Wales. It has been described as nature's first aid kit in a bottle.
Creams and Ointments for Herpes
Maximum-Strength Cold Sore-Cream - Clinically proven to Shorten the duration of cold sores. Natural relief from: Tingling, Blistering, Itching, Pain. Homeopathic, Applies clear, Use at the first sign of Cold Sore Scientifically researched and clinically studied to provide a safe treatment that speeds healing while reducing symptoms. The active zinc ingredient has been specially formulated in a soothing cream to enhance its rapid absorption and availability. Clinically Proven in a randomized double-blind, placebo controlled study, Novitra cream formulation shortened the duration of cold sores and reduces the severity of symptoms.
Boericke & Tafel Cold Sore Cream: For those seasonal cold sores, have an all natural maximum-strength cold sore-cream on hand.
NutriBiotic Skin Ointment Homeopathic Cold Sore Cream: With grapeseed extract and lysine.
Lysine - Lysine is one of the most well known amino acids and is an essential component of all proteins. When you begin to notice an outbreak immediately take Lysine to prevent a more severe outbreak.
Click here to learn more > Find The Above Mentioned Natural Herpes Treatments and Creams from Herbal Remedies.
Plantadophilus Supplementation for Herpes
Another Important featured supplement for Herpes is Plantadophilus which is a product of Enzyme Essentials.
You've taken acidophilus no doubt, or read of it's benefits for healthy intestinal balance. Did you know that one species, called Lactobacillus Plantarum is stronger than any other? Or that it is more stable and multiplies faster than the more commonly used L. Salvarus and other bacterium? Plantadophilus indications:
Diarrhea, food allergies, fungus, chronic fatigue syndrome, constipation Epstein Barr Syndrome, colds and flu.
In addition, it is specifically indicated for those who suffer with oral or genital herpes. While herpes is not generally a life-threatening problem, it is damaging to self-image and can be quite painful. If you or someone you know suffers with herpes, this information will be of interest:
It has been know for some time now that supplementation with the amino acid lysine can help to reduce outbreaks of herpes and to shorten duration. Less known is the fact that lysine, present in L. Plantarum, is essential for good intestinal balance, in general. In addition, research performed at the University of Nebraska shows that L. Plantarum synthesizes a large amount of lysine. The balance between lysine and arginine, another amino acid, is critical for healthy immune system function. If the arginine balance is far higher than the lysine, then fungal forms, allergies and viruses like the herpes simplex viruses, are not kept under control by the immune system. On the other hand, keeping lysine levels high helps the immune system control allergies, viruses and fungals.
Plantadophilus has proven very effective in reducing the number of outbreaks, according to feedback I've received from customers who use it. In one case, a person went from having an outbreak every other menstrual cycle to not having one at all for over six months. Of course, results will vary widely and this case is not representative of any implied guarantee that you will have the same results but I do believe this supplement is an important supplement for those who might be suffering from frequent or painful herpes outbreaks. The single most important thing you can do to control herpes is to control stress. Easier said than done, but it will greatly benefit you if you struggle with herpes, to work at stress reduction in addition to whatever supplements or applications you use in addition, for self-treatment of the condition.
Anti-Cancer properties of Plantadophilus: According to the National Cancer Institute, lactic acid balance and lysine support are believe to lower the risk of cancer. The lactobacilli serve to sequester cancer-causing agents before they can be absorbed into the body.
Click Here to Order Enzyme Essentials Plantadolphilus
Tips for Dealing with Herpes
These tips are not intended to replace any needed medical attention but may be helpful in dealing with the pain and discomfort of herpes outbreaks as well as helping strengthen your body's resistance to the virus naturally.
L - Lysine is one of the 8 essential amino acids, helpful in the production of antibodies to fight disease and enzymes necessary for tissue repair. Commonly used to treat symptoms caused by the Herpes Simplex-1 virus. Helps symptoms of herpes infection, cold sores. Most people take the 400 mg dosage for maintenance. Many get excellent results combining Cayenne Pepper with Lysine. Cayenne can cause a burning sensation in the stomach for some people. Use your discernment and practice responsible self=treatment.
Keeping the affected area cool is also helpful. Some sources suggest soaking a cloth in ice water and keeping it on the area to take the heat out. Others suggest a cool sitz bath.
Maintaining higher levels of lysine than arginine is important, as I mentioned at the beginning of the page when talking about Plantadophilus as an alternative health option. In addition to taking a supplement which will synthesize more lysine, like Plantadophilus does, you can also naturally work toward keeping more lysine in your system than arginine but eating lysine-rich foods and avoiding those high in arginine. This is important for those with herpes because particular levels of arginine seem to be necessary for the reproduction of the herpes simplex virus so cutting down on arginine taken in through the diet, and simultaneously increasing the lysine you take in can sort of trick the virus into using Lysine instead of Arginine, and then the virus stops replicating.
- Foods rich in lysine include beef, turkey, cheese vegetables, fruits, beans, mug bean sprouts, brewer's yeast, legumes, fish, chicken, and lamb.
- Foods high in arginine include peanuts and peanut butter, chocolate, coconut, soybeans, oats, almonds, carob, gelatin, seeds, wheat germ, whole-wheat and white flour.
Lemon Balm/Melissa has natural properties that inhibit the herpes virus. As an herbalist, I have studied Lemon Balm and feel that it is one of the best gentle tonics a person can use, generally, and may be specifically beneficial to anyone dealing with herpes. It can be taken long term, according to all texts I have ever read. I like the tea, which can be made from the dried herb or from a few drops of tincture, but it can also be purchased in capsule form.
Reducing stress is probably the single-most important factor in reducing outbreaks. Some suggested stress reduction options include Qigong, Tai Chi or Taebo.
Healing Oil For Herpes
Some people get excellent results treating herpes with Essential Oils. There are a few things to be aware of, if you decide to go this route. First, be sure you are using pure oils with no additives or filler oils. Additives may actually irritate delicate tissues. Also, make sure the oils are chemographically tested for potency because many aromatherapy grade oils are processed with high heat or extracted in ways that alter or diminish the medicinal value. Although the smell may still seem lovely the quality is not medicinal. And finally, always dilute oils for application and do a patch test on some small area of the body (such as the underside of the upper arm, about 24 hours before use if you have any known sensitivities to Essential Oils or have sensitive skin in general.
For herpes, a blend of 2 drops of peppermint essential oil and two drops of lavender, diluted in a quarter-sized dollop of olive oil in the palm of the hand, makes a very soothing application for herpes and can sometimes halt an outbreak if applied during the tingling stage, or predomal stage before the blisters appear.
H-Away and H-Prevention Essential Healing Oils for Herpes: These two formulas are specifically blended to attack the herpes virus and prevent recurrences. This is an extremely popular set of formulas on my site and I've gotten no negative feedback at all. I ordered their shingles prevention blend for my mom and must say I loved the smell. They obviously use quality oils and I would suspect that all the formulas are potent.
A reflexologist suggestion is to apply the formula all around the ankles as well as across the bed of the foot from outside ankle to inside ankle, as these are areas that correspond to the reproductive area and this often works well whenever herpes is a problem.
Click here to learn more about > Healing Essential Oil Blends H-Away and H-Prevention
Most Commonly Prescribed Prescription Drugs for Herpes
If you are not looking for a holistic approach to treating your symptoms and are seeking the common drugs prescribed for herpes please be sure to discuss with your doctor the possible side effects of these medications. This is the only way you can make a truly informed decision on whether to use them or not. There is a link at the end of this section, leading to an online source for filling prescriptions easily, privately and quickly.
Valtrex This medicine is an antiviral used in patients with normal immune systems to treat herpes zoster infections (shingles) or genital herpes. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Use of this medicine is not recommended in patients without a normal immune system (immunocompromised patients). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Acyclovir (Zovirax) This medicine is an antiviral used to treat shingles, chickenpox, or genital herpes. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Famvir This medicine is an antiviral used to treat herpes zoster (shingles) and genital herpes. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Acyclovir and Famvir are also available. As with all precriptions medications be sure and share with your Dr. all products you are taking, for these products are pharmacueticals which can have various other effects on the body, when combined with other medications and supplements.
More HealthyNew Age Related Resource Pages
One Important Note: If you suspect that you may have systemic yeast, or candida, or if you have not done a detox in over a year's time, the Plantadophilus mentioned previously may initially cause a feeling of over-fullness. To minimize this temporary response, deal with the yeast if needed, or spend some time detoxing. You may use the Enzyme Cleanse. With yeast, it's important to cut down on refined sugar. I'd suggest switching to Stevia. In fact, stevia will actually help your body in many ways and is one of the most healthy sweeteners you could choose long term. Also use Oregano Essential Oil, rubbed into the soles of the feet (dilute with olive oil as oregano can be too strong to apply neat) will help the system throw off yeast as will taking Oregano Tincture. If you are dealing with warts, you can also find a related page offering natural help for warts.
