All the best natural remedies for herpes: the types of virus, how to prevent them and how to treat them with supplements, foods, essential oils, creams and ointments.
Under the definition of herpes virus, herpes simplex, herpes zoster and Epstein-Barr virus are recognised. Those mentioned are the most widespread and the ones we most commonly hear about, even though their triggers and characteristics differ. They all share one common denominator, however: the peculiarity of affecting people with a weak immune system or those who are in poor health. In some cases they can even overlap, creating situations of considerable, long-lasting malaise that are difficult to resolve.
Herpes simplex can primarily affect the lips, in the form of herpes labialis, and the genitals, but it does not exclude the eyes, the base of the nostrils and the inside of the mouth. The virus remains latent in the nerve ganglia, sometimes for a long time, occasionally becoming active during periods of intense psycho-physical stress, during premenstrual syndrome, in cases of a weakened immune system, and in situations of extreme fatigue, for example during changes of season.
An infectious disease, herpes simplex manifests rapidly with small, serous vesicles arranged in clusters that can cause itching and pain.
Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is caused by the chickenpox virus. The term zoster derives from Greek and means "belt", referring to the characteristic shape the vesicles take on at their onset along the line of a nerve. The area most commonly affected by this virus is the back, and the most frequent form is intercostal, though it can also localise in the lumbar, sciatic, abdominal and frontal regions.
Sometimes very painful, it primarily affects immunocompromised individuals — that is, all people with a weak immune system or one severely compromised by other conditions — people over the age of 40, and more commonly women.
This virus is responsible for infectious mononucleosis, a benign infection also known as the "kissing disease", but it is also found in certain forms of lymphoma and in tumours of the pharynx. It is transmitted through saliva or objects that have come into contact with it — a classic example being the sharing of cutlery, glasses or toothbrushes.
Extremely infectious, it affects even young people — in fact, adolescents appear to be the category most at risk. The virus lodges in the oropharyngeal tissues, causing persistent cough and pharyngitis. For this very reason, some people are unaware they have contracted the virus, mistaking the symptoms for a simple sore throat or flu-like syndrome.
Only in cases where the individual is severely immunocompromised or greatly debilitated does the condition worsen, giving rise to more significant and evident signs such as swollen neck glands, an enlarged spleen, extreme fatigue, headaches and skin manifestations.
One of the foremost natural remedies for herpes to counter infection of any type is L-lysine, an essential amino acid that we normally introduce into the body through diet. It can be found in milk, fish, chicken and eggs, and is also abundant in some grains such as quinoa and amaranth, as well as in many legumes that can be combined with the aforementioned grains.
Lysine interferes with the replication of herpes viruses, particularly in the case of herpes simplex and zoster, and is able to reduce the intensity of symptoms, the frequency of outbreaks and the duration of the infection. It is nonetheless recommended in cycles for individuals who frequently suffer from herpes simplex, as its preventive action appears to be very promising.
In general, strengthening the immune system is fundamental, and in this regard there are many options. Echinacea, pau d'arco, cat's claw, astragalus and noni are some of the plants that reinforce a weakened immune system.
Mycotherapy also proves to be a highly important form of support: the mushrooms reishi, shiitake and maitake strengthen the immune system, and by adding the mushroom cordyceps, energy can be regained during periods of extreme fatigue.
Intestinal wellbeing should not be underestimated, as it is fundamental to an efficient immune system; it is therefore advisable to take a good mix of lactic acid bacteria, or simply Lactobacillus acidophilus, the strain present in the greatest quantity in the gut and other parts of the body.
Vitamin C is certainly the most indicated for strengthening immunity, and among the trace elements, copper, with its ability to intervene in acute and chronic infectious processes, is an excellent aid.
If cold sores are linked to premenstrual syndrome and are therefore dependent on a particular hormonal profile, agnus castus is the ideal plant.
Propolis is always useful, both for internal use as an antiviral and for external use. For topical use, tinctures of elecampane, lemon balm and mint are also ideal.
Australian bush flower essences, both for internal and external use, can be of great help in cases where the manifestation of the viruses is caused by physical or mental stress and especially when the emotional sphere is involved. Black-eyed Susan, Five Corners, Sturt Desert Rose, Billy Goat Plum, Mulla Mulla and Spinifex are some of the flowers indicated for finding emotional rebalance. Flower essences can always be used as support alongside any other therapy without causing any interference.
It is worth noting that Spinifex and Mulla Mulla can be applied directly to the vesicles to calm the sensation of itching, stinging and heat.
Among natural products, there is a good range of ointments, creams and lip balm sticks to use frequently during the acute phases of infection. Particularly effective are ointments with antiviral and antineuritic action, indicated above all for herpes zoster, composed of a mix of essential oils including ravensara aromatica, yarrow, peppermint, eucalyptus, chamomile, melaleuca (tea tree) and grapefruit seed extract.
Ointments for herpes simplex add essential oils of niaouli, lavender and salvia officinalis to the melaleuca, ravensara, chamomile and peppermint.
Sticks or balms specifically for the lips generally contain tea tree essential oil and grapefruit seed extract.
There are no contraindications for the remedies listed, except in the case of pregnancy and in individuals undergoing pharmacological therapies for specific conditions. In such cases, consult your doctor or qualified specialist, who will assess each case individually and advise on the relevant dosages.