Managing Herpes Naturally

Managing Herpes Naturally

This post is meant to serve you if you or someone you know is dealing with chronic herpes outbreaks and want information on preventative measures one can take.

The herpes virus is one of the most common in the world. The WHO estimates that over half a billion people between 15 and 49 years old have genital herpes caused by either the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus. [1] The hope is that by using some of these powerful antiviral herbs, quality of life will be increased and eventually the virus will not continue to surface in its active form, which can often be painful and irritating.

What is herpes virus?

Herpes is part of the Herpesviridae family of DNA viruses which include varicella zoster (causes chicken pox and shingles) and Epstein Barr (causes mononucleosis). Herpes is divided into two main types - herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2)

The most common site of infection for HSV-1 are the lips, as in the case of cold sores and fever blisters. HSV-2's common site of infection is the genitals. It is also possible to get HSV-2 on the lips and HSV-1 on the genitals. 

There are a few other types of herpes infections as well. Herpetic whitlow occurs when either HSV-1 or HSV-2 appear on the fingers. Herpes gladiatorum broadly infects other parts of the skin. Ocular herpes occurs when the eyes become infected with the virus. Herpes encephalitis infects the brain, and Mollaret's meningitis infects the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Lastly there is neonatal herpes, where a baby is infected during birth. [2]

Herpes virus is spread through skin to skin contact with infected areas. The virus can spread to a new host during close physical contact, vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex, and kissing. It is most easily transmitted when sores are open because fluid from herpes blisters spreads the virus, however, the virus can also shed when there are no sores present. [3]

The virus is cyclic - there are outbreaks and periods of remission. The initial outbreak is often the most severe, sometimes becoming dormant indefinitely afterwards. Once the virus enters someone new, it travels along the nerve paths where it likes to reside. If and when it does become active again, it travels back along the nerve paths to the surface of the skin to create blisters in an attempt to shed and spread the infection. The reason why some people feel a tingling sort of nerve pain before an outbreak is because of the virus traveling along these nerve paths. Other immune symptoms may be present such as swollen lymph nodes and other flu-like feelings. [2]

Conventional treatment for herpes virus

Drugs are the usual treatment for herpes infections - these include Valtrex (valacyclovir), acyclovir, or famciclovir. These are antiviral drugs which are used to control outbreaks of many different kinds of herpesviridae viruses. They are metabolized by the body into an active form - meaning they are only useful when the virus becomes active, shortening the extent of the outbreak and helping to prevent the spread. These drugs have no effect on the virus in its dormant form in the nerve sheaths, though. Herpesviruses are also reportedly becoming resistant to acyclovir, which presents a problem for conventional effectiveness into the future. [2]

Alternative treatment for herpes virus

Thankfully, other research is being done on how earth medicine can work as an effective antiviral and preventative. The first time I came across this research was when I read a book about medicinal mushrooms called Mycelium Running by Paul Stamets. 

“EO and others (1999-2000) found antiviral activity in the methanol-soluble fractions of reishi mushrooms (ganoderma lucidum) that selectively inhibited herpes simplex 1 and 2. Summaries on antiviral properties of mushrooms were published by Brandt and Piraino (2000) and Stamets (2001)" [4] -- the use of the term methanol here means through alcohol extraction, what we call a tincture.

It was in this book that I discovered that mushrooms, in addition to herbs, have extremely potent antiviral effects. These effects rival or are even better than pharmaceutical antiviral options. In an effort to widen the choices for people living with herpes virus, I am adding a few formulations below which can be used to lessen the frequency and severity of outbreaks. There is a possibility of no longer having outbreaks at all if used consistently.

Thanks for reading! As you can see, you have a LOT of options when it comes to managing herpes naturally. Explore and see which works best for you. I hope this post finds you well, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or would like me to help you with preparing an herbal formulation.

Citations:

[1] World Health Organization, 2015

[2] Herbal Antivirals, Stephen Harrod Buhner

[3] Planned Parenthood, 2020

[4] Mycelium Running, Paul Stamets