Herpes diseases such as cold sores, genital herpes, chicken pox, shingles, mononucleosis, and roseola were once thought of as “nuisance diseases.” While they were annoying and undesirable, they were not considered life threatening. That may soon change.

Scientific research is showing that herpes viruses may be linked to more serious conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, neurological conditions, multiple sclerosis,
lymphoma, and other cancers. Herpes simplex-1 (HSV-1) has been specifically linked to Alzheimer’s disease, trigeminal neuralgia, and Bell’s palsy.

Viruses are tiny parasites that enter our cells and reproduce, potentially damaging or killing our cells along the way. HSV-1 can cause a myriad of different symptoms. The most common symptoms of HSV-1 are cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth and lips. Many people experience what is called a “prodromal phase,” where they encounter tingling, discomfort, or itching in the location where the sore is going to erupt. Other possible symptoms of an HSV-1 infection are flu-like symptoms, fever, irritability, and loss of appetite.

Once an individual is infected with the HSV-1 virus, it will remain as a life-long latent infection. It can remain dormant in the nerve tissue until something triggers it to enter healthy skin cells causing sores. Outbreaks can occur quite regularly or very infrequently, depending on the individual; typically they last one to three weeks.

Natural Treatments

There are a number of treatment approaches for HSV-1. The main goals of treatment are to inhibit the growth of the virus and to boost the immune system to optimize the body’s own defences against the virus.

Natural treatments to both boost the immune system and suppress the virus will be effective. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables while avoiding simple sugars, alcohol, and caffeine will help to support the immune system. Adequate rest and sleep are also important. Stress, whether physiological or emotional, takes its toll on immune function, so any measures that can reduce or help manage stress are important.

Other natural treatments that have been attempted to reduce the effects of HSV-1 infections include the amino acid lysine, vitamin C, and the mineral zinc. Arginine, another amino acid, may actually trigger the herpes virus, so avoiding arginine-rich foods (amino acids in many animal proteins and certain vegetable tissues), especially during periods of stress, may be beneficial.

The most exciting development in the area of natural treatments for HSV-1 has come from research on an herb named Larrea tridentate. Larrea products containing concentrated leaf resin have been shown to have significant antiviral and antioxidant activity.

Natural ingredients from Larrea leaf resin inhibit viral replication by at least three documented mechanisms. At least two of the active ingredients in Larrea act to inhibit the activity of a certain gene promoter that is important for viral replication. When they inhibit this promoter, the appropriate gene cannot work and the viruses cannot multiply viruses. Larrea comes in an oral dietary supplement, and in lotion and spray forms. The lotion is the ideal choice for topical use on cold sores and genital herpes lesions.

Applying topical Larrea lotion to the tingling area will frequently prevent an outbreak. Taking one or two oral Larrea leaf resin capsules per day also provides benefit for many people.

Source: alive #261, July 2004