| For centuries, herbs - their parts, extracts and oils - | | | | Carotene or Dunaliella salina). Other herbs that are |
| have been used to treat a vast array of conditions. | | | | anti-viral in general and have other properties as well |
| The active ingredient in most herbs is an alkaloid. | | | | include lavender (also fights staphylococcus and |
| When using herbs, it is best to get them from | | | | streptococcus), myrrh (effective in curing ulcers), |
| accredited sources. It is also important to follow the | | | | sage (a moderately strong antiseptic) and chapparal |
| correct dosage and formulation of the herbs as | | | | (also attacks retroviruses). Herbal blends mostly used |
| excesses may lead to adverse effects. In addition, it | | | | for prodromal symptoms of herpes include burdock |
| is essential to adhere to the recommended | | | | (cleans liver and blood, lessens fever and glandular |
| procedure as some of these herbs may be ingested | | | | swellings), feverfew (for fever, inflammation and |
| or may just be applied externally. | | | | pain), gentian (cleans liver and blood, relieves fever), |
| There are a lot of herbs particularly used to control | | | | Gotu Kola (diminishes tingling sensations), horsetail |
| the infection and treat the symptoms of herpes. | | | | (alleviates itching and painful urination) and hyssop |
| Some of the herbs are most helpful during the | | | | (reduces inflammation). In addition, herbal oils to be |
| prodromal phase, some are best for the visible open | | | | applied externally are also used to relieve prodromal |
| sores or blisters and some boost the immune | | | | symptoms, which include lavender (for itching and |
| system. Many of these herbs have multiple effects. | | | | swelling) and St. John's Wort (for inflamed glands). |
| More popular herbs containing anti-viral properties | | | | Cold sores are relieved by lavender oil, myrrh, olive |
| against Herpes simplex include olive leaf extract, | | | | leaf extract and lemon balm. To strengthen the |
| lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), hyssop, Prunella | | | | immune system, herbs such as golden seal, red |
| vulgaris, Cactus opuntia streptacantha, Solanum | | | | clover, sage, red marine algae (containing sulfated |
| nigrum and red marine algae (also called Super | | | | polysaccharides) and sarsaparilla may be used. |