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