Treating Herpes Without Drugs

When most of us hear the word "herpes," we tend to think of genital herpes that is transmitted through sexual contact. But herpes is actually a family of viruses that is tremendously widespread. It includes herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and the recently identified human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6). Diseases ranging from chicken pox to mononucleosis are all caused by viruses in this family. HSV-2 is most commonly associated with genital infections, and HSV-1 is associated with infection of the lips although both viruses can be passed from one to the other location.

A Latent Invader Although the diseases may be different, herpes viruses share common viral traits. All are generally very contagious and able to endure in latent form for long periods of time after the initial infection. Unfortunately, they all share another trait--they are not, as yet, "curable."

Many of these viruses, such as chicken pox, may cause only one initial disease outbreak and generally don't recur. The virus, however, stays in the body indefinitely, hiding in nerve tissue and escaping detection by the immune system.

The exact mechanism that causes the herpes virus to change from the latent state into an active infection is unknown. Certain types of stress to the immune system--such as illness, injury, emotional upset, poor nutrition, high exposure to sunlight, or even menstruation--often provoke an outbreak of herpes virus infection. Depending on the strength of the immune system, herpes simplex may continue to recur throughout a lifetime. HSV-1 for instance, has a recurrence rate of 14 percent and HSV-2 has a recurrence rate of 60 percent.

It has also been noted that herpes virus infection may cause increased risk of cervical cancer in women or HIV infection if herpes sores are active. In both cases, the active herpes sores provide an entryway for other infections.

Herpes Treatments It is estimated that nearly 30 million Americans are infected with HSV-1.¹ Although these viruses have been studied for many years, there has been little success in developing effective treatments. The most commonly prescribed medication for herpes simplex is acyclovir (Zovirax), a drug that eases the pain of sores, speeds the healing process and reduces the frequency of recurrences. But it may also have side effects such as stomach upset, nausea and headache. Additionally, the drug can be fairly expensive and, in cases of frequent recurrences, must be taken indefinitely.

Some natural remedies show promise in combating the virus, while others may help ease the sometimes painful symptoms of an outbreak.

* Lysine/arginine connection: The most well-established alternative method to help control herpes through diet is increasing the intake of lysine while simultaneously keeping arginine intake to a minimum. Both lysine and arginine are amino acids--lysine is found in higher proportions in foods such as cheese, potatoes, meat and soy products, whereas arginine is found in chocolate, nuts and seeds, oatmeal, and whole wheat products. The herpes virus uses the amino acid arginine for its growth and replication. Lysine, on the other hand, inhibits the viral uptake of arginine. It is therefore recommended that people at risk of recurring herpes virus periodically use lysine supplements and minimize their intake of foods with higher proportions of arginine. More studies are showing, however, that arginine is important for immune function, so a person should not let the lysine/arginine ratio become too disproportionate.

* Foods: In general, anything that stresses the immune system such as processed foods, sugar, or stimulants including coffee, chocolate and cola drinks should be avoided during outbreaks. Further recommendations include eliminating highly acidic substances such as vinegar, citrus fruits and tomatoes; foods high in sodium; and animal products--meat and dairy products are relatively high in arginine so should be kept at a low level during outbreaks.²

* Vitamins: As with all diseases that weaken the immune system, vitamin regimens that boost immune function can only improve the chances of preventing recurrence. For herpes, vitamins C, E, and B complex and a zinc chelate supplement are recommended.³ (Because vitamin C is acidic it should not be taken in high doses.)

* Red marine algae: An interesting remedy from the sea has shown promise in early research. Red marine algae, a type of seaweed with significant antiviral properties, initially proved effective when tested on the herpes virus. It is believed that sulfated polysaccharides in red marine algae enhance the immune system's antiviral response by activating lymphocyte production, which in turn inhibits the virus.⁴

Despite the success of early research projects on red marine algae in the 1970s and 1980s, there has been little follow-up. Michael Neushul, a researcher at the University of California, Santa Barbara, notes that, "The pharmaceutical industry has been slow to become interested in these discoveries, because of the technical difficulties involved in working with carbohydrates and the research costs involved."⁵ However, one type of red marine algae--dumontiaceae--is now available for sale commercially.

* Homeopathic treatment: Calendula tincture, diluted 3:1 with water several times a day, and rhus toxicodendron pellets taken under the tongue are two homeopathic remedies recommended to relieve inflammation and ease itching during a herpes outbreak.⁶

Topical remedies The above remedies function systemically; however, for immediate relief of itchy or painful herpes sores, there are some topical applications that may provide relief.

* Herbs: Applying aloe vera gel, goldenseal ointment or myrrh may soothe the skin during an outbreak.⁷

* Baths: A hot bath helps clean herpes sores and relieve itching. A bath of strong black tea can be made by adding six ounces of common black tea leaves to hot bath water and steeping it for one hour.⁸

Given the prevalence of the herpes virus, people will continue to search for effective treatments. For now, it will be up to each individual to determine which treatments are most effective for his or her own needs.

Michelle Badash has 12 years of experience working at a nutrition research center in Boston. She has written and edited a newsletter about nutrition research and is also a free-lance writer.

REFERENCES
1. The PDR Family Guide to Women's Health and Prescription Drugs. Montvale, N.J.: Medical Economics, 1994.

2. Starck, M. Complete Handbook of Natural Healing. St. Paul, Minn.: Llewellyn Publications, 1991.

3. Balch, J.F., & Balch, P.A. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, N.Y.: Avery Publishing Group Inc., 1990.

4. Farfield, K. Dumontiaceae. http://www.misc.com/~xdcrlab/algae/rma-dumo.html

5. Neushul, M. Antiviral carbohydrates from red marine algae. http:/users.quake.net/~xdcrlab/algae/rma-carb.html

6. Cummings, S., & Ullman, D. Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines. New York, N.Y.: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Perigree Books, 1991.

7. Gardner, J. The New Healing Yourself. Freedom, Calif.: The Crossing Press, 1989.

8. Pitchford, P. Healing with Whole Foods: Oriental Traditions and Modern Nutrition. Berkeley, Calif.: North Atlantic Books, 1993

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