For alternative therapy, consider this information from "Alternative Medicine," by Deepak Chopra, M.D. We can't say whether these remedies will prove helpful but may be worth a try. He says treating herpes with natural medicines can significantly reduce the frequency and number of eruptions. Some patients suffering from chronic herpes can reduce their outbreaks from monthly to once or twice a year. Recurrent herpes is clearly a stress-related illness, thus stress reduction can help prevent herpes attacks. Many have decreased their outbreaks by eating foods high in the amino acid lysine, as you mentioned. A diet containing large amounts of arginine, another amino acid, appears to aggravate herpes. Foods to avoid include chocolate, nuts (specifically peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts), seeds (sunflower and sesame) and coconut. Foods containing a moderate amount of arginine should be eaten with discretion. These include wheat, soy, lentils, oats, corn, rice, barley, tomato and squash. Immunosuppressants such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco also should be eliminated from the diet.
Aroma therapy uses essential oils that have been proven very effective in treating herpes simplex due to their strong antiviral properties. Combinations of oils such as lemon and geranium or eucalyptus and bergamot applied topically at the first sign of outbreak can lessen or prevent a full flare-up. Herbal remedies also can be used to treat herpes. "Herbs that strengthen the immune system and help the body to resist infection can be taken internally. Tinctures of echinacea, Siberian ginseng, nettle and goldenseal should be combined in equal parts, and one-half teaspoon taken three times a day," says David Hoffmann, B.Sc., M.N.I.M.H., herbalist from Sebastopol, Calif., and past president of the American Herbalist Guild.
When preventive measures do not stop herpes sores from appearing, there are several ways to diminish the discomfort or hasten recovery. Aloe, goldenseal, lavender, and lycopodium can be applied directly to the herpes lesions in a salve. A popular topical ointment among naturopathic physicians contains licorice root. Italian researchers discovered that glycyrrhiza acid, a constituent of licorice, inactivates HSV 1-infected cell cultures.
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