Aloe (Aloe vera). This plant is cultivated almost everywhere in the hot regions of the globe. It is known to provide relief from skin problems. Two studies conducted by the same team of researchers involved 180 men suffering from a first rash of genital herpes^1,2. They have shown that the use of a cream containing 0,5% of an aloe extract was significantly more effective than a placebo⁶.

Dosage

Apply aloe vera gel to the affected parts; repeat several times a day as needed.

 melissa (Melissa officinalis). In vitro data indicates lemon balm extract or essential oil may prevent genital herpes virus from multiplying^3,4. However, clinical trials are less conclusive than those for cold sores: they are fewer in number and were generally not well controlled.¹⁴.

 Propolis. Propolis is a substance made by bees from resin collected from the buds and bark of trees. A clinical trial indicates that a ointment propolis (3% propolis) is more effective than acyclovir ointment and placebo in relieving symptoms of genital herpes⁵. However, the methodology of this study leaves much to be desired.

 Eleutherococcus (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Eleutherococcus is traditionally used to increase the body’s resistance to stress. A study of 93 subjects with recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes indicates that an extract of eleutherococcus (2 g per day) taken for at least 3 months reduces the frequency and intensity of the outbreaks more effectively than a placebo⁶.

 Relaxation techniques. It is known that stress is a major trigger for herpes attacks. However, so far, few clinical trials have tested the effect of stress reduction or relaxation techniques on symptom recurrence.

• A preliminary study carried out on 4 subjects indicates that some form of muscle relaxation helps reduce the frequency of recurrences of genital herpes⁹;
• A case study⁷ (24 subjects) and a preliminary clinical trial (20 subjects)⁸ show that hypnotherapy can reduce the frequency of outbreaks of genital herpes and strengthen the immune system patients;
• In 2 trials, the effects of a cognitive-behavioral approach to stress management paired with a relaxation technique with 112 men infected with HIV and the genital herpes virus. Compared to the control group, the treated subjects saw their mood improve and blood tests showed that the virus was less active in their body.^10,11. Follow-up after 6 months and 12 months showed that the benefits of this intervention had been maintained, both psychologically and immunity.¹².

 Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Topical application of a preparation based on glycyrrhizinic acid (licorice extract) is one of the folk remedies for relieving labial or genital lesions caused by the herpes simplex virus.¹⁵. According to clinical studies conducted during the 1980s, these applications could actually help relieve symptoms.¹⁵.

Dosage

There are, on the market, ointments, creams or ointments based on non-deglycyrrhizinated licorice. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

 Dietary recommendations. A diet rich in lysine could reduce the number of outbreaks of genital herpes, according to the American naturopath JE Pizzorno¹³. Lysine, an amino acid, is said to have antiviral activity (see our Lysine sheet). It would act by reducing the metabolism of arginine, another amino acid which would play an important role in the multiplication of the virus.

Sources de lysine. All foods that contain protein are sources of both lysine and arginine. We must therefore look for those with a high lysine / arginine ratio. Meat, fish, eggs and dairy products are very high in lysine. Some grains (corn and wheat germ, in particular) and legumes also contain good amounts.

To avoid. Foods high in arginine and low in lysine, such as chocolate, nuts and seeds, should be avoided so as not to weaken the beneficial effect of lysine.

 Strengthen the immune system. The virus tends to reactivate when the immune system weakens. See our sheet Strengthening your immune system for more information.