Herpes Simplex Virus Outbreaks May Be Managed Using Formulations of Essential Oils from Medicinal Plants

Herpes Simplex Virus Outbreaks May Be Managedr
Using Formulations of Essential Oils from Medicinal Plants

By Richard C. Honour, PhD

Herpes - Herpes is an infection caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Once infected, you have HSV for life. Symptoms or outbreaks may appear multiple times per year or after dormant periods of several years. HSV may be spread by any contact, and has nearly equal prevalence in men and women.

Herpes Types - There are two common types of HSV, either of which may cause oral herpes or genital herpes. HSV 1 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1) generally causes fever blisters or cold sores of the mouth, and HSV 2 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2) usually causes genital herpes. HSV 1 and HSV 2 both cause sores in and around the mouth, vagina, penis and anus, or on the buttocks or thighs.

Herpes Biology - In the US alone, HSV 1 infects about 250 million people, and HSV 2 infects about 50 million. Herpes is one of the fastest growing infectious diseases in the world. Recurrences can be triggered by sunlight, stress, fatigue, excessive alcohol or caffeine use, trauma or certain foods. A person with symptoms of Herpes, such as oral or genital sores or blisters, should see a physician. Herpes can spread even if there are no symptoms, or by people who are unknowingly infected. An extreme flareup or breakout of Herpes in anyone, or an infection in the case of pregnancy, should be brought to the attention of a physician immediately.

Herpes Treatment Options - There is no cure for Herpes, but a physician may prescribe an approved pharmaceutical to treat the symptoms and lessen the outbreaks, thus helping to control the spread. Less toxic and less costly natural products are available that are intended to support the immune system and provide some antiviral activity. These natural products may be among the best ways to manage the disease on a long-term basis. Formulations of essential oils from medicinal plants and extracts of olive leaf and red marine algae have been shown to have effect against Herpes. Dietary supplements, such as Lysine and the trace elements Zinc and Selenium, have also been found to be helpful.

Essential Oils for Herpes - Products that are formulations of antiviral essential oils, such as the Eulara product Herpes, are known to have strong antiviral activity. They can be effective in managing a herpes outbreak if applied early, liberally and directly to the targeted area. Reapplying the oils several times daily, beginning at the first sign of tingling and itching, should result in fewer symptoms and a delay in the time to recurrence. Antiviral essential oil formulations should also promote faster healing time, reduce outbreaks induced by sunlight and reduce the size of cold sores. Natural essential oils used in topical-use-only antiviral formulations generally have no side effects, as long as they are not ingested, administered systemically or applied directly to the eyes or to sensitive mucous membranes.

"Warning, essential oil products can cause burning or irritation to lips, mucous membranes, eyes and genital areas. First apply a small test amount of a product directly to an affected area to determine if there is any irritation before applying a larger amount." The Eulara Herpes Product was developed for managing HSV 1 found on the mouth area. The product is not intended for use on the genital area.
Updated February 2012