Nutrition and Dietary Supplements for Herpes

There are many things that can be done to help with Herpes outbreaks, one of which is vitamins and herbs.

There are several vitamins and herbs that can be taken to help lessen the severity of herpes outbreaks. Some of these vitamins and herbs can be found in supplements such as Herdox.

Lysine

Lysine supplements have been used to help treat or prevent mouth and genital lesions caused by herpes.

Taking lysine supplements or increasing lysine in your diet (from foods like fish, chicken, eggs, and potatoes) may speed recovery time and reduce the chance of recurrent breakouts of the herpes infection.

Propolis

Propolis, a resin from tree bark and leaves, is loaded with flavonoids (antioxidants that help fight infection and boost immune function). A study of a small number of people with genital herpes compared an ointment made from propolis to acyclovir ointment (a medication commonly used for herpes).

In this research trial, the lesions of those using the propolis healed more quickly than those using acyclovir.

Research on larger numbers of people would be helpful. In the interim, it may be worth trying propolis ointment for genital herpes lesions if your doctor approves.

Spirulina

Test tube studies suggest that spirulina, also known as blue green algae, has activity against certain viruses including herpes. Whether this laboratory finding will prove beneficial for people in treating herpes infections is not known.

More research is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Zinc

Topical preparations of zinc have shown benefit in relieving symptoms and preventing recurrences of oral herpes lesions.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officianalis)

Some studies suggest that topical ointments containing lemon balm may help heal herpes cold sores.

In one study of 116 people with HSV, for example, those who applied lemon balm cream to their lip sores experienced significant improvement in redness and swelling after only two days. Although other symptoms (such as pain and scabbing) did not improve, both the participants and their physicians reported that the lemon balm ointment was highly effective.

Sage-Rhubarb Cream

In one Swiss study, a cream made from sage (Salvia officinialis) and rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) lessened the length of time that herpes lesions were present to the same extent as the medication acyclovir. More research on this topic would be helpful.

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Use of tea tree oil, applied topically in gel form, has some popularity for herpes lesions on the lips. In test tubes, tea tree oil has the ability to fight both strains of herpes viruses (HSV 1 and HSV 2).

Natural Supplements for Herpes - Herdox

Herdox's potent formula works to enhance immunological functioning; helping to reduce HSV's most troublesome symptoms and reducing the number of outbreaks you have.

Studies indicate that nutrition may provide the greatest tool for immediate symptom relief and long-term remission of HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Progressive Health has taken years of clinical research and developed the most effective, multi-faceted HSV supplement to date. Based around the anti-herpes nutrient L-lysine, Herdox's ingredients provide for significant improvements in immunological functioning.

A few ingredients in Herdox are:

• Vitamin A - Vitamin A is a potent immune stimulatory vitamin. Studies have shown that patients with vitamin A deficiency experience more shedding of the herpes simplex virus.
• Vitamin E - Vitamin E is often given with vitamin A to improve the clinical response and reduce possible toxicity associated with high doses of vitamin A.
  
  A patented combination of antioxidants containing vitamin E has shown clinical effectiveness in reducing lesion development, duration and severity scores significantly compared to vehicle control or acyclovir.
• Zinc - One of the most important minerals for immune function, zinc has been widely studied for prevention and treatment of infections. Topical treatments with zinc solutions have been effective in herpes simplex infections.
• L-lysine - Lysine is an effective preventative therapy, as well as a treatment option for herpes.
  
  A clinical trial of an ointment containing lysine, zinc and botanicals revealed full resolution of symptoms in 40% of patients with oral herpes by the third day of treatment and 87% by the sixth day.
• Lemon Balm Powder - Melissa officinalis is widely known in Germany for its potent anti-viral activity and is recommended for many infections, including influenza and herpes. This herb contains numerous components that inhibit replication of HSV-1 and HSV-2.
  
  Many topical preparations contain lemon balm which is an effective treatment for recurring herpes labialis and can reduce frequency of subsequent outbreaks.
• Propolis Extract - Propolis is a naturally occurring product derived from beehives which contains a large flavonoid component. It displays anti-HSV-1 activity both in vitro and in vivo. Propolis may prevent the virus from adhering to host cells and also prevent replication of the virus.

For a complete list of ingredients Click Here.