Are you one of over 100 million American adults with herpes? Surprisingly, you may be, and not even know it. That’s because as many as 70% of herpes cases are spread when there are no signs of infection.

There are two types of herpes simplex viruses: type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). The viruses are spread through physical contact and released from the sores that the virus causes — although it can also be released between outbreaks from normal-appearing skin.

Type 1 is usually found above the waist as cold sores on the lip and mouth area. Type 2, known as genital herpes, is usually found below the waist. Another surprising fact about herpes is that there are no absolute rules. Type 1 can present as genital herpes and type 2 as sores on the oral cavity.

The conventional approach to controlling the herpes virus is through oral medications like Zovirax, Valtrex, and Famvir. While these medications can be effective in symptom management by suppressing the viral activity, they do not eradicate the virus from the system.

That’s partly because herpes is a lipid-coated virus. This means that there is a shield around the virus to protect it from destruction. But fortunately, there are natural therapies that can be effective in breaking through its protective shield and inhibiting the virus from replicating.

Here is a combination therapy we recommend at our compounding pharmacy:

1. Unrefined, organic coconut oil: Coconut oil is rich in a substance called lauric acid. It has the ability to strip off the protective lipid coating on several viruses including herpes and HIV.^1-2 We usually recommend our clients take one tablespoonful daily.
2. Olive leaf extract is a natural product that has been shown to support the immune system while at the same time interrupting the replication of the virus.⁴ Olive leaf renders the virus unable to reproduce and may eradicate it from the system. Because it is not an immediate kill, results do not happen over night; nonetheless, it is still effective. An average dose of olive leaf extract is 500 mg three times daily.

We often implement these two therapies together since the coconut oil will expose the virus to the actions of the olive leaf.

It is also important to mention that the amino acid L-lysine is commonly used in both the prevention and treatment of the herpes virus. L-lysine is an amino acid that has been shown to prevent genital herpes outbreaks when taken regularly.⁴ A dosage of 500 mg daily is recommended for prevention of an outbreak. Dosages as high as 1000 to 6000 mg have been taken for an active outbreak.

Foods high in the amino acid L-arginine should not be eaten with L-lysine as they can inhibit its beneficial action. These include peanuts, soybeans, red wine, processed cheeses, nuts, popcorn, corn, coconut and chocolate.

Don’t forget that lifestyle changes can help avoid the outbreak and spread of the herpes virus.

1. Avoid stress-related outbreaks by boosting your immune system. You can do this by getting ample rest and eating a nutritious diet.
2. Always wear a sunscreen if you will be out doors for a prolonged period of time. Over-exposure to sunlight can trigger a flare-up in some people.
3. Do not touch a herpes blister and then other parts of your body — this may allow the virus to spread. Always wash your hands.
4. Use a condom to protect yourself and your partner from infection.

References

1. Reprowatch. 1999 Feb 1-28;6,11.
2. AIDA Patient Care STDS. 1999 Sep; 13(9):572.
3. Micol V, et al. Antiviral Res. 2005 Jun;66(2-3):129-36. Epub 2005 Apr 18.
4. Beauman, J.G. Am Fam Physician. 2005 Oct 15;72(8):1572-34.

[Ed. Note: Robert Kress, RPh, CCN, is a Compounding and Consultant Pharmacist, Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist, and Quantum Reflex Analysis Specialist. Robert is co-owner of an integrative pharmacy and clinical nutrition practice where he empowers his clients to unlock their health blockages through what he calls the Royal Pyramid of Health. To learn more, click here.]

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