‘Herpes’ comes from the Greek word herpein meaning ‘to creep’. Herpes is a recurrent viral infection of the skin characterized by single or multiple clusters of small vesicles frequently occurring on the mouth (herpes gingivostomatitis), lips (herpes labialis), genitals (herpes genitalis) and conjunctive and cornea (herpes keratoconjunctivitis) amongst others. These small blister type spots can be incredibly painful.
Signs & Symptoms
Initial symptoms include a burning, tingling or an itching sensation around the mouth or nose. Several hours later small red papules develop followed by an eruption of small vesicles or fever blister filled with fluid. Several small vesicles may merge to form large blisters. The vesicles may itch, burn and can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. Within 1 week of the onset of symptoms, thin yellow crusts form on the vesicles as healing begins.
The herpes virus lies dormant in 90% of us! It is believed that diet plays a huge role in determining whether the virus becomes reactivated and explodes into herpes symptoms or not. A highly infection disorder, it is understood that the herpes virus (also related to chickenpox, herpes zoster) can lay dormant in the body (in the hippocampus region of the brain) until triggered, usually by stress and nervous conditions.
Orthodox medical treatment treats the virus with suppressant drugs that unfortunately only lessen the symptoms rather than prevent further attacks. A move towards nutritional supplementation and dietary changes is being headed by doctors as a resolution to this often rather painful condition.
Naturopathic Nutrition Advice
The naturopathic therapeutic aim in treating the herpes virus is to shorten the current attack, prevent occurrences and boost the individual’s immune system. Controlling the intake of food allergens and avoiding non-essential amino acid arginine-rich foods such as chocolate, almonds, peanuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, sesame seeds, bacon, walnuts, buckwheat, cashews, hazelnuts and gelatine foods which are proven to act as triggers for the herpes virus. By promoting the intake of essential amino acid lysine rich foods such as Soya beans, lentils, spinach, quinoa (pronounced keenwa), oily fish, brewers yeast, turkey, tuna, chicken, and sardines, these have been proved to inactivate the herpes virus. A balanced diet packed full of good protein sources of eggs, quinoa, Soya, meat, fish, beans and lentils is an essential part of achieving a healthy body.
Additional support for treating this condition involves supplementing with amino acid lysine between 500-1000mg twice daily.Lysine is an essential amino acid necessary for the control of the herpes virus. It also enhances the intestinal absorption of calcium hence reducing its renal excretion therefore caution should be taken when using high doses of lysine in hypercalcaemic states and by people with kidney or liver disease. Furthermore, taking 2000mg of Vitamin C daily; 1000mg bioflavonoids a day and 25mg of zinc daily is recommended. Care should be taken when supplementing during pregnancy and should be supervised by a qualified health practitioner.
Herpes simplex has an affinity with the skin and nervous system so nervine tonics are always recommended as is a great deal of stress management. In clinical experience, I have found great results from taking olive leaf tincture and 1 litre of olive leaf tea daily. Olive leaf is a powerful antioxidant and immune booster and has proved an essential ingredient when treating immune disorders. Olive leaf also treats dysbiosis, an over growth of bacteria/ fungus in the gut such as Candida. As 70% of our immune system is contained in the gut, correcting any dysbiosis and boosting immunity within the stomach is an essential part of treatment. Both of these products are available at Heaven on Earth Herbals, contact details below. Topical application of witch hazel and propolis can assist the symptoms.
Naturopathic Nutrition can offer a great deal of support in this area as diet seems to play a huge role in the manifestation of this otherwise dormant virus. The trick with managing such a condition is boosting immunity through herbs such as olive leaf, managing possible dysbiosis in the gut and getting the right balance between amino acid containing foods arginine and lysine.
Always remember knowledge is there to be shared and can benefit and save lives. For more information on support, treatments, nutrition consultations and product information contact +357 9999 3412 or email caroline@heavenonearthherbals.com
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Article written by Caroline Evans