Genital Herpes

Herpesvirus type 1 (herpes simplex or fever sores)
Herpesvirus type 2 (genital herpes or venereal disease)
Herpetovirus (varicella-zoster virus or shingles)
This virus can cause encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain) or infect the cornea of the eye. Also a silent infection, or serious inflammation of the liver. Professional medical help should be found. Control of this virus should be under a doctors care to keep outbreaks from occurring.

Causes

Babies can pick up the virus in the birth canal, risking brain damage, blindness, and death. A Cesarean Section (C-section) may be necessary to protect the baby. The virus lies dormant once introduced to the body, but the virus never leaves. The virus may lay dormant for long periods of time, then unknown factors, possibly stress or illness, cause the virus to break out in open sores again.

Symptoms

After the initial contact, sores appear 2-7 days later. Recurrent eruptions are common. The virus burns itself out after a period of time, rarely appearing after the age of fifty.

Mild tingling and burning in the vaginal area may be the first sign of genital herpes in women. In a matter of hours the blisters develop around the rectum, clitoris, cervix and in the vagina. Often there will be a watery discharge from the urethra and pain on urination.

In men blisters appear on the penis, groin, and scrotum, with a urethral discharge and painful urination. Sometimes the penis and foreskin will swell. Both men and women have low-grade fever and muscular aches. The male may have swollen and tender lymph glands in the groin. After a few days, pus erupts from the blisters and forms large, painful ulcers. These sores crust over and dry while healing, usually leaving no scars.

Blisters may form in the mouth as well. The blisters, anywhere on the body are highly infectious for up to 3 weeks, until they are healed. When blisters are found in the mouth, this virus can be transmitted by kissing.

Treatment

See the doctor for diagnosis and treatment. For type 2; use ice packs to relieve pain and swelling in the genital area. Warm epsom salts or baking soda baths help the itching and pain. Pat dry gently and keep the lesions dry. Apply vitamin E and vitamin A alternately, directly on the lesions. No sexual intercourse for 2 weeks after all the sores are healed. Herpes infections in women increase the chances of cervical cancer, so a Pap smear should be done periodically by the doctor.
Herbal Medicine Formulas and Recipes
Chinese Formulas
Ayurvedic Formulas

Nutrients

L-Lysine (amino acid), 500 mg. twice a day, is important for healing. Vitamin C plus bioflavinoids, 2,000 mg. twice a day, helps in destroying the virus and boosts the immune system. Cayenne capsules, taken as directed on the label, relieves pain and helps healing. Vitamin B complex, 100 mg. 3 times a day. Zinc chelate, 80 mg. daily for one week, protects against infection and helps immune system. Calcium chelate plus magnesium, 1,500 mg. calcium and 750 mg. magnesium per day, is an antisress formula and aids healing. Vitamin A emulsion, 75,000 IU for 2 weeks, then 50,000 IU, helps prevent infection and boosts immune system. The emulsion enters the bloodstream quickly. Vitamin D, 1,000 IU twice daily for 1 week then 400 IU, helps heal tissue and is needed for calcium absorption. Vitamin E, 400-800 IU per day, helps prevent scar tissue. (Open a capsule and apply to skin if desired). Germanium, 200 mg. daily, helps immune system. Multivitamin and mineral complex, taken as directed on the label. Proteolytic enzymes, taken between meals.

Herbs

Alder
Aloe
Balmony (turtlehead)
Balsam fir
Barberry
Bearberry
Bellwort, perfoliate
Bistort root
Blazing-star, rough
Boneset
Buck bean
Bupleurum
Burdock, great
Butternut
Cleavers
Clover, red
Clubmoss, common or running (ground pine)
Comfrey
Compass-plant
Cotton root
Cubeb berries
Darnel, bearded
Dock, yellow
Echinacea
Elm, common
Elm, slippery
Gale, sweet
Gentian root
Golden seal
Gumweed (rosinweed)
Horsetail, field
Lily, wild pond
Maple, striped
Marshmallow
Myrrh gum
Ninebark
Oregon grape, wild
Passion flower
Pau d'arco
Plantain
Poria
Quinine, wild
Rattlesnake-master
Red root
Sarsaparilla
Sicklepod
Skullcap
Strawberry, common or Virginia
Sumac
Walnut, black
Willow, black

Recommendations

A diet of raw fruits and vegetables, brewer's yeast, brown rice, and whole grains. Avoid drafts. Allow sunlight on the affected area for short times. Gently wash the blisters, but avoid at all times touching or scratching. Avoid Tylenol-type medications or those containing acetaminophen.

Fever sores or fever blisters (not shingles or genital herpes) can be treated with peppermint or hyssop. Get plenty of rest (stress reduction). Drink plenty of distilled water.

Eat (in moderation) the following foods: almonds, barley, cashews, cereals, chicken, chocolate, corn, dairy products, meat, nuts and seeds, oats and peanuts. Avoid citrus fruits and juices while the virus is active.

This disease is highly contagious. The Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that you protect yourself with condoms. Condoms should be used, but they are no guarantee of protection against venereal diseases! Check with your doctor!

Suggestions

Avoid alcohol, processed foods, colas, white flour products, sugar, refined carbohydrates, coffee, and drugs (this will lessen the chance of an outbreak). Herb tea is beneficial but avoid all other teas. Wear cotton underwear, practice good genital hygiene, and keep clean and dry.

Definition