Natural Cures Guide

You don’t know it’s there. You can’t feel it working. But the functioning of the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, located at the base of your neck, influences every organ system and every function of your body. So if your thyroid gland is not operating as it should, the effects on your body are widespread.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate the rate of metabolism in the cells of the body. The condition can range from very mild to severe, leading to coma or even death.
In infants and children, hypothyroidism causes severe mental and physical retardation. In adults, typical symptoms include low body temperature, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, lethargy, fatigue, depression, memory and concentration problems, muscle weakness and stiffness, and decreased libido. In women, menstrual problems, infertility, miscarriages, and other problems with pregnancy can occur. In the long run, untreated hypothyroidism increases the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
A number of factors may cause hypothyroidism. How it is treated depends on what causes it. So if you think you may have an underactive thyroid, see your doctor for a complete medical evaluation.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is called idiopathic or sluggish thyroid. This means that the gland, for reasons that are not clear, is not quite doing its job. Other causes include autoimmune conditions (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), iodine deficiency, and, rarely, problems with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
If your gland’s malfunction is caused by an autoimmune condition, you’ll want to seek a treatment plan that addresses the autoimmune condition as well. Some herbs should not be used in such cases, so consult your doctor and/or a professional herbalist.
When mild or moderate hypothyroidism is caused by a sluggish thyroid, herbal and other natural remedies can help. You’ll still need to see your doctor after a month or so of taking herbs because you’ll want to learn whether the herbal remedy is working.
If you’re taking thyroid drugs now, you may be able to switch to herbs, but do so slowly and carefully, with your doctor’s help in monitoring the effects. If you have a child with an underactive thyroid, it’s best to stick with the drugs, because the consequences of having an underactive thyroid in childhood can be severe and irreversible.

Herbal Remedies

Bitters

This group of herbs has an overall stimulating effect on the body, including the digestive system and the hormone-producing endocrine system that the thyroid gland is a part of. In the clinical experience of many doctors, bitters are the most effective treatment for mild to moderate hypothyroidism. Bitters are named for their taste; their strong taste boosts the body’s production of digestive fluids, so you get more nutrients from eating the same foods. The more bitter the taste, the better they work. You have to actually taste the bitterness, so swallowing capsules won’t do the trick. Many commercial bitters tinctures are on the market; look for those that contain gentian. Typical dosage: 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of tincture three times per day before meals; or 1 cup of tea three times per day before meals.

Myrhh (Commiphora myrrha)

This tree resin stimulates the thyroid, although researchers haven’t figured out how. Resins don’t extract in hot water, though, so myrrh doesn’t work in tea form. Typical dosage: 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of tincture three times per day.

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus)

This iodine-rich seaweed is one of several seaweeds that can help balance and nourish the thyroid. Typical dosage: 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of tincture three times per day.

Supplements for Thyroid Health

The thyroid needs iodine to do its work. Dietary sources of iodine include salt-water fish, other seafoods, seaweeds, and iodized table salt. If you suspect you’re deficient in iodine, include these foods in your diet or take 150 to 300 micrograms of iodine per day. Don’t exceed this dose, because excess iodine may actually inhibit thyroid function.
The amino acid tyrosine is another building block of thyroid hormones; you may want to try taking 250 to 500 milligrams per day.
Although some foods can boost iodine levels, others may actually block the thyroid from using iodine. Foods to avoid include soybeans, peanuts, millet, pine nuts, turnips, cabbage, and mustard. Cooking, however, appears to inactivate the substances that cause this effect, so don’t be afraid to eat cooked foods containing these ingredients.

Hives are raised patches of skin somewhat circular in shape. You might see only one, or a whole crop that breaks out the lasts one to three days. They can be white, pink, or red, as small as a dime or as large as a Frisbee. And they itch. Oh, how they itch! They may also burn or sting.
Hives are basically an allergic skin reaction, during which certain cells release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals make the small blood vessels in the area leak, thereby producing localized swelling called a wheal. As the small arteries dilate, the skin reddens. If your allergic reaction involves other body systems, you might also appear flushed, wheeze, and have swollen lips and eyelids.
Things that produce hives include certain medications, foods, insect bites, and exposure to cold. Less often, inhaling animal dander, molds, and pollens can lead to hives as well as respiratory symptoms. Rarer still, parasitic infestations, other infectious illnesses, and cancer can produce hives.

Herbal Remedies

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

With its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties, licorice acts in a way that’s similar to cortisol, the body’s own anti-inflammatory hormone. Use whole licorice, not the DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated, form. Typical dosage: up to six 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 30 drops of tincture three times per day; or 2 cups of tea per day (simmer 1 teaspoon of dried chopped root in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes). You can also cool the tea and apply it to the affected skin with a clean cloth three or four times a day. Caution: Limit internal use to six weeks. Do not use if you are pregnant or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a disease of the thyroid, kidney, liver, or heart. If you are already taking corticosteroid allergy medications, consult a doctor before using licorice.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

This effective anti-inflammatory herb also helps you sleep–a welcome attribute if the burning and itching of hives keeps you awake. Typical dosage: 3 to 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes). You can also cool a cup in the refrigerator, moisten a clean cloth and apply it to your hives three to four times a day. Or brew about a gallon of tea and pour it into a lukewarm bath (hot water usually aggravates itching). Caution: If you’re allergic to other daisy family plants, you might be allergic to chamomile. Apply the tea to a small patch of skin that doesn’t have hives and wait 24 to 48 hours. If the chamomile produces inflammation, don’t use it.

Yarrow (Artemesia millefolium)

This flower is in the same botanical tribe as chamomile and is also anti-inflammatory. Typical dosage: 3 to 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes). You can use it externally in the same way as chamomile–but the same cautions apply. Caution: Do not use internally during pregnancy.

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

This plant is a traditional treatment for skin conditions, including hives. The roots, seeds, and leaves can all be used. Typical dosage: up to 3 cups of tea per (steep 1 teaspoon of dried root in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or up to six 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 30 drops of tincture three times per day.

Stinging Nettle (Urica dioica)

Nettles may seem an odd choice to heal hives, because a serious case of them can result if you merely brush against the fresh plant. But taken internally, this plant somehow has an anti-allergy effect. If stinging nettles grow near your home, wear thick gloves, long sleeves, and long pants. Pick a couple of handfuls, steam them, and eat as a vegetable. Typical dosage: 1 to 2 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes); or up to six 400-milligram capsules per day.

Aloe (Aloe vera)

If you grow this plant, slice a leaf lengthwise, scoop out the inner gel, and apply as needed to your hives. It will reduce inflammation and feel cool and soothing on irritated skin. You can also use a commercial preparation of pure aloe vera gel, preferably one without artificial colorings or preservatives.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

This spice’s strong anti-inflammatory powers come with a helping of heat, so you might not want to use it if your skin already feels hot. Typical dosage: up to 2 cups of tea per day (simmer 1 teaspoon of fresh grated root or 1/2 teaspoon of dried root in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes). You can also cool a batch to sponge onto your skin.

When Hives are an Emergency

Call for emergency medical transport if you experience wheezing or difficulty breathing along with swelling of you lips, tongue, and throat. If you suspect a new medication has produced the hives, call your doctor. No matter what the trigger, bear in mind that the next time you are exposed to that substance, you may have a much more severe reaction. To prevent this, you must identify and eliminate the cause of the reaction.

Elevated blood cholesterol is one of the most common medical conditions among Americans. This blood chemical plays a major role in heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening health problems. So keeping watch over your own levels of cholesterol and a similar group of chemicals called triglycerides is an important step in staying healthy.
Since you can’t “feel” you own levels of blood fats–and because they can change slowly over time–you may have no idea that they’re high. It’s becoming increasingly common for older people to know their own cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but for other high-risk folks, it can be important to be tested regularly, starting as young as age 19.
What is cholesterol, anyway? It’s no more than a special type of fat, one required by every cell in the body to function properly. Approximately 25 percent of your cholesterol supply comes from your diet; the other 75 percent is manufactured in your liver. When your body is working as it should, it burns dietary fat for energy and uses cholesterol to manufacture hormones (such as estrogen and cortisone) and nutrients (such as vitamin D). But when your body makes excessive cholesterol or triglycerides, or its systems for disposing of the excess are inefficient, these blood fats build up along with calcium deposits, clogging and hardening blood vessels.
You’ve probably heard low-density lipoprotein (LDL) referred to as “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) referred to as “good” cholesterol. That’s and oversimplification, but it’s essentially true. LDLs carry the type of cholesterol that can build up in the arteries; the cholesterol that HDL carries actually reduces heart-disease risk by removing fats from the bloodstream.
What researchers have discovered about cholesterol is that it’s not the numbers, but the ratios of total cholesterol to HDL and of triglycerides to HDL that matter most. In both cases, the lower the better.
Nearly 30 million prescriptions per year are written for drugs that lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides. But while these drugs may reduce your risk of high blood fats giving you a heart attack or stroke, studies haven’t proven that they’ll increase your life span. Your best bet for lowering cholesterol is an approach that combines dietary and lifestyle changes with other natural remedies–plus cholesterol-lowering drugs if your doctor thinks it’s critical to lower you cholesterol quickly.

Herbal Remedies

Guggul (from the myrrh tree, Commiphora mukul)

This sticky resin is used extensively in the ancient Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda. An extract of this resin, called gugulipid, has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL cholesterol. It also appears to protect the heart from damage by unstable molecules called free radicals. Gugulipid is sold as an extract standardized to contain 5 to 10 percent of guggulsterone, the active ingredient. Typical dosage: 25 milligrams of guggulsterone three times per day with meals. You may have to take it for one to three months for it to have an effect on cholesterol, but guggulsterone appears to have no significant side effects and it can be taken long term.

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

The artichoke plant’s leaves and roots contain a chemical called cynarin. This substance blocks the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines and inhibits its production in the liver. Cynarin also affects triglycerides; in one medical study, patients saw their triglycerides drop after six weeks of use. Similar to its cousin milk thistle, artichoke appears to assist the liver in breaking down toxic chemicals. Although eating artichoke leaves on a regular basis can definitely help lower cholesterol, to get a more consistent effect, use a powdered extract. Typical dosage: 500 to 3,000 milligrams per day, divided into three doses, taken before meals. Caution: Do not use if you have gallstones or gallbladder problems.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

This pungent bulb has been used medicinally in many cultures for more than 3,000 years. Its active ingredients is a compound called allicin; sometimes you’ll see products standardized to a particular percentage of this chemical. Garlic inhibits at least two of the enzymes involved in the production of cholesterol by the liver, thus lowering cholesterol synthesis. Typical dosage: 1 to 3 raw or briefly cooked cloves per day; or in tablets or capsules, enough to total at least 4,000 micrograms of allicin potential daily.

Psyllium Seed (Plantago ovata)

The seed of the psyllium plant is rich in mucilage, the soluble fibers similar to those found in oat bran, flaxseed meal, and guar gum. Although it is traditionally used to treat constipation, research shows that psyllium seed reduces high cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Exactly how it does this isn’t known, but it appears to bind with dietary cholesterol and fat to prevent their absorption. It also binds bile acids and prevents their reabsorption in the intestines, thus taking cholesterol out of circulation. Psyllium needs to be consumed quickly, because once you you combine it with water, it quickly thickens to the point of undrinkability. Typical dosage: 2 to 4 teaspoons of powdered seed or 1 teaspoon of the ground seed husks dissolved in 1 cup of water, once or twice per day. Caution: May cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea; to avoid these side effects, start with half the above dose and build up slowly.

The Vitamin that’s a Drug

Since the 1950s, doctors have prescribed niacin, or vitamin B3, for lowering cholesterol. But the dosages recommended–500 to 3,000 milligrams per day–make this use of the vitamin more like a drug. Niacin lowers not only total cholesterol but also LDL, triglycerides, and fibrinogen, a blood protein responsible for clot formation. It also raises HDL levels. Pure, crystalline niacin can cause a harmless but unpleasant flushing reaction. Taking and aspirin tablet before taking niacin, or using timed-release niacin, can prevent flushing. There have been reports of liver damage, however, with some forms of timed-released niacin. It should probably be avoided for this reason.
A new, better choice is inositol hexaniacinate, which is niacin bound to inositol, a B-complex-like vitamin. This substance has been used for years in Europe and appears to avoid niacin’s side effects on the liver. All forms of niacin have side effects for some people, so consult your doctor to calculate a dosage.

Doing the Numbers

What should your cholesterol levels be? Agencies and researchers are continually revising their recommendations. Here are the current guidelines.

* Total cholesterol: below 200 milligrams per deciliter
* LDL: below 130 milligrams per deciliter
* HDL: above 35 milligrams per deciliter
* Total cholesterol to HDL ratio: less than 5
* Triglycerides: below 100 milligrams per deciliter
* Ratio of triglycerides to HDL: controversial, but some experts recommend a ratio of less than 3

First Things First

You’ve surely heard it before, but it remains as true as ever: The single most important natural way to lower a high cholesterol level is to change your diet. Reducing your intake of saturated animal fats can help. Cut back on high-fat red meats and avoid fried foods and lard. Replace saturated oils and fats with mono-unsaturated ones, such as olive and avocado oil, and with polyunsaturated fats such as those found in raw nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil, and fish oils. This approach can lower LDL levels without significantly lowering HDL levels. Increase your fiber intake by adding crispy vegetables and fibrous whole grains, especially oat and rice bran. Aim for a total fiber intake of 50 grams or more per day. Try eating more soy, too. Soy protein and other soy foods have also been shown to reduce cholesterol when included regularly in the diet. In addition, an exercise program consisting of both aerobic and weight resistance, performed at least three times per week, has been shown in medical studies to increase HDL levels while decreasing LDL levels.

The Dynamic Duo

Combining garlic with fish oil (such as salmon or cod-liver extract) has been shown to increase the effectiveness of both products in lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. A typical dosage of fish oil might be 1,000 to 3,000 milligrams per day.

Your heart is an engineering marvel: an elegant pump that receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and uses just the right amount of force to push it back through the arteries and out to the body’s tissues.
When all goes well, there is just enough pressure inside the arteries to maintain a steady flow of blood. But such pressure can be affected by exercise, stress, diet, and hormones, as well as by blood loss from menstruation or severe injury. To keep the system working correctly in the face of constantly changing conditions, the heart makes continual adjustments. Its rate of beating speeds up or slows down, and the strength of its contractions increases and decreases. At the same time, arteries relax and deflate or contract and constrict, and the kidneys either retain salt and water (thus raising blood pressure) or release salt and water (allowing blood pressure drop).
Given the intricacy of the system, it’s no surprise that chronically elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common of all diseases, affecting more than 50 million Americans. It’s even more common among African Americans than among people of other ethnic backgrounds, for reasons that remain unclear.
The trouble with high blood pressure is that it’s symptomless. It can hang around for 10 to 20 years, damaging vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, and eyes, without giving you any clues that you have it.
Massive public health measures have been initiated to identify and treat people affected by high blood pressure. But figuring out whether you’re one of them is not always easy. In some people, blood pressure readings can vary by 20 to 60 points in the course of a day. And many people notice that their blood pressure tends to increase in a doctor’s office, a phenomenon called white-coat hypertension.

Herbal Remedies

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

The leaves, flowers, and berries of this tree have a well-deserved reputation as general tonics for the cardiovascular system. Hawthorn is perhaps the best-known botanical medicine used in the treatment of mild high blood pressure. A hawthorn extract is commonly used by herbalist for improving heart function and treating congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and angina. It is a rich source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) and antioxidant bioflavonoids, both of which nourish the tissues of the heart and the blood vessels.
Hawthorn lowers blood pressure by relaxing and dilating artery walls. How the herb does this is only partly understood. It appears to possess similarities to ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers. Since hawthorn can take weeks or even months to work, it should not be used by itself for significantly high blood pressure (above 160 over 100). But it is the ideal herb to use in the early stages of high blood pressure. Typical dosage: 150 to 1,500 milligrams of powdered standardized extract (one that contains 10 to 18 percent OPCs or 1.8 percent vitexin-4′-rhamnoside).

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

This mushroom is prized in Japan and China, where its rejuvenating qualities have been known for over 4,000 years. Scientific studies have confirmed its medicinal properties. Published studies in humans show that it lowers blood pressure and reduces “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, another type of blood fat. It also reduces the tendency of blood platelets to accumulate, thus making blood less likely to clot and promote heart attacks and strokes. Since the raw mushroom is woody and inedible, the traditional method of preparing reishi is to make a tea by simmering it for a long time in water. Fortunately, it is also available in a powerful form. Typical dosage: 1,000 to 9,000 milligrams in capsules per day; or 50 to 75 milligrams in concentrated capsules three times per day.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

This common seasoning has been used as a medicine in many cultures for more than 3,000 years. It is known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, treat infections, and prevent cancer. The sure-fire way to lower blood pressure with garlic is to eat one to three raw or lightly cooked cloves every day. If you can’t handle the garlic breath that results, or you suffer from heartburn or an easily irritated stomach, garlic is available in other forms. Typical dosage: 1 to 3 standardized tablets (guaranteed to provide at least 4,000 micrograms of allicin each) per day.

Coleus (Coleus forskohlii)

An extract of this herb, forskohlin, is used to extensively in India to treat numerous conditions, including high blood pressure and asthma, though it is little known in the United States. Forskolin has been shown to increase the concentration of a chemical called cAMP, found in smooth muscles, thus dilating the walls of arteries. Forskolin also appears to help heart muscle work more efficiently. Since the root contains only small amounts of the active ingredient, it is important to use a concentrated extract. Typical dosage: 50 milligrams three or four times per day.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

The leaves of your favorite lawn weed are a popular home remedy for fluid retention. By gently increasing urine flow, dandelion leaf helps to lower blood pressure as well. In very high doses, the herb can have a diuretic effect. The advantages of using dandelion are twofold: It does not appear to cause potassium loss–a significant problem with some prescription diuretics–and at the right time of year, almost anyone can find fresh dandelion greens to throw into a salad or make into a juice or tea. (Avoid leaves that have been treated with chemicals.) Typical dosage: 2 to 6 cups of tea per day (simmer 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves in one cup of water for 5 minutes); or 1 to 2 dropperfuls of tincture up to three times per day; or one 500-milligram capsule three or four times per day.

Doing the Blood-Pressure Numbers

Blood pressure is measured it terms of how much the arteries contract (systolic pressure) and dilate (diastolic pressure). Although a reading of 140 (the upper,systolic number) over 90 (the lower, diastolic number) has been designated as the upper limit of normal for the American population, comparative studies of other population suggest these figures may be too high. For example, the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico, who lead a very active lifestyle, often walking or running several miles daily up and down steep canyon walls, have an average blood pressure of 90 over 60 and a much lower rate of heart attacks and strokes than Americans do.
Instead of waiting until your blood pressure reaches someone else’s arbitrary limit and then trying to lower it after the fact, a better strategy is to keep an eye on this barometer of health on a regular basis. Experts suggest beginning intervention on a number of fronts–diet, exercise, and natural remedies–when readings regularly exceed 120 over 80. Blood pressure should be checked once a year if normal, and four times a year if it is ever found to be elevated.

A Salty Debate

It used to be a sure thing that you’d be told to pass up the salt if you had high blood pressure. More current research, however, has shown that reducing sodium helps lower blood pressure for less than half of those who try it.
On the other hand, most people do eat too much salt–a daily average of 2 to 3 teaspoons– and would benefit by cutting back to 1 teaspoon. A simple way to do this is to stop adding extra salt to food.

First Things First

Drugs to lower blood pressure are among the most frequent reasons a doctor gets out a prescription pad. Although these drugs are usually effective, their value is diminished by side effects such as fatigue and depression. They can also impair your ability to exercise or enjoy sex. And they’re expensive. So if you’ve been newly diagnosed with high blood pressure, it’s a natural to ask your doctor if you can avoid having to take such drugs by making some changes in your lifestyle.
Fortunately, because so many Americans suffer from high blood pressure, a great deal of research has been done on ways to fight the disorder. Stress management techniques that have been proven to help include meditation, biofeedback, and regular aerobic exercise. Losing weight and decreasing alcohol consumption may also have a big impact. Some people, especially those with Type II diabetes, find that restricting carbohydrates can dramatically lower their blood pressure.

Eight ways to Fight High Blood Pressure

Here are eight more tips for lowering high blood pressure and reducing or preventing a dependence on blood pressure drugs.
* Eat fewer calories. Lowering your body weight if it’s too high is one key way to lower your blood pressure.

* Avoid refined carbohydrates such as white flour and sugar, white potatoes (especially french fries), and sugar-sweetened soft drinks. All of these supply “empty” calories, meaning they’re unusually bereft of nutrients and they lead to weight gain. They also fill you up so that you have now room left for healthful foods.

* Don’t drink more than one 8-ounce glass of beer, or 4 ounces of wine, or 1 ounce of hard liquor per day. Higher amounts of alcohol are known blood pressure boosters.

* Eat high-fiber foods such as flaxseed meal and other whole grains and vegetables. In addition to boosting dietary fiber, these foods contain nutrients that lower blood pressure. And fiber makes you feel full, which helps you lose weight if you need to.

* Eat deep-sea fish that are rich in essential fatty acids, such as salmon, cod, mackerel, and tuna. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish tend to relax artery walls, reducing blood pressure. They also make blood thinner and less likely to clot.

* Emphasize foods high in magnesium, potassium, and calcium. On the list: nuts and seeds, green leafy vegetables, legumes, whole grain, tofu, bananas, oranges, apples, avocados, and melons.

* Stop smoking. Cigarette smoking raises your blood pressure by constricting arteries. It also damages heart muscle and other tissues by decreasing the amount of oxygen they get.

* Engage in regular aerobic exercise for 30 or 40 minutes three or four times a week. Such exercise has been shown to lower blood pressure and prevent heart attacks.

Mineral “Magic”

One of the deadliest consequences of high blood pressure is stroke. But it is also the one with a proven dietary therapy. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) study, performed at four medical centers and sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, showed that people who ate foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber had a lower incidence of stroke.

Herpes has no cure, and there’s no vaccination or immunity against it. Although symptoms disappear, the virus remains contagious and lies dormant in nerve cells, reactivating in response to stress, sunlight, or other causes. It’s a secret you can usually hide: Up to 70 percent of those infected show now symptoms. On the other hand, if you’re among the non-monogamous sexually active, there’s no telling which potential partner might have given you herpes. Plus you certainly don’t want to give it to anyone else.
Genital herpes is caused by a virus that’s a member of the herpes family, herpes simplex type 2. The first sign of infection is usually tingling or itching of the genital area or anus, followed by painful sores,swollen lymph nodes, sore muscles, and headaches. The first outbreak, usually the most painful, can last up to two weeks. Later outbreaks usually last four or five days; blisters heal in one to three weeks.
Factors that can trigger herpes outbreaks in addition to stress and sun exposure include weakened immunity, diet, surgery, skin rashes, menstruation, hormonal fluctuations, and prolonged sexual activity. Genital herpes is diagnosed by smears or cell cultures.
Up to 70 percent of those infected with herpes show no symptoms. Unfortunately, while antiviral drugs may reduce the chances of infecting others, they can’t eliminate that chance. And those who have genital herpes may be infectious to others at times when they’re not aware of an outbreak.

Herbal Remedies

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

This antiviral herb has recently shown its potential for accelerating the healing of herpes sores, especially when treatment is started early in the outbreak. Because it’s also a mild sedative, lemon balm may help you sleep if the pain of an outbreak is keeping you awake. Typical dosage: 25 to 40 drops of tincture two times per day; or 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1 1/4 to 4 teaspoons of dried leaf in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes). In addition, you can apply a commercial lemon balm cream or ointment to the sores three or four times per day. Other effective herbs to look for in topical lemon balm products: aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, and plantain.

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida)

This herb is useful in any condition involving the immune system. Begin taking echinacea as soon as you feel an outbreak beginning; continue for up to two weeks. Typical dosage: up to nine 300-to 400-milligrams capsules per day; or 60 drops of tincture three times per day.

St.-John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum)

A well-known virus fighter and wound healer, St.-John’s-wort can be used in several ways to fight herpes. Typical dosage: 300 milligrams in capsules three times per day; or 15 to 40 drops of tincture three times per day; or 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes). To use externally, apply a compress made with the tea to the cold sores three times per day. You can also apply an infused oil or tincture of the following tops to active lesions. Caution: May cause increased reactions to sun exposure. Do not take St.-John’s-wort internally if you are on an antidepressant drug.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

In studies, licorice inactivates the herpes simplex virus. It also has a potent anti-inflammatory effect. When an outbreak first occurs, you can take commercial products that contain licorice extract or apply a licorice-compress or poultice several times per day. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea per day (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried, chopped root in 1 cup of hot water for 15 minutes); or up to six 400- or 500-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 30 drops of tincture up to three times per day. Caution: Do not use licorice internally for longer than six weeks. Do not take it at all if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, take diuretics or digitalis, or if you’re pregnant.

Topical Herpes Treatment

If the alcohol of this tincture stings too much, substitute glycerites or infused oils of the same herbs.

1/2 teaspoon St.-John’s-wort tincture
1/2 teaspoon licorice root tincture
5 drops tea tree essential oil
3 drops myrrh essential oil

Combine all ingredients. Shake well, then apply directly to herpes lesions up to three times per day.

Food and Supplements to Manage Herpes

To minimize herpes outbreaks, limit foods containing the amino acid arginine. That means avoiding chocolate,walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, peanut, and peanut butter.
Another amino acid, lysine, may help prevent outbreaks. Get your lysine by eating plenty of turkey,chicken, fish, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and wheat germ. You can also take lysine in capsule form. Typical dosage: 3,000 milligrams of lysine per day for 3 months, then 1,000 milligrams per day to prevent outbreaks.
Meanwhile, take zinc at the first sign of an outbreak to limit its length and severity. Typical dosage: 30 to 60 milligrams during the outbreak and for several days after. You can also apply cream or ointment containing zinc sulfate to the sores.

Herpes-Immune System Tincture

Blending your own tinctures is easy to do; you simply purchase commercial tinctures and blend them in a dark glass bottle. You can blend larger amounts of the tinctures in this recipe; just keep the proportions the same.

1/2 teaspoon echinacea tincture
1/2 teaspoon St.-John’s-wort tincture
1/2 teaspoon bupleurum tincture
1/2 teaspoon licorice tincture
1/2 teaspoon barberry tincture

Combine the tinctures. Take one dropperful of the mix four to six times per day as soon as you feel symptoms of an outbreak coming on and for as long as they continue.

Three Quick, Easy Remedies

Got tea on hand? How about aloe or vitamin E? Here are quick, easy ways to quell the sting of a herpes lesion.

* Apply a damp bag of black tea. Steep it in hot water a few moments to allow the tiny pieces of leaves to unfurl; let it cool and place on the lesion.

* Pop open a vitamin E capsule. Apply the oil to lesions to ease the itch and promote healing.

* Use pure aloe vera gel. It’s as good for any minor skin wound as it is for kitchen burns. Slice open a leaf, scoop the fresh gel, and apply, or purchase a bottled pure aloe vera product.