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Natural herbal &
homeopathic help for Genital Herpes (herpes simplex virus type 2
(HSV-2))
Genital Herpes
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION
- REMEDIES - ALLERGIES - GENITAL HERPES
Genital herpes is a common
sexually transmitted viral infection
characterized by tiny, cold sore-like blisters in the genital or
anal region. The virus once contracted comes up with typical
symptoms in full flow, then usually lies low in the nerve cells and
then emerges to attack when the conditions are favorable, i.e. when
your body’s immunity level is low.
Thousands of people suffer from this condition which is caused by a
strain of the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which in turn, is
different from herpes simplex 1 virus (HSV-1), responsible for cold
sores. Although, HSV-1 is predominantly responsible for cold sores
and HSV-2 for genital herpes, both can actually cause infection in
any part of the body. Another virus of the herpes family is varicella zoster virus (VZV), or
herpes zoster, and it is
responsible for chickenpox and shingles. These three common forms of
herpes, all have the ability to ‘lie low’ in the body after the
initial infection until they are reactivated. That is why, the
sufferers often get recurrent attacks. All these forms of herpes are
highly infectious during attacks, but one type cannot usually cause
another.
The initial attack of genital herpes usually goes in 2-3 weeks time
and subsequent attacks are infrequent and also not as severe as the
first one. Some people carry the virus for years without an attack,
while others carrying the virus experience regular attacks. The
regularity varies from once a year to once every 3-4 weeks.
Fortunately, the probability that you will never have a recurrence
of the attack is also quite high at four to one or even better.
Although, the recurrence is directly related to the immunity level
of the individual, stress is supposed to be a predominant factor by
many a specialist.
There is
no known way of getting rid of this virus, and therefore there is no
cure for it. Treatment is aimed at easing discomfort and soothing
and drying the sores. Even without treatment, there is a natural
tendency for repeated episodes to become less frequent with the
passage of time.
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A tingling, prickling and burning sensation precedes the
appearance of blisters (called prodrome) |
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Tiny, painful, fluid-filled blisters, usually in a group
of two or more, on the penis, vagina or nearby parts of
the body including the anal region. Other parts affected
are cervix, labia and inner thighs |
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The blisters break within a few days, dry up and scab
over |
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Fever, headache, muscle aches and malaise (generally
feeling bad) and painful swelling of the lymph glands in
the groin region. This is particularly the case in the
first attack |
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Painful urination; as the acidic urine passes over the
sores, there is an outbreak of intense pain, especially
in women |
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Vaginal or penile discharge
Symptoms generally last for 10 to 14 days. Usually
diagnosis of herpes is easy from physical appearance of
the sores and therefore, no tests are required. Still,
if your doctor is not quite certain, fluid from the
blisters can be taken as sample and tested for the
virus. This is done through viral cultures and takes 2
to 3 days to get the results.
Another fast, but less accurate, approach is to do a
Tzanck test of the skin lesions. This involves taking a
sample of fluid from the blisters and staining it with a
dye. Then the stained fluid is examined under the
microscope and the characteristic appearance of the
virus is searched for. Finally, there is a blood test
that may be helpful for making a diagnosis, especially
if herpes simplex is suspected but no symptoms are
present. It is also carried out if a distinction between
HSV-1 and HSV-2 is needed.
Also, if you are diagnosed with genital herpes, you
should be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases
like chlamydia and gonorrhea. |
The main source of acquiring (contracting) the herpes virus is sexual
intercourse with an infected person, of course at the time when the
disease is symptomatic. This happens because the fluid of the
blisters is highly contagious and even a condom is generally not
able to restrict the virus moving to your partner or vice versa.
This is so because the unprotected skin may still come in contact
with the infected fluids. Having multiple sexual partners puts you
at even greater risk.
Once you have contracted the virus, it may choose to remain dormant
till the time it feels is ripe for an attack. This time comes
usually when you are low on immunity due to:
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Excessive stress (remember, emotional stress is also
included) |
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Cold or
influenza |
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Fever |
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Mild infection |
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Increased
exposure to ultraviolet radiation, particularly during
beach or mountain holidays |
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Women often suffer just before the start of their
periods |
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Exposure to extreme cold |
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People on immunosuppressant drugs, like after a
transplant or during chemotherapy |
There
are a number of antiviral drugs (oral and topical) that can be
prescribed to help control outbreaks and serve as oral or genital
herpes treatments.
While these drugs may help to relieve herpes symptoms and speed up
recovery, it is important to note that they do not cure or make the
disease less contagious, and it can still be transmitted to another
person. It also needs to be noted that they often come with various
potential bothersome side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea.
As
immune deficiency is one of the most common triggers of a repeated
herpes virus outbreak, naturally boosting the immune system is
the most essential preventative measure. This can be done
holistically by eating a healthy diet, exercising, getting
sufficient sleep, and supporting the body’s natural ability to fight
illness with herbal and homeopathic remedies.
Herbs such as Hypoxis Rooperi, Astragalus membranaceous, and Schizandra sinesis
have been successfully used for their antiviral and immune-boosting
properties, and provide a safe alternative or complimentary
treatment to prescription antiviral medications. These herbs also
work well to treat active symptoms, thus speeding recovery. While
HSV cannot be cured, herbal ingredients sourced from a reputable
company can go a long way in keeping the virus dormant longer, and
be effective alternatives to conventional oral or genital herpes
treatments.
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Hypoxis Rooperi (extract of African Potato) - Hypoxis contains phytosterols and sterolins, which help
to modulate the effect of the immune system. Research
has shown the beneficial effect of plant sterols and
sterolins on the immune system. Research done on a group
of volunteers demonstrated a significant increase in the
number of T-cells, which are involved in enhancing
immunity. |
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Viscum album: This herb acts as a natural
diuretic, and vasodilator, supporting the natural
strength of capillary walls and the body’s natural
ability to encourage repair of damaged cells. |
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Crataegus oxycanthoides - This herb is highly
respected as a tonic to support healthy circulation.
Studies have demonstrated the ability of Crataegus to
positively assist with cardiological indications
utilizing active flavonoids in the herb producing
simultaneous cardiotropic and vasodilatory action, thus
dilating blood vessels for improved circulation. |
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Schizandra sinesis - This herb is a powerful
native ingredient from China. Schizandra is also used to
assist the body in its capacity to regulate and maintain
healthy energy levels and to routinely protect against
toxins and cell damage. It is effective in helping the
body to perform its natural function of regeneration of
damaged liver tissue, while promoting improved overall
regulation of physiological processes. |
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Astralagus membranaceus - This is another potent
Chinese remedy, also called 'huang qi', and has a
variety of benefits as a convalescent and rejuvenating
tonic. |
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Olea europea (extract of olive leaf) - This herb
contains a compound called oleuropein acid that is
effective in helping the body to routinely combat
numerous pathogens (germs). The positive effects of
Olive leaf have recently been demonstrated in a variety
of clinical studies. |
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ImmunityPlus
Promotes healthy immune system
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bacterial infections.
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Pure-Heal Gel
Promotes the natural healing of wounds,
minor burns, grazes and bites.
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A
well-balanced, nutritious diet is essential for maintaining general
good health and resisting diseases. It obviously helps in avoiding
flare-ups of dormant viruses, like those of the herpes family. As
there is no cure for herpes, in this case genital herpes due to
herpes simplex virus type 2, boosting your immunity is the only way
you can control the recurrence and alleviate the symptoms. Also, to
give your immune system a good chance to fight off an attack of any
herpes virus, you should either avoid or reduce the intake of
certain foods and drinks as discussed below.
Some of the most important nutrients required by your body to
inhibit the growth of HSV-1 and give a general fillip to the immune
system are:
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Zinc – Zinc is found to inhibit the growth of HSV-2 by
inhibiting the replication of the virus. It is also a
great immune booster, being a very good antioxidant.
Zinc supplements may be advised in case of severe
recurrence issues, but as always, take supplements only
on the insistence of your doctor. |
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Vitamin C – It is one more extremely important immune
booster and is supposed to inactivate HSV-1. A
combination of vitamin C and bioflavonoids (antioxidants
that help fight infection and boost immune function)
given at the first sign of flare-up prevents the
development of blisters in majority of the cases. |
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Lysine – The amino acid arginine is required by the
herpes virus for growth while the amino acid lysine
inhibits this growth. As it is believed that recurrent
bouts of genital herpes are brought up by the lowering of
the vitality, this imbalance should and can be corrected by
taking
more lysine containing foods and avoiding arginine
containing foods. |
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Spirulina – Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae
found in most lakes and ponds and flourishes in warm
climate and alkaline water. It is considered a complete
protein because well over half of it consists of amino
acids -- the building blocks of protein and is also a
rich source of other nutrients including B complex
vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, carotenoids,
manganese, zinc, copper, iron (in extremely good
content), selenium, and gamma linolenic acid (an
essential fatty acid). It has extremely good ability to
stimulate the immune system and has excellent antiviral
effects. Spirulina is known to fight against herpes virus quite
strongly.
Good dietary sources for the above nutrients include
Zinc: Shellfish (especially oysters) and nuts are
rich sources of zinc. Other sources include red meats,
poultry, cheese (ricotta, Swiss, gouda), shrimp, crab,
legumes (especially lima beans, black-eyed peas,
soybeans), whole grains, tofu, brewer's yeast, cooked
greens, mushrooms, green beans, tahini, and pumpkin and
sunflower seeds.
Vitamin C: Diet containing fresh fruits and
vegetables should provide you with enough vitamin C in a
day although emphasis must be given on citrus fruits
(fresh fruits in totality and not their juice only) like
grapes and blackberries, as they also contain bioflavonoids. Some important fruits and vegetables are
blackcurrant, vegetables (broccoli, potatoes), red
capsicums and chillies, strawberry, kiwifruit and
rockmelon.
Lysine: Lamb, brewer’s yeast, chicken, fish, non-fat
yoghurt, non-fat milk, beans, vegetables (particularly
potatoes) and fruits. High intake of lysine containing
foods or supplements is not recommended if you have high
cholesterol, heart disease, or high triglycerides as
they may raise cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Spirulina: It is available in dried and freeze-dried
form. Pills are also available in the market. |
Foods to
avoid are:
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Arginine containing foods such as chocolate, nuts,
peanuts, cola, peas, grain cereals, cashews, beer and
gelatin. |
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Reduce your intake of alcohol and caffeine, which is
found in coffee, tea and colas. This will help maintain
a healthy immune system. |
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Acidic, salty and processed foods. |
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Stress is known to be the primary cause of genital
herpes recurrence. Even if you are not stressed out till
now, it is most likely that you may also feel hopelessly
miserable once you have contracted the virus. If you
don’t, please carry the same attitude for ever. If you
do, there are a few basic things you should do, the most
important being to learn as much as you can about your
disease and make as much sense out of it as possible so
that you can have a better control over your situation.
Learn relaxation techniques like meditation, biofeedback
etc., though yoga is highly recommended.
Yoga is a well known and established stress buster - for both physical as well
mental stress. |
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Stay away from sex in totality till the symptoms go away
completely. This usually takes 10-14 days time. No
protection will help your cause. Off course, it makes
complete sense in having an extra protection in the form
of condoms when you finally have a sexual intercourse
later on. |
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You may be tempted to use all sorts of creams and
ointments on the infected area, but
please, don’t do
that. Basically, genital sores need to be clean and airy
for them to heal quickly. Antibiotic ointments and
petroleum jelly block this air and slow the healing
process. Cortisone creams are even worse as they inhibit
the immune system and even encourage the virus to grow.
Instead, take a warm water shower 3-4 times a day. Then
blow your genital area dry using a hair drier. It will
soothe the sores and speed up the healing process. |
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Ditto with the washing process too. Don’t try and use
fancy medicated products to clean the infected area.
Instead use a mild medicated soap and water to keep the
area clean and let your body’s defense mechanism do the
rest. Off course, there are always those very effective
herbal tinctures (the ones mentioned above) to make your
life comfortable. |
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We are loose fitting cotton underpants to allow air to
pass over the sores. If a nylon panty hose is a must,
the crotch should definitely be of cotton. |
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ImmunityPlus
Promotes healthy immune system
functioning and helps fight viral and
bacterial infections.
|
|
|
Pure-Heal Gel
Promotes the natural healing of wounds,
minor burns, grazes and bites.
|
|
|
Introducing
The Doctor-Designed
Internal & External Herpes Treatment Program
"STOP HERPES NOW"
specifically for Genital Herpes
by
Dr. David Hogg
ND
He has
developed an all-natural program – that does not include drugs!
– that teaches you how to create a lifestyle that in some
instances is better than when you were limited by genital
herpes.
To Read More
CLICK HERE
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