Reprinted from Nature' Field
About Herpes
by Judith G. Cobb
Read also "Herpes Combination" below.
Herpes is a family of viruses, each one responsible for a different set of
symptoms.
Herpes simplex type I is commonly known as cold sores. These
painful blister-like lesions usually occur on the face (around the lips), on the
eye (causing a form of conjunctivitis), or in the vagina.
Herpes zoster is the
virus that causes shingles in adults and chicken pox in children.
The type of herpes I am focusing on in this article is Herpes simplex type
II which is the sexually transmitted version of the disease. The lesions are
usually localized in the genital area. The first outbreak is usually the most
uncomfortable, and can be accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes,
and muscular aches.
Lesions usually take about two weeks to heal. It is
imperative that sexual contact be avoided during this time. This disease can
have severe complications for adults. It also increases a woman's risk of
cervical cancer.
Babies born vaginally when mom has an outbreak run the risk of
blindness, brain damage, and death. A Cesarean section may be necessary
in this case. Persons with the virus will rarely have outbreaks after they
reach 50 years of age. Once one of these viruses has entered the body it will
never leave, but it can be controlled somewhat. In all cases of herpes the
virus travels along a nerve. At the end of the nerve the virus erupts causing
a blister or lesion on the skin. When the blisters are oozing is when they are
the most contagious.
Herpes simplex type 1, which is transmitted through oral secretions or sores on the skin, can be spread through kissing or sharing objects such as toothbrushes or eating utensils. In general, a person can only get herpes type 2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. It is important to know that both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be spread even if sores are not present.
Pregnant women with genital herpes should talk to their doctor as genital herpes can be passed on to the baby during childbirth.
For many people with the herpes virus, attacks (or outbreaks) of herpes can be brought on by the following conditions:
General illness (from mild illnesses to serious conditions)
Fatigue
Physical or emotional stress
Immunosuppression due to AIDS or such medications as chemotherapy or steroids
Trauma to the affected area, including sexual activity
Menstruation
What Are the Symptoms of Herpes Simplex?
Symptoms of herpes simplex virus typically appear as a blister or as multiple blisters on or around affected areas -- usually the mouth, genitals, or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender sores.
How Is Herpes Simplex Diagnosed?
Often, the appearance of herpes simplex virus is typical and no testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis. If a health care provider is uncertain, herpes simplex can be diagnosed with laboratory tests, including DNA -- or PCR -- tests and virus cultures.
How Painful Is Herpes Simplex?
Some people experience very mild genital herpes symptoms or no symptoms at all. Frequently, people infected with the virus don't even know they have it. However, when it causes symptoms, it can be described as extremely painful. This is especially true for the first outbreak, which is often the worst. Outbreaks are described as aches or pains in or around the genital area or burning, pain, or difficulty urinating. Some people experience discharge from the vagina or penis.
Oral herpes lesions (cold sores) usually cause tingling and burning just prior to the breakout of the blisters. The blisters themselves can also be painful.
Can Herpes Be Cured?
There is no cure for herpes simplex. Once a person has the virus, it remains in the body. The virus lies inactive in the nerve cells until something triggers it to become active again.
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Here are some recommendations that may help to shorten the duration
and intensity of an outbreak. L-lysine has been found helpful by many
people. Recommended dosages range from 500 -1000 mg. daily. It may be
hard to find this amino acid in Canada as the Canadian government has
banned this type of product saying more study is needed to prove its safety
and effectiveness. The purpose of this supplement is that when the amount
of l-lysine exceeds the amount of l-arginine in the body, the growth of the
herpes virus is slowed.
On this same vein, it would be wise to restrict the amount of walnuts,
almonds, barley, cashews, cereals (grains), chicken, chocolate, corn, dairy
products, meat, nuts, seeds, oats, and peanuts as these all contain l-arginine.
Also avoid all citrus fruit and juices when the virus is active.
Vitamin A is recommended at 50,000 IU per day. It is known to enhance
the immune system, strengthen mucous membranes, speed healing of the
skin, and prevent the spread of the virus in the body (Vitamin A needs
vitamin D to work properly. Nature Sunshine's Vitamin A & D fits the
bill).
B complex in very high doses (up to 150 mg. per day - Stress Formula)
may be helpful. Stress seems to play a significant role in causing outbreaks
of all types of herpes. Adequate rest is always recommended to repair and/or maintain good health.
Vitamin C is always important in boosting and
supporting the immune response and counteracting stress. One half to two
grams per hour taken with bioflavonoids is a suggested therapeutic dosage
(Nature's Sunshine Vitamin C- 500 mg. with bioflavonoids).
Zinc
Another important nutrient is zinc. This mineral helps to stimulate the
immune response and helps the skin to heal faster. It is advisable to take
several small doses (Nature's Sunshine Zinc 25 mg.) per day, instead of one
large dose of this nutrient, as it may cause nausea and even vomiting. Up
to 100 mg. per day may be used.
Acidophilus is an important bacteria because of its ability to make B
complex in the human digestive tract. It also prevents the growth of
undesirable bacteria there (Lactobacillus acidophilus/bifidus, 2 billion
count, dairy free).
Lecithin
The nerves are coated with a fatty insulation-like barrier called the
myelin sheath. This sheath acts just like rubber insulation around an
electrical wire to prevent interference and to keep the energy going the way
it should. Lecithin has been found to be helpful in preserving the integrity
of the sheath and as such may be helpful in herpes (Lecithin, 520 mg./capsule). Along with lecithin, the essential fatty acids (Super Oil) may
prevent further deterioration of the nerve pathways.
D-mixed-tocopherols (Vitamin E, 600 IU per day) have been beneficial
in herpes. Some people have found that alternately applying vitamin E and
vitamin A directly to the lesions helps reduce the pain and speeds the
healing.
Some herbs have been found to be helpful also. Black walnut seems to
be effective and can be used topically as an extract, fomentation, or poultice.
The Nature's Sunshine formula VS-C tcm (formerly known as HRP-C) is a
combination of Chinese herbs specifically designed to bolster the immune
system. A study done in Boston by a medical doctor showed the efficacy
of this formula in working with herpes.
Golden seal, and echinacea may all be used to stimulate the
immune system and the movement of the lymphatic fluid. Garlic (Russian
penicillin) is also recommended for its effects in stimulating the immune
system. Another excellent herbal preparation for topical use is Pau D'arco
lotion. This has been used at the first symptoms to prevent full outbreaks,
and has also been used during the outbreak to control it and speed healing.
Obviously, if you are prone to herpes outbreaks, maintaining a healthy
diet is important. Avoid all the typical nutrient destroyers such as white
flour, sugar, alcohol, coffee, tea (non-herbal), and refined foods.
Herpes outbreaks can largely be controlled, and when they do happen the
effects can be minimized with natural remedies.
This information is for educational purposes
only. Consult with a qualified
health practictioner for all serious or
persistant illness.
Copyright© 2000 by Robinson &
Horne, L.C., P.O. Box 1028, Roosevelt,
UT 84066. This
material may be duplicated for educational
purposes only (not for resale)
Herpes Combination With C-Herb
Please call us prior to ordering this combination of 5 products.
Tel. 407-740-8012 (Florida 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday)
Suggested one month program
It is essential to call us IF you decide to purchase this program. We shall then help you the following way (based on what we will learn from you):
Determine quantities per day.
If to be taken with meals or between meals.
This is very important and is a free service. So, please call us at Tel. 407-740-8012 (Florida 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday)
1. VS-C tcm
Virus-fighting immune system Stimulant. Chronic viral infections include flu, infectious hepatitis, Epstein Barr and herpes (including cold/canker sores). Dr. Xie feels it may benefit persons with chronic immune deficiency (including AIDS) and those who have had antibiotics prescribed to excess.
Please read this important additional information on this product
2. L-Lysine
Virus-fighting, gland-regulating amino acid I-Lysine is not produced in the body and must be obtained from the diet.
This is often difficult because it is destroyed by cooking. I-Lysine regulates ovaries, mammary and pineal glands.
It works with vitamin C/bioflavonoids to build collagen for new connective tissue and bones.
I-Lysine is necessary for all amino acid assimilation.
It is used to fight fever blisters/cold sores and mouth ulcers (herpes simplex virus).
The required dose ranges from 400 to 1,000 mg.
More details here
3. C-Herb Internally
C-Herb seems to immediately remove the protein shell in which a virus can hide. If a virus is to survive in the body, it must hide itself within something that the body will not reject. The most common source of disguise is protein. When the virus is coated with protein, the body sees nothing unwanted and takes no action against it. A good example is the influenza virus. It hides itself in protein which serves two purposes. It not only is hidden from the action of the immune system, it can be ushered into the center of a cell as the cell receives the protein. When inside the cell, the virus sheds its protein coating and begins dividing into thousands more viruses which find their way back into the blood system and continues the process until disease overtakes the host.
The second action of C-Herb seems to be the elevation of the activity of the immune system. The immune systern will actually appear dormant until something excites it. An example might be that of an athlete who is preparing to run the 100 yard dash. All tests given this athlete before the race would show very low activity of the immune system. At the end of the race, immediate testing would show the activity of the immune system to be several hundred times higher than just a few seconds before. When the immune system decides the crisis is over, it quickly goes back to its lower status. It appears that C-Herb excites the immune system to several times its resting level and maintains that level as long as C-Herb is present.
4. Liver Balance TCM
The liver performs its role as food
inspector, detoxifier, and gives it the wherewithal to be your own metabolic
chemical plant.
After the food has been inspected and detoxified, it is allowed
to flow into the body for general circulation.
The liver is the second largest organ in the human body. It performs a large number of functions that are essential to the health of all body systems.
The liver aids in metabolism and digestion, and is a major detoxifying organ, breaking down and neutralizing harmful toxic substances. The liver plays a role in the production of blood-clotting substances and produces much of the body’s cholesterol, which is required for the synthesis of hormones and the maintenance of healthy cell membranes. The liver also aids in controlling blood sugar levels by releasing stored glucose when blood sugar levels fall too low.
This vital organ is susceptible to many diseases and conditions that can impair liver function, some of which include cirrhosis, hepatitis, and cancer. Some causes of liver damage and disease include alcohol, environmental pollutants, medications, and viral infections.
Common sense: When using c-herb, the immune system will force the body to evacuate a lot of unwanted "toxins" putting an extra burden on the liver. Your liver needs all the help it can get in that situation!
5. HZ Stat Homepathic
Energique's HZ Stat is a homeopathic remedy that supports the detoxification of Herpes simplex 1 & 2 and Herpes Zoster infections.
It is beneficial for the temporary relief of aches and pains, febrile conditions, and painful skin lesions associated with Herpes infections.
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