Everyone Healthy Bringing clearer health knowledge to everyone.

Everyone Healthy Library

Genital Herpes Simplex

Also Known As: Genital Herpes Infection

Condition / disease reference page from the Everyone Healthy database.

← Back to condition / disease list Conditions Symptom checker

! Seek urgent medical care if warning signs appear

Some health conditions or symptoms can become urgent. Use this page for education, but seek help quickly if warning signs are present.

Get urgent medical care now if there is any severe, sudden, rapidly worsening or worrying symptom, especially:

Connected health information

Explore this condition in a clear order

1. Attributes 2. Signs & symptoms 3. Drugs / medications 4. Treatments by type 5. Further tests / investigations 6. Biological / test markers

Linked signs and symptoms

5

Each sign/symptom opens its own page and links back to related conditions.

Linked drugs / medications

2

Medication information is educational only. A doctor or pharmacist should advise whether any medicine is appropriate.

Treatments, therapies and supportive options

38

Grouped by treatment type. These are educational database links, not personal treatment recommendations. Evidence labels are shown only where stored in the EH database.

Alternative and complementary therapies

15

Alternative medicine

13

Linked diagnostic tests and investigations

1

These are pulled from both EH diagnostic-test link tables, including the older large test-link table.

Biological markers/agents

1

This visual map shows biological markers/agents reported as increased or decreased with this condition. These are educational relationships only; test results must be interpreted by a qualified clinician because ranges vary by lab, method, age, sex and clinical context.

Often decreased

0

No markers in this group.

Introduction / full article

Genital Herpes Simplex

ID 112

Genital Herpes Simplex

Efficacy of Alternative and Other Treatments According to GRADE* Ranking

Thuja (Eastern White Cedar, Thuja occidentalis) [20, 41, 42, 43]

Please note, this management does not treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to support this claim at present. Little is known about the full effects of Thuja, so it is not recommended for medicinal use. Thuja can be poisonous if ingested in large amounts.

Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Thuja helps to treat herpes.

Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence.

Pokeweed Antiviral Protein (PAP) [20, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40]

Please note, this management does not treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to support this claim at present. Warning: all parts of the pokeweed plant (Phytolacca americana) are poisonous and should not be ingested. Thorough cooking may reduce toxicity, but improperly prepared plant material can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps, headache, confusion, convulsions, low blood pressure, heart block, and death. Plant extracts or prepared plants should only be used under professional medical guidance.

Recommendation: Weakly in favour. Laboratory studies suggest that PAP may hold promise in the treatment of herpes, but more clinical trials are needed.

Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence.

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica, Hydrocotyle asiatica) [20, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35]

Please note, this management does not treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to support this claim at present.

Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Gotu Kola helps in the treatment of herpes in any way. More research is needed.

Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) [20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29]

Please note, this management does not treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to support this claim at present.

Recommendation: Weakly against. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Goldenseal helps to treat herpes. More studies are needed. Goldenseal may produce toxic effects, including depression, constipation, rapid heartbeat, stomach pain, mouth ulcers, and vomiting.

Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.

Celandine (Ukrain, Chelidonium majus) [20, 21, 22]

Please note, this management does not treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then has insufficient evidence to support this claim at present.

Recommendation: Weakly against. There is insufficient evidence that Celandine helps to cure or treat herpes. In addition, the plant is mildly poisonous to humans and may cause hepatitis, pain, nausea, thirst, and fever.

Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence.

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) [19, 20]

Please note, this management does not treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then has insufficient evidence to support this claim at present.

Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Cat's Claw can help to treat herpes.

Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence.

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that laser therapy helps in treating herpes.

Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence.

Vitamin A Supplement [44, 45]

Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that vitamin A supplements are able to help treat genital herpes.

Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.

Zinc [46, 47, 48]

Recommendation: Weakly in favour. Zinc may help prolong remissions when applied topically. More studies are needed.

Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.

Vitamin C

Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that vitamin C is able to help treat herpes.

Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence.

Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) [49, 50, 51]

Recommendation: Weakly in favour. Studies suggest that Melissa officinalis may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed.

Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.

Carrageenans (Red Seaweed Extract) [52, 53, 54]

Recommendation: Weakly in favour. Studies suggest that red seaweed may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed.

Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.

Garlic Extracts [55, 56]

Recommendation: Weakly in favour. Studies suggest that garlic may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed.

Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.

Prunella vulgaris (Selfheal Plant) [57, 58]

Recommendation: Weakly in favour. Studies suggest that Prunella vulgaris may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed.

Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.

Lactoferrin (Whey Protein Component) [59, 60, 61]

Recommendation: Weakly in favour. Studies suggest that lactoferrin may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed.

Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) [62]

Recommendation: Weakly in favour. Studies suggest that BHT may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed.

Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.

Lysine Supplementation [63, 64, 65]

Recommendation: Weakly in favour. Studies suggest that lysine may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed.

Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.

Resveratrol [66]

Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that resveratrol is able to help treat herpes.

Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.

* www.gradeworkinggroup.org

Summary References

Treatments:

  1. McCune MA, Perry HO, Muller SA, O'Fallon WM. (2005). Treatment of recurrent herpes simplex infections with L-lysine monohydrochloride. Cutis. 34(4):366-373. PMID: 6435961.
  2. Griffith RS, Walsh DE, Myrmel KH, Thompson RW, Behforooz A. (1987). Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Dermatologica. 175(4):183-190. PMID: 3115841.
  3. Griffith RS, Norins AL, Kagan C. (1978). A multicentered study of lysine therapy in Herpes simplex infection. Dermatologica. 156(5):257-267. PMID: 640102.
  4. Vogler BK, Ernst E. Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness. British Journal of General Practice. 49:823-828.
  5. Allahverdiyev A, Duran N, Ozguven M, Koltas S. (2004). Antiviral activity of the volatile oils of Melissa officinalis L. against Herpes simplex virus type-2. Phytomedicine. 11(7-8):657-661. DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2003.07.014. PMID: 15636181.
  6. Koytchev R, Alken RG, Dundarov S. (1999). Balm mint extract (Lo-701) for topical treatment of recurring herpes labialis. Phytomedicine. 6(4):225-230. PMID: 10589440.
  7. Zacharopoulos VR, Phillips DM. (1997). Vaginal formulations of carrageenan protect mice from herpes simplex virus infection. Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology. 4(4):465-468. PMID: 9220165.
  8. Carlucci MJ, Scolaro LA, Damonte EB. (1999). Inhibitory action of natural carrageenans on Herpes simplex virus infection of mouse astrocytes. Chemotherapy. 45(6):429-436. DOI: 10.1159/000007236. PMID: 10567773.
  9. Docherty JJ, Fu MM, Stiffler BS, Limperos RJ, Pokabla CM, DeLucia AL. (1999). Resveratrol inhibition of herpes simplex virus replication. Antiviral Research. 43(3):145-155. DOI: 10.1016/S0166-3542(99)00042-X. PMID: 10551373.
  10. Docherty JJ, Smith JS, Fu MM, Stoner T, Booth T. (2004). Effect of topically applied resveratrol on cutaneous herpes simplex virus infections in hairless mice. Antiviral Research. 61(1):19-26. DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2003.07.001. PMID: 14670590.
  11. Weber ND, Andersen DO, North JA, Murray BK, Lawson LD, Hughes BG. (1992). In vitro virucidal effects of Allium sativum (garlic) extract and compounds. Planta Medica. 58(5):417-423. DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-961504. PMID: 1470664.
  12. Chiu LC, Zhub W, Oo VE. (2004). A polysaccharide fraction from medicinal herb Prunella vulgaris downregulates the expression of herpes simplex virus antigen in Vero cells. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 93(1):63-68. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2004.03.024.
  13. Andersen JH, Jenssen H, Gutteberg TJ. (2003). Lactoferrin and lactoferricin inhibit Herpes simplex 1 and 2 infection and exhibit synergy when combined with acyclovir. Antiviral Research. 58(3):209-215. DOI: 10.1016/S0166-3542(02)00214-0. PMID: 12767468.
  14. Gaby AR. (2006). Natural remedies for Herpes simplex. Alternative Medicine Review. 11(2):93-101. PMID: 16813459.
  15. Yazici AC, Baz K, Ikizoglu G. (2006). Recurrent herpes labialis during isotretinoin therapy: is there a role for photosensitivity? Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 20(1):93-95. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2005.01358.x. PMID: 16405618.
  16. Snipes W, Person S, Keith A, Cupp J. (1975). Butylated hydroxytoluene inactivated lipid-containing viruses. Science. 188(4183):64-66. DOI: 10.1126/science.163494. PMID: 163494.
  17. Richards JT, Katz ME, Kern ER. (1985). Topical butylated hydroxytoluene treatment of genital herpes simplex virus infections of guinea pigs. Antiviral Research. 5(5):281-290. DOI: 10.1016/0166-3542(85)90042-7. PMID: 2998276.
  18. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Workowski KA, Berman SM. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2006. MMWR Recommendations and Reports. 2006 Aug 4;55(RR-11):1-94. PMID: 16888612.
  19. http://www.nutrasanus.com/cats-claw.html
  20. Ades T, Alteri R, Gansler T, Yeargin P. Complete Guide to Complementary & Alternative Cancer Therapies. American Cancer Society, Atlanta USA, 2009.
  21. http://abchomeopathy.com/r.php/Chel
  22. http://www.naturalstandard.com/index-abstract.asp?create-abstract=/monographs/herbssupplements/greatercelandine.asp
  23. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/goldenseal
  24. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/goldenseal/
  25. Tierra M. (1998). The Way of Herbs. New York: Pocket Books.
  26. Grieve M. (1971). A Modern Herbal. New York: Dover Publications.
  27. Mills S, Bone K. (2000). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone.
  28. Tice R. (1997). Goldenseal and two of its constituent alkaloids: berberine and hydrastine. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
  29. http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/ellingwood/hydrastis.html
  30. Winston D, Maimes S. Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. 2007; pp. 226-227.
  31. Bradwejn J, Zhou Y, Koszycki D, Shlik J. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) on acoustic startle response in healthy subjects. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2000;20(6):680-684.
  32. Hausen BM. (1993). Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort), an effective therapeutic but a weak sensitizer. Contact Dermatitis. 29(4):175-179. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1993.tb03532.x.
  33. Cataldo A, Gasbarro V, et al. Effectiveness of the combination of alpha tocopherol, rutin, melilotus, and Centella asiatica in the treatment of patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Minerva Cardioangiology. 2001;49(2):159-163.
  34. Wikipedia reference in original: Gotu Kola medicinal effects. Replace with a direct medical/herbal source before publication.
  35. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/gotu-kola
  36. http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.info?p_psn=12&p_type=all&p_sci=sci&p_x=px
  37. http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Phytolacca+americana
  38. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/315368
  39. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002874.htm
  40. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/pokeweed
  41. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002769.htm
  42. http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_thoc2.pdf
  43. http://vsearch.nlm.nih.gov/vivisimo/cgi-bin/query-meta?v%3Aproject=medlineplus&query=thuja&x=0&y=0
  44. http://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/guide/herbs-supplements-gential-herpes
  45. http://jid.oxfordjournals.org/content/189/8/1466.full
  46. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/herpes-simplex-virus
  47. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3730471/
  48. http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000079
  49. http://www.healthassist.net/remedies/remedies-herpes.shtml
  50. http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/11/2/93.pdf
  51. http://www.progressivehealth.com/herpes-herbs.htm
  52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15498610
  53. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/8217756_Protective_effect_of_a_natural_carrageenan_on_genital_herpes_simplex_virus_infection_in_mice
  54. http://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.0020069
  55. http://www.progressivehealth.com/herpes-herbs.htm
  56. Connors MS, Altshuler L. (2009). The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies: An Easy-to-Use Reference for Natural Health Care.
  57. http://www.healthassist.net/remedies/remedies-herpes.shtml
  58. http://www.ion.ac.uk/information/onarchives/autumnherpes-simplex-simple-solutions-troublesome-virus
  59. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22269645
  60. https://books.google.com.au/books?id=K-sNIkLGRnEC&pg=PA36&lpg=PA36&dq
  61. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042682203007335
  62. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2998276
  63. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/herpes-simplex-virus
  64. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/lysine
  65. http://www.ion.ac.uk/information/onarchives/autumnherpes-simplex-simple-solutions-troublesome-virus
  66. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16125258

Use this information wisely

Use this page to understand terms and prepare better questions for a doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified health professional. If symptoms are severe, sudden, worsening, or worrying, seek urgent medical care.

Support Everyone Healthy

Help us keep improving clear health information, disease summaries, symptom tools and educational health resources for everyone.

Support this project