DISORDERS

(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,

causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)

Disorder: HERPES VIRUS INFECTION (Cold-Sores)

Description: There are four main herpes viruses important to humans: (1) Varicella-zoster causes chickenpox and shingles; (2) Epstein-Barr causes infectious mononucleosis; (3) cytomegalovirus (CMV) often is carried without producing any symptoms. (4) Herpes simplex. This section addresses herpes simplex, of which there are two main types. The first type, also known as a cold sore, is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). Genital herpes, the most common type of genital ulceration, is brought about by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2). This viral infection can range in severity from a silent infection to a serious inflammation of the liver with fever.

Symptoms: A cold sore (also called a fever blister) starts with a burning and tingling sensation, followed by blisters, little pus-filled bumps that often run together to form one big blister that oozes, itches, burns and crusts over before disappearing seven to ten days later. Cold sores are not limited to the lips; they can also strike inside the mouth as well as the nostrils, the fingers and even the eyelids.

The first signs of an HSV2 infection can occur four to eight days after sexual contact with an infected partner. A mild tingling and burning in the vaginal area may be the first sign of genital herpes in women. Within a matter of a few hours, blisters develop around the rectum, clitoris, cervix and in the vagina. There is often a watery discharge from the urethra and pain when urinating. In men, blisters break out on the penis, groin and scrotum, often with a urethral discharge and painful urination. Sometimes the penis and foreskin swell. After a few days, pus erupts from the blisters and painful ulcers form. These sores crust over and dry while healing. Usually, they leave no scars.

Both oral and genital herpes cause painful fluid-filled blisters that are highly infectious until they are completely healed, which can take up to three weeks. Recurrent eruptions are common. Some people have outbreaks once a year or less; others may get them every few weeks.

Incidence: It is estimated that 20 to 40 percent of the U.S. population has cold sores caused by HSV1. HSV2 is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. More than 30 million Americans – one out of every six persons over the age of fifteen – have the Type 2 infection, though more than half never develop serious symptoms.

Causes: Herpes viruses are spread by physical contact with an infected person. The only way to avoid genital herpes is to avoid sex or to remain in a monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. Oral sex can spread the virus from one place to another.

Treatments: Stress reduction, as well as diet, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies can help prevent herpes attacks and reduce the frequency and numbers of eruptions.

Nutrients:

Supplement Dosage Comments

L-lysine	500-1000 mg. daily, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice, not with milk.	When the amount of lysine present exceeds the amount of arginine, the growth of the herpes virus is inhibited. Caution: Do not take for longer than 6 months at a time.
Vitamin A	50,000 IU daily. If you pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily.	Important for healing. Prevents spreading of infection.
Vitamin B complex	50 mg. up to 3 times daily.	Combats the virus and helps to keep it from spreading. Also works with lysine to prevent outbreaks.
Vitamin C Plus Bioflavonoids	5000-10,000 mg. daily 30-60 mg. daily, in divided doses.	Needed to prevent sores and inhibit the growth of the virus. Works with vitamin C
Zinc	50-100 mg. daily, in divided doses. Do not exceed 100 mg. daily.	Boosts immune function. For genital herpes, use a chelate form. For oral herpes, use zinc gluconate lozenges.
Acidophilus	As directed on label, 3 times daily, on an empty stomach.	Needed for the production of the B vitamins.
Essential fatty acids (primrose oil and salmon oil are good choices)	As directed on label.	Needed for cell protection.
Garlic	3 tablets 3 times daily with meals.	An immune system stimulant and a natural antibiotic.
Vitamin E	600 IU daily	Important in healing. Prevents spread of the infection.

Herbs:

	Applying black walnut or goldenseal extract to the affected area may help. Goldenseal is a natural antibiotic and can also be taken in capsule or tea form. Caution: Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, do not use it during pregnancy, and use with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
	Herpes treatment should include cayenne (capsicum) echinacea, myrrh, red clover, and St. Johnswort.
	Tea tree oil is a powerful natural antiseptic. During a herpes outbreak, dab it lightly on the affected area several times a day, either full strength or diluted with distilled water or cold-pressed vegetable oil. Do not get tea tree oil close to the eye area.

Recommendations:

	To decrease herpes outbreaks, eat foods high in the amino acid lysine, such as fish, seafood, chicken, turkey, eggs, dairy products, potatoes, and brewer’s yeast.
	Avoid foods containing large amounts of the amino acid arginine, which appear to aggravate herpes. Foods to avoid include chocolate, nuts (specifically peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts), seeds (sunflower and sesame), peas, beer, gelatin, cereals and coconut.
	Get plenty of rest and avoid stress. Some researchers believe that anxiety is the greatest predictor of herpes outbreaks, and that stress reduction can help prevent them.
	To lessen the chance of an outbreak, avoid alcohol, white flour products, sugar and coffee. Herbal teas are beneficial, but all other teas should be avoided.
	Do not consume citrus fruits and juices while the virus is active.
	To ease swelling and pain in the genital area, use ice packs. Warm Epsom salts or baking soda baths help itching and pain. After the bath, pat dry gently and keep the lesions dry.
	Applying vitamin E directly on the sores may help ease the pain. Break open a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil directly to the blisters. Or try using L-lysine cream from a health food store. (If cold sores are on or around the eyes, see a doctor before applying any topical treatment.)
	Zinc oxide ointment applied directly to the blisters will ease the burning and dry out the blisters more quickly. However, women should not use zinc oxide for vaginal herpes, because drying agents shouldn’t be used on mucous membranes.
	Wear cotton underwear. Practice good genital hygiene, keep clean and dry.
	If you have active lesions, do not have sex until the sores have completely healed, and never have intercourse with a person with visible genital lesions of any kind.
	If you are pregnant and know you have genital herpes, tell your doctor. If an attack occurs late in the pregnancy, your baby may have to be delivered by cesarean section to protect against exposure during birth. If no lesions are present, the risk to the baby is probably low.
	If an eye becomes infected, see your physician at once. This virus can cause encephalitis, a brain inflammation.

Considerations:

	Genital herpes infections increase the risk of cervical cancer in women. Women with herpes should be conscientious about having a Pap smear done periodically.
	Excess serum cholesterol sets the stage for atherosclerosis, but it may get a hand from certain herpes viruses, including HSV1. According to researchers at Cornell University Medical Center, the virus induces arterial changes that promote blood clotting and cholesterol buildup.
	Research suggests that capsaicin may be able to prevent outbreaks of herpes fever blisters or genital lesions.
	The antiviral drug acyclovir (Zovirax), available by prescription only, has been shown to relieve symptoms and reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks. This drug is available in capsule and lotion forms and can be used for both oral and genital herpes. Applying the lotion at the first sign of an outbreak usually weakens the attack. The capsules are usually taken every four hours for ten days, and also reduce the frequency of episodes and improve healing time. Caution should be practiced if the drug is taken on a regular basis, however. When the drug is stopped, a "rebound" effect may result in a more serious outbreak than usual.
	Isotretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A, has given dramatic results with herpes simplex infections.

Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:

Product No. 59618-	Description	Comments	Cost
912-15	L-Lysine HCl 500 mg. Tablets	As directed on label.	$3.95/100
958-15	A Natural 10,000 IU softgels	3 softgels daily in divided doses.	$3.95/100
891-15	B Complex Tabs. 50 mg.	3 tablets daily, in divided doses	$6.95/100
970-12	Vitamin C 1000 mg. with Rose Hips Tabs.	3 tablets daily, in divided doses	$5.75/60
091-15	Citrus Bioflavonoids 1000 mg. Tablets	As directed on label.	$5.95/100
223-15	Zinc (chelated) Lozenges	As directed on label.	$4.95/100
888-15	Acidophilus with pectin hardshells	3 capsules daily, in divided doses	$6.95/100
990-12	Evening Primrose Oil 1000 mg. softgels	As directed on label.	$3.95/60
978-15	Garlic 400 mg. odor free tabs.	1 tablet 3 times daily with meals	$5.50/100
237-15	Vitamin E 200 IU (D-alpha tocopheryl)	1 tablet 3 times daily.	$5.28/100

Sources:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2^nd Edition

By James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.

Prevention’s Healing with Vitamins, by the Editors of

Prevention Magazine Health Books

Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide

Compiled by Burton Goldberg

Brave New Cures, by Julian Whitaker, M.D.

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