Summary
Herpes simplex is a viral
infection that lies dormant in the body until the immune
system is weakened before erupting. There are two strains.
Type I usually breaks out around the mouth and is commonly
called a cold sore or a fever blister. Type II is called genital herpes and erupts in the
genitalia area. Both are highly contagious and both can
occur in either area of the body. The sores are
contagious at any time but especially when the blisters that
form erupt and fluids seep out. It is important to
cleanse the hands after treating these areas since the
fluids can be transmitted to other parts of the body.
Two more probable secondary infections are herpetic whitlow,
an infection of the fingers, and ocular herpes, an
infection of the eye that damages the cornea.
Canker sores in the mouth are not related to HIV I. For insight into the
difference between cold sores and canker sores go to the tab
on Science & Research above.
An example of
how both types of herpes lie dormant until our immune system is
weakened is the common occurrence of cold sores when one
suffers from a cold or is in a tense situation. This
emphasizes that one good defense against an outbreak is to
keep our immune system strong and to strengthen ourselves
emotionally. If an outbreak is caught very early it can be
limited.
[search help: HSV, HSV-1,
HSV-2, cole sores, fevre blister, herpes labialis, orolabial
herpes, herpes keratiis, stromal keratitis, iridocyclitis]
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
CloveC, GeraniumEC, LavenderEC, MelaleucaC, MelissaEC,
PeppermintC
Essential oils based
products: AromaTouch Technique,
Also consider:
BergamotEC, EucalyptusEC,
FrankincenseC, LemonEC, MyrrhC,
SandalwoodC, ThymeC, Purify
Suggested protocols:
Topical - Apply one or two drops neat
(undiluted) to the outbreak area as often as every 2 hours
and not less than 3 times per day. Continue for 3 days
after symptoms are gone. Melaleuca, Melissa and
Peppermint are highly recommended oils. Lavender, Myrrh, or a
blend of Frankincense and Sandalwood can also be used. For
small children 50/50 dilution may be used.
Internal - Additional protection can be
achieved by adding 1-2 drops of Melissa or other
antiviral oils or blends to a capsule and taking 3 times per
day.
Additional help - Herpes outbreaks
typically occur when the body's immune system is weakened or
at times of emotional stress. Strengthening the immune
system and emotions is important to minimize outbreaks.
The AromaTouch Technique and reducing toxins with cleanses
like GX Assist and Zendocrine plus PB Assist will provide
long term strength.
Special Precautions: Do a skin test with
the oil(s) to be used. When applying oils keep hands away
from other areas where viral infection may be transmitted,
including the eyes. With genital herpes, it is wise to seek
the help of a licensed health professional and review any
self-help program planned for use.
Experiences and Testimonials of others
Rachel - This
morning I found what works on cold sores.
With the usual realization it is morning I find myself
awake and happy to just be laying here... just thinking. No
incoming calls have disturbed me yet so I don't bother to
move. I have the freedom to decide whether to roll over into
another doze or arise and begin doing something I enjoy.
Either way I am at peace and I decide that drifting off
feels better following a brief roll and stretch.
Then it happens! I always can feel the tingling signs of
the sore beginning to form under my upper lip. That pesky
bubbling feeling that ruins a tranquil calm every time. The
swelling yuck of blistering cold sores have ruined so many
of my mornings that no sooner do I feel one coming on that I
instantly grow angry. With the world suddenly in utter
shambles I feel helpless as an aching back! With that,
I am usually pulled out of bed since lying still only forces
me to focus on the feeling of my new pest swelling with each
heart beat. pump pump pump! Inevitably I will be treating
mini blisters for the next three days.
Today however, after the tingling began I aRose to my
feet interested in trying something new. I had been reading
about Melaleuca, and Peppermint oil on Herpes simplex and
cold sores and decided to give it a try. I thought I found
something also about using Cinnamon too. Well I was going to
use em all!! it wasn't so great getting some on my tongue,
but a drop of each on the sore numbed my lip and the
tingling stopped. Needless to say I was able to doze off
again and there was never a break out. Take that ya lill'
buggers!~
Maree - I love Melaleuca on my
cold sores. I would pay big dollars to have control
over my cold sores! Oh, but I do and it only costs the
price of a few drops of essential oil. LOVE THAT STUFF!!!
Cassandra - So I
get fever blisters when I'm stressed and well, I'm stressed.
I want to cry! For the fever blister I have been using
Elevation, Serenity and Melaleuca. Any other ideas?
Brooke – Peppermint is great too, as
well as Melaleuca.
John (Aus) - Hi all, if it was my body
and I had blisters I would use Lavender, Apply as often as
required.
Cassandra - Thanks everyone! I've also
been using this...get this...Serenity (only oil close at
hand) and it's working great! In fact the fever blister is
almost gone! And I just started using it this morning.
Nancy - What is the
best protocol for treating a 2 year old with herpes simplex,
mostly inside her mouth and on the outside? Also what would
be a good ongoing safe use of the oils to keep her from
getting them again? Is the PB assist a good thing to start
her on?
Ftballwidow- Melissa would be perfect
and if you don't have that then use Elevation because it has
Melissa in it. It knocks it out cold.
Nancy - Regarding the 2 year old with
Herpes. I have one box of PB assist that I would be willing
to let her use. How often and how many for a 2 year old? I
am nervous about the Melissa since it is such a hot oil. Is
there a ratio of FCO and Melissa or Elevation that you would
suggest? Is there any other oil that would also work? Has
anyone tried Patchouli? Would Melaleuca be strong enough?
Her mother has never used oils so I would like to
recommend a daily routine for her so that she would not get
them again. What would you suggest that would not be to
much for her on a daily basis?
Pat - I would suggest one a day and the
Patchouli or Melaleuca for topical, she is kind of young so
you might consider a carrier oil.
Debie - I use Melaleuca on my 2 year old
grand daughter and it works fantastic. One of the main
issues that can be touchy with some parents is the food they
are giving to the children. So many of the treats now
a days contribute to herpes. If you can address that
issue that would help as well.
What Science & Research are saying
From Columbia University’s Health Center
There is often confusion between canker sores and
cold sores. In a nutshell, canker sores are painful ulcers,
or open sores, on the inner membranes of the mouth and
cheek, or can resemble pimples on the tongue. Canker sores
are not considered to be contagious and are of uncertain
origin.
Cold sores, on the other hand, are small red blisters
that generally affect the mouth and facial areas, but
usually appear on the lip and outer edge of the mouth. In
contrast to canker sores, cold sores are extremely
contagious and are most often caused by the Herpes Simplex
virus type 1 (HSV-1). More importantly, when oral herpes
lesions and/or its contents come into direct contact with
the genital area through oral-genital sex, genital herpes
most likely will develop.
Although it is more likely that the sores that develop in
your mouth are canker sores, you may not be able to tell the
difference between a canker sore and a cold sore by sight.
If you're unsure it's wise to treat your sore as though it
were a cold sore — that it is caused by herpes and
contagious.
Melissa: Lemon balm as a topical
treatment for herpes simplex virus
by Jill Hoppe Medical Herbalism 11(4):13,16
A 1999, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized
German trial studied the efficacy of a topical cream made
from the standardized dried leaf extract of Lemon balm
(Melissa officinalis, 70:1) for the treatment of Herpes
simplex labialis (“cold sores” - a form of herpes simplex
that occurs on the lips). Sixty-six patients who had at
least four episodes of herpes labialis yearly took part in
the trial. The cream was applied topically on the affected
area four times daily for five days. A significant
difference in the size of the affected area and blisters,
compared to placebo was observed by day two of the therapy.
Symptoms on day two are of particular importance since
symptoms in those suffering from herpes labialis are usually
most intense at that time. The Lemon balm cream shortened
the healing period and had an advantageous affect on
associated symptoms such as itching, tingling, burning,
swelling, etc. The authors suggest that there exist some
indication that using Lemon balm will prolong intervals
between herpes episodes. In addition, Lemon balm is unlikely
to make the herpes virus resistant. (Koytchev) Note: The
antiviral drug Acyclovir (Zovirax) is often prescribed for
herpes simplex infections. It interferes with the
reproduction of viral DNA, slowing the growth of existing
viruses; however, it has little effect on recurrent
infections. Scientific studies have shown Acyclovir may
induce herpes simplex virus to become resistant by
interfering with the metabolism of the virus-infected cells.
Ready, Set, Grow
