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Ask the Herbalist_questions on STDs
Genital warts are highly contagious and may appear as a minuscule pimple or a massive tissue-destroying tumorlike
growth. In women genital warts may occur on the labia, the vagina or the cervix. In men they appear on the shaft or,
more commonly, the glans of the penis. In both sexes genital warts also may occur around the anus. It is rare, but
HPV can occur in the mouth of immune-compromised individuals who have had oral sex with an infected person.
Genital warts may go away on their own without treatment or may progress into invasive growths and carcinoma.
Sometimes HPV doesn't cause visible warts but is noticed by pathologists during Pap test screenings. The presence of
HPV causes visual changes in vaginal and cervical mucosal cells (koilocytes), which are detected by a Pap test. With
further lab tests, the subtype of HPV can be identified. Because certain strains of the virus are associated with an
increased cancer risk, knowing the type of HPV is valuable. More than 95 percent of all women with cervical cancer
have an associated HPV infection.9 The majority of cervical cancers have been found to contain DNA identical to that
of the human papillomavirus, providing evidence that HPV may cause malignant changes.9 HPV infections also have
been linked to anal cancer.
Avoiding Disease
Preventing infection and the spread of infection is paramount. Although the human papillomavirus is difficult to
eradicate, there is no known cure for herpesvirus. The rules of the game, now familiar to most sexually active adults,
involve knowing the sexual history of partners and practicing safe sex. The only way to prevent the spread of these
viruses from an infected to a noninfected partner is to prevent skin-to-skin contact.
Unfortunately, the absence of lesions or warts does not guarantee the absence of a virus. Even when there are no
visible signs, the virus can be passed through most bodily fluids including saliva, semen and mucosal secretions.10,11
Both the herpesvirus and the human papillomavirus can lie dormant for months and years at a time without producing
noticeable ulcers and nerve pain in the case of herpes, or warts in the case of HPV. Even when the viruses have been
transmitted, the recipient may not be aware of them for some time. The herpesvirus may become active during times
of stress or poor immunity and be "shed" or communicable without causing active illness or lesions. The human
papillomavirus may be active in mucous membranes, such as those of the cervix, and be transmitted without creating
visible genital warts.12
Therapies for HSV and HPV
Natural therapies show promise in treating the tenacious herpesvirus and human papillomavirus
Since both herpes and genital warts are caused by viruses, using the following antiviral herbs and nutrients can be
beneficial. Treating immune status with nutrition and lifestyle changes also is important. Treatment approaches to both
viral infections include antiviral medications and supplements. Genital warts can also be physically removed. All
approaches have varying degrees of success in slowing the effects of the viruses and minimizing outbreaks.
Vitamin C: Well known to enhance immunity by acting as an antioxidant, antihistamine, antiviral and antifungal
substance, vitamin C may enhance white blood cell activity and also may promote interferon production.13 Alpha, beta
and gamma interferons are specific immunoactive proteins released by blood cells in response to viral infections.
Interferon alerts blood cells to the presence of a virus and helps cells resist infection. Vitamin C also is necessary for
connective tissue formation and for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. In
sum, because of its immune-enhancing and antiviral activities, vitamin C is important in the treatment of herpes and
human papillomavirus.14
Zinc: Essential to proper immune function, zinc has been shown in several clinical trials to reduce the frequency and
severity of herpes outbreaks.15 Zinc may inhibit the ability of the herpesvirus to reproduce itself, particularly when
applied topically to lesions. Hence, zinc sulfate ointments for topical use and zinc lozenges taken orally may shorten
the duration of an outbreak. Zinc supplementation also appears to enhance cell-mediated immunity and benefit herpes
patients by helping the immune system identify and fight the virus.16,17 The dose to enhance immunity is 60-90 mg of
zinc per day. This large dose of zinc may be continued for a month or two, and then reduced to 30 mg per day as
immune function improves and the herpes outbreak declines. Zinc is notorious for causing nausea, so it should be
taken in divided doses, 15-30 mg at a time, with food.
Lysine: An essential amino acid found in meats, dairy products and legumes, lysine serves many functions in the body.
It facilitates connective-tissue and bone formation as well as calcium absorption. Lysine has demonstrated
effectiveness against the herpesvirus. Although it appears most effective against cold sores, it also has shown some
benefit for those with genital herpes.18
Studies have shown not only that lysine is important in the prevention and treatment of herpes outbreaks but that the
ratio of lysine to arginine, another amino acid, also is worth examining. Some researchers believe that a diet high in
arginine and low in lysine may activate the herpesvirus and promote outbreaks.19 HSV replication requires arginine,
so a diet high in lysine may block arginine and prevent it from activating the virus. Most of our high-protein
foods--meat, fish, dairy products and eggs--contain many amino acids including both arginine and lysine. Chocolate,
nuts and grains are high in arginine while relatively low in lysine. Legumes have a high lysine content and are lower in
arginine. Those who suffer recurrent herpes outbreaks should limit their intake of chocolate and nuts and eat legumes
regularly to favor lysine in their diet while limiting arginine.
Supplementing with lysine can help, but no amino acid should be taken exclusively for more than one month. Favoring
one amino acid can lead to deficiencies in other amino acids. Lysine is best used as part of a comprehensive program
that includes diet, herbs and immune support. It can be taken as needed for occasional outbreaks and discontinued
when health improves.
Lysine is considered extremely safe and without side effects even at doses of 2-3 g per day, which are required for
effectiveness. Most commonly, lysine is taken 500 mg at a time, three to five times a day with food, as needed to
control herpes outbreaks.
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