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Ask the Herbalist_questions on STDs
Aloe (Aloe vera, A. barbadensis): A familiar plant long used topically for burn and wound healing, aloe is an excellent
antiulcer and vulnerary.20,21 Herpes sufferers can apply aloe topically to lesions and also take it internally for its
antiviral effect.22 Recent research has identified several immune-stimulating compounds in the pulpy gel of the aloe
plant.23 Acemannan, a long-chain polysaccharide, has been noted to have immune activity useful in combating viral
infections.24 Acemannan, like other immune-enhancing polysaccharides, has been shown to increase white blood cell
counts and promote the cells' phagocytic abilities, produce interferon and fight viruses. Those with chronic viral
infections might consider drinking 1-2 ounces of aloe juice mixed with fruit juice each day. The amount of aloe vera
juice can be increased as needed, up to a pint or more per day. Research involving acemannan and the AIDS virus
has shown that drinking one-half to 1 liter of aloe juice per day may enhance the effects of the pharmaceutical drug
AZT and allow AIDS patients to decrease their dosage.25 [For more on aloe usage, see story on
page 16.]
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): Long associated with the nerves, lemon balm is mentioned in many old European
herbals for its uplifting and antidepressant effects. Recent research credits lemon balm, also called melissa, with
antiviral activity against the herpesvirus. Promising German clinical trials report that applying strong melissa extracts to
initial herpes outbreaks prevented recurrence.26,27
Melissa may speed healing and shorten the duration of an outbreak when applied topically. Creams prepared from
highly concentrated melissa extracts are now available, as is melissa essential oil. Apply melissa preparations to
herpes lesions immediately at the onset of an outbreak for best results.28
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Root preparations of licorice have been shown to possess antiviral activity.29 Licorice,
widely used in herbal medicine, has numerous actions including anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, immune-enhancing and
hormone balancing. For herpes infections, licorice makes a lot of sense because it is an antiviral known to reduce
inflammation and heal ulcers. Licorice contains a steroidlike saponin called glycyrrhizin, a derivative of glycyrrhetinic
acid. This saponin can alleviate pain and speed healing of herpes lesions.30 Glycyrrhiza should be applied topically
and taken internally for best results.31-33 Prepare tea by boiling one teaspoon of the shredded root per cup of water
for five to 10 minutes. Drink four to five cups of licorice tea per day at the onset of a herpes outbreak. Soaking a cloth
in tea and applying to ulcers may speed healing. Salves containing glycyrrhizinic acid, one of the antiulcer compounds
in licorice, are available.
Glycyrrhiza is known to elevate blood pressure in rare instances in susceptible individuals. Using licorice preparations
topically, however, appears safe, even for hypertensive patients. Taking licorice internally for a week or two is unlikely
to harm anyone, even those on blood pressure medications. However, if licorice is recommended as a long-term
therapy to manage severe and recurrent herpes outbreaks, it would be wise to monitor blood pressure.
Surgery: For genital wart removal, laser surgery, cryosurgery and electrocautery are effective but somewhat painful.
For severe or resistant cases, type I alpha interferon often is injected into the warty growths. It is expensive, however,
only minimally effective, and it does not reduce the rate of recurrence.34
Podophyllum: The caustic resin derived from the mayapple plant (Podophyllum peltatum) is typically prepared as a 20
percent solution by diluting the plant resin with a tincture of benzoin. This solution is applied topically to the genital wart
and washed off four or five hours later. To prevent the podophyllum from harming surrounding skin, apply a greasy
ointment such as calendula salve around the wart. Podophyllum is not appropriate to use intravaginally, on the cervix
or in the anus.
Although the application is not painful, podophyllum destroys the tissues it comes in contact with, causing the wart to
dry up and flake away. A single drop of podophyllum and a single application may destroy the wart in many cases. For
large, fleshy growths or unresponsive cases, the podophyllum resin may be applied every two to four weeks as
needed. Podophyllum should not be used, even topically, by pregnant women because of its potential to cause birth
defects. Because of its potentially caustic action, podophyllum is available only by prescription.
A combination of antiviral herbs and nutrients may help deter these stubborn viruses. A healthy diet and lifestyle also
support the immune system resist the activation and spread of viral diseases. People plagued by genital warts or
recurrent herpes outbreaks don't have to suffer or allow the virus to create malignant changes. A consultation with a
naturopathic physician, herbalist or other health care provider can be very heartening. More so with viral STDs than
with other ailments, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
References
1 Lewin DJ. The Herpesvirus. NIH Res J 1995 Sept;7:49-53.
2 Jones JF, et al. Evidence for active Epstein-Barr virus in patients with persistent unexplained illness: elevated
anti-early antigen antibodies. Ann Intern Med 1985; 102:1-7.
3 Straus SE, et al. Persisting illness and fatigue in adults with evidence of Epstein-Barr virus infections. Ann Intern
Med 1985;102:7-16.
4 DuBois RE, et al. Chronic mononucleosis syndrome. South Med 1984;77:1376-82.
5 Tobs M, et al. Prolonged atypical illness associated with scrological evidence of persistent Epstein-Barr virus
infection. Lancet 1982:61-64.
6 Dewhurst S. Herpesviruses: lecture 1. University of Rochester Medical Center.
(www.urmc.rochester.edu/smd/mbi/grad/ herp97A.html). Rochester. (NY): Updated Jan 1997.
7 Office of Communications, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH. Fact sheet: human
papillomavirus and genital warts. (www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/ stdhpv.htm). Bethesda (MD): 1997 Nov.
8 Munoz N, et al. The epidemiology of human papilloma virus and cervical cancer. Lyon, France: IARC Scientific
Publications; 1992. No. 119.
9 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Genital warts: what you should know. (www.mayohealth.org/
mayo/9705/htm/genital.htm). Mayo Health O@sis. 1997.
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