Antivirals or natural supplements?

Posted , 6 users are following.

I've had HSV2 for about 8 months and have been trying some natural supplements, but am looking for advice on what works best and if it's worth it to get on suppressive therapy. I've heard oil of oregano, lysine and olive leaf extract to prevent outbreaks.  What has worked best for others? 

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Posted

    I've been on olive leaf, monolaurin, vitamin D and C for 3 years for for chronic EBV and I'm sure that those have played a part in helping keep this first outbreak relatively minor compared to some people on here.  I'm trying Manuka honey now to see if that helps at all. The Epsom salt bath I had last night seemed to help, too.

    Diet is also important, viruses feed on sugar and arginine, so you want to avoid eating them as much as possible. As much as possible, stick with foods higher in lysine than arginine. Before I got sick with EBV, I never believed how much diet played a factor in health, but now I'm a believer.

    • Posted

      Thanks so much for your input! I agree about the diet, I seem to notice a difference when I have too much sugar. Do you take all of those supplements once a day? 
    • Posted

      I did for almost 2 years but started skipping Sat/Sun this summer to give my body a break, but now I'm thinking I need to go back to 7 days a week. 

    • Posted

      I just got diagnosed with HSV2 last week so I'm still figuring some of this out. EBV is in the herpes family, but still kind of different. 

  • Posted

    Just live a healthy lifestyle and eat a healthy diet. That works better than any natural supplement.
    • Posted

      P.S. Diet only needs to be balanced and healthy. You don't need to focus on high lysine foods and avoid high arginine ones. Not clinically proven for herpes, but the myth persists. Up-to-date experts and herpes associations will tell you there's no need. I avoid nothing and eat whatever I want in moderation. Best topical treatment is acyclovir cream if you're not taking meds.

    • Posted

      I've heard a lot of ppl say it doesn't nothing for them so is that more so to help the itch or strictly to reduce shedding?

    • Posted

      Not sure what you're referring to. The cream? It helps reduce symptoms and healing time. The only thing that can reduce shedding and transmission are the three approved *oral* meds for herpes.

    • Posted

      I was referring to the acyclovir cream. I thought u on a previous post frowned on the cream. A guy was on his way to vacation and wanted advice on Med's and If he could take them while drinking. U seem to be an advocate for antivirals now. 

    • Posted

      No, I like the cream! And I like the oral meds, although I don't encourage daily suppressive therapy unless outbreaks are very frequent or the person has a negative partner, because it's not necessary otherwise.

  • Posted

    I've heard that acyclovir works better than lysine. And probiotics may help. I don't think suppressive therapy is good because you'll have to take pills everyday for a period of time. Just take acyclovir during outbreaks. 

    • Posted

      Lysine is not clinically proven, does not reduce viral shedding or transmission, and is not medication but a dietary supplement. Same goes for probiotics. Acyclovir, however, is an actual antiviral medication for herpes that does reduce viral shedding and transmission. Just fyi.

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