Specialty Supplements for HSV

The following is a list of supplements that are known to specifically target the Herpes Simplex Virus and may help to reduce the frequency or severity of herpes outbreaks.

Quercetin

 

Studies have shown that quercetin (a flavonol, a type of flavonoid) has an antiviral effect against HSV-1, HSV-2, and Shingles. It cuts replication by greater than 50%. It also acts against Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and HIV. Quercetin is also reported to help with upper respiratory infections caused by viruses (https://www.quercetin.com). It's also used to relieve allergies triggered by the release of histamine and is used for Histamine Intolerance. Those with Viral Cystitis may also benefit from taking quercetin.

 

Foods containing quercetin are capers, red onion, shallots, berries, grapes, kale, broccoli, bell peppers, tomatoes, scallions, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, citrus fruits, red apples, asparagus, buckwheat, black and green tea, elderberry tea, almonds, and pistachios. However, some of these foods may be HSV triggers, and none likely contain high enough doses to ease herpes-related symptoms, although there are many other health benefits to eating these foods.

 

Taking the enzyme bromelain (200-800 mg daily) can help you absorb quercetin much better. You can safely take up to 1000 mg of quercetin daily in divided doses. Taking quercetin on a full stomach is best. You should only take quercetin for 12 weeks at a time. 

 

 

L-Lysine

 

L-Lysine, known as lysine, and arginine are two amino acids in foods containing protein. Amino acids are proteins that serve to rebuild your bodily tissues. Both play vital roles in maintaining optimal health and wellness. You'll have to contend with these two particular amino acids when living with herpes. Arginine feeds the Herpes SimplexVirus. Lysine blocks arginine's ability to do so. Lysine is also beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety. The idea is to eat foods containing higher amounts of lysine to offset the arginine. You can learn more here.

 

 

Monlaurin

 

Monolaurin is a dietary supplement derived from lauric acid (a medium-chain fatty acid in coconut and palm oil). Monolaurin contains antiviral properties that penetrate the herpes virus biofilm and kill the virus, as in "no more herpes". Tests have proven this. You may read that it works for all human herpes viruses except genital herpes. Here's the thing. Some research studies reveal it works for genital herpes. You can read about those studies here. However, there are other studies on mice showing monolaurin can activate HSV-2.

 

Monolaurin has few to no side effects, and the FDA says it is safe to take it daily indefinitely. However, start slowly and work up to the suggested dose to avoid a Herxheimer Reaction (feeling under the weather due to viral die-off). Monolaurin kills off harmful bacteria and fungal infections without harming good bacteria.

 

I have to warn you. Monolaurin has a soapy aftertaste, which can be enough to make some people feel nauseous (myself included). I suggest using only pellets, not capsules (capsules might make you burp the taste back up). You'll find a link to my favorite brand, The Ultimate Monolaurin, in The Herpothecary. For tips on dosing, click here. 

 

 

Spirulina

 

Spirulina is a common name for two species of blue-green algae and is considered a superfood because of its high protein and mineral content. It contains trace minerals, potent antioxidant effects, and natural iodine, which is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial. Spirulina modulates immune function. Its anti-inflammatory properties inhibit the release of histamine.

 

Many people are deficient in iodine. Adding spirulina to shakes and smoothies is one way to boost overall immunity and maintain healthy Iodine levels in the body, which are wiped out by stress. By the way, too little or too much iodine can cause thyroid problems. 

 

 

Chlorella 

 

Chlorella is another superfood known to optimize the immune system and fight against viruses. Spirulina and chlorella have been touted to reverse long-term COVID-19 by helping detoxify and nourish the body with few to no side effects. 

 

 

Red Marine Algae

 

Red marine algae contains antiviral properties that boost the immune system and help to maintain proper pH balance. Red algae was used for centuries to prevent and remedy pox-like viruses, including Herpes Simplex Virus. Studies prove red marine algae works better than Acyclovir, the leading prescription medication, in relieving HSV-1 and HSV-2 with no adverse side effects. It can be taken daily as a food supplement. However, because it's an immune stimulant, it may aggravate an autoimmune disorder. Also, if you tend toward heartburn or gastritis, it may be better to take it with food or experiment with a different brand. 

 

 

Bee Products

 

Please see my HSV Remedy Reviews on bee products that can help to ease the itch, burn, and pain of herpes lesions.

 

 

Turmeric (Curcumin)

 

Curcumin is an active ingredient in turmeric and is said to block the expression of HSV genes by inhibiting certain enzymes that contribute to inflammation and herpes lesions. Curcumin supplements are available online and over the counter. You can also drink turmeric tea. 

 

 

Ashwagandha & Omega 3 Fish Oils

 

Studies show that ashwagandha and omega-3 fish oil supplements can help reduce cortisol levels. Taking these supplements together could help balance stress hormones that contribute to a reduction in outbreaks.

 

 

Shiitake Mushroom Extract

 

Shiitake mushroom extract is an immune booster with antiviral properties that prevent HSV from entering host cells. Reishi, Lion's Mane, and Cordyceps mushroom extracts are also immune-modulators and may help to inhibit the herpes virus. Again, if you have an autoimmune disease, speak with your doctor before using immune-stimulating or immune-modulating supplements.

 

 

Mullein Leaf & Goldenseal

 

Mullein leaf and goldenseal are antiviral herbs. Goldenseal is typically used for acute viral infections that originate in the ears, nose, and throat and cause upper respiratory illnesses, such as colds, influenza, and  COVID-19. However, it can also be helpful against HSV.

 

 

BHT

 

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a chemical used in foods as a preservative. People also use it as medicine, and some say it is antiaging. BHT is used to treat HSV and AIDS. You can apply it directly to herpes lesions. While it is not a listed carcinogen, some studies have shown it does cause Cancer in animals (lung and liver) and may harm the thyroid gland. It is sold in vitamin stores and on Amazon as an antioxidant. I'm "iffy" on suggesting this touted remedy. I mention it only so that you are aware this option exists. I suggest using it sparingly.

 

 

MSM

 

Methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) is used to ease the pain of Fibromyalgia Syndrome, which, by the way, can be caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. MSN is anti-inflammatory and contains antiviral properties.

 

 

DHEA

 

Chronic stimulation of the nervous system and an overworked immune system can cause frequent herpes virus infections. Why? Because it causes inflammation. Your body naturally produces the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the adrenals. But DHEA levels decline as you age. It drops even faster as a result of chronic stress.

 

Pro-inflammatory cytokines cause chronic inflammation that signals the immune system and provokes cell destruction. DHEA may reduce damage caused by chronic stress and inflammation. It prevents inflammation-causing cytokines from signaling the immune system and boosts the immune system at the same time. DHEA also helps produce other hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. However, taking DHEA is often ignored as a treatment for chronic inflammation.

 

Instead, medical doctors often treat chronic inflammation with synthetic steroids (corticosteroids). Both synthetic steroids and cortisol (a natural stress hormone in the body) trigger herpes breakouts. Did you catch that? If you take steroids, you have a greater chance of experiencing regular outbreaks. Why? Cortisol, in short bursts, helps to reduce inflammation, but ongoing or chronic stress causes high levels of cortisol that raise inflammation, which triggers outbreaks. 

 

 

Phytoestrogens

 

Taking a phytoestrogen supplement or eating foods containing phytoestrogens can help to reduce menopausal symptoms and herpes symptoms caused by female ovarian imbalances. I provide a list of foods containing phytoestrogens here. ​However, if you are at risk for or have Cancer, don't eat foods containing phytoestrogens or take phytoestrogen supplements without discussing it with your doctor first.

 

 

NOTE: Some foods listed in this section are known HSV triggers. However, it's not about cutting any particular food from your diet but eating snacks and meals with higher overall lysine content than arginine. My Comprehensive L-Lysine Versus Arginine Food Ratio Guide contains a comprehensive list of lysine and arginine food ratios