Herpes is a common viral infection. Many times it causes oral herpes (cold sores or fever blisters), and genital herpes (genital sores or sores below the waist).

There are two herpes simplex viruses:

Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1) - This type typically infects the mouth and lips, causing sores known as fever blisters or cold sores.

Herpes Simplex Type 2 (HSV-2) - This type is the usual cause of genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth. One of out every five teenagers and adults is infected with HSV-2 and in the US, 25% women are infected with HSV-2. (Reference: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

The number of people with genital herpes infection has increased 30 percent nationwide in the last 30 years.

Genital herpes can be easily transmitted to an uninfected partner during sex.

Most people become infected with genital herpes while having intercourse with someone who is shedding the herpes virus. This can happen both during an outbreak and during a period with no symptoms.

Sexual intercourse is not he only way one can become infected. Herpes can also be transmitted through oral sex or close skin-to-skin contact.

Many people are unaware that they have even been affected but one tell-tale sign that you have herpes is outbreaks.

Most times, the first outbreak will occur within 2 weeks after you become infected and can last for several weeks. Symptoms associated with the outbreak can include tingling or sores near the area where the virus has entered the body. For example, the genital or rectal area, buttocks and the thighs are the most common areas where one would begin to experience symptoms. However, herpes can enter through any area of the body.

In women, herpes can occur inside the vagina and on the cervix. Small red bumps appear at first, which then develop into small blisters. These blisters become painful, itchy sores that might develop into scabs and will eventually heal without leaving a scar.

Other symptoms that may include: Fever, headache, muscle aches, painful or difficult urination, vaginal discharge, and swollen glands in the groin area.

The most frightening fact about herpes is that many people don’t even know they are infected, but they still can transmit to others. This is because sometimes, the virus can become active but not cause any visible sores or any symptoms.

In most cases though, the virus can become active and outbreaks can occur several times a year. This is called a recurrence. Certain nerve cells in the body will house HSV for life. Every time the virus is triggered, it travels along the nerves to your skin. Once at the skin level, it will sometimes cause new sores to form near the site of the first outbreak.

There is no cure for herpes but once you have been diagnosed, your doctor will probably prescribe some meds such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir) or Valacyclovir (Valtrex) to treat the condition. My advice is to thank your doctor and take the money that you would have spent on the meds, and put it toward some natural treatments such as:

Vitamin C - Vitamin C combats viruses directly and has been shown to inhibit the herpes virus in vitro.

Selenium – When taken daily, it can reduce the incidence of herpes outbreaks. Take at least 300mg a day.

Lysine - Lysine is used to make protein, which we need to produce infection-fighting antibodies, enzymes, hormones, and body tissues. Lysine has also been found to inhibit the spread of the herpes simplex virus. Plus, it can help to shorten the duration of cold sores. Take 1000 mg daily.

Lemon Balm - Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has antiviral properties. Studies in hospitals and dermatology clinics in Germany concluded that lemon balm cream promoted the healing of blisters in half the time of those who did not apply it. When used regularly, lemon balm cream may decrease the frequency of recurrences.

Reishi and Astragalus - Reishi, also called Ganoderma lucidum is a type of mushroom that has has been used for years in Asian medicine to strengthen the immune system. Reishi has been shown to inhibit the spread of the herpes virus. I recommend taking 600 mg once or twice a day.

Resveratrol – Resveratrol is a compound found naturally in red grapes that has been shown to be effective in combating herpes simplex virus in laboratory studies.

As always, be sure to take a potent multivitamin to avoid vitamin deficiency especially vitamins A, B complex, zinc, folic acid, iron, or vitamin B-12. One of my personal favorites is manufactured by the company Natrol.

Here’s a special F-R-E-E 38 page report titled, “The Best Natural Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure, Reduce Your Waistline and Take Back Your Health:”