Polyphenols are chemicals that form a large group of very active compounds in herbal medicines. They are distinguished by having two or more phenol rings in their structure. These active ingredients, common in a broad spectrum of herbs we use for medicine, have been getting a lot of attention recently, and for good reason. They have just the qualities we want in a medicine to fight herpes infections. They are anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immune enhancing, and astringent.

In viral infections, polyphenol substances seem to latch onto the body’s cellular virus receptor sites, taking up the space, and prohibiting the virus from attaching to the cell, short circuiting the bug’s ability to cause infection.

Popular herbs that are high in polyphenol content are turmeric root, bilberry fruit, and ginkgo leaf.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm, also known as melissa, is probably the most well respected herbal treatment for cold sores in use in this country today. Melissa is a European herb, and most of the research on this effective plant comes from there.

Although the action of melissa is not completely explained, it appears that the antiviral effects are the result of the high content of polyphenols in the leaf. Lemon balm is a member of the mint family, so it is a pleasant herb to work with, with a delicious taste and smell.

One recent German study showed that melissa provided effective pain relief within eight hours, and performed as well as acyclovir cream, the leading drug for oral herpes. This study used the popular, highly concentrated (70:1) melissa extract. Traditionally, essential oil of melissa at a 1% concentration has been used in the cream.

Melissa ointments are widely available as commercial preparations from the herb store. Apply the salve directly to the blister.

Or, if you prefer the do it yourself approach, brew lemon balm tea, drink the tea for its antiviral effect, squeeze out the dregs, and apply the dregs directly to the sore, allowing the mass to remain for an hour or two. Alternatively, you may soak a cotton ball in the tea itself, and apply that right to the blister.

Other mints have general antiviral properties as well. While melissa is widely regarded as the foremost herb for cold sores, most other mints will work almost as well. Mints are all rich sources of antiviral components, including caffeic acid, quercitin, tannic acid, and thymol. James Duke, Ph.D., a widely respected herbal medicine authority, recommends using several strongly brewed cups of a tea made from an assortment of good tasting mints- hyssop, lemon balm, oregano, rosemary, sage, self-heal, and thyme.

Hot chile peppers (Capsicum annuum)

Capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne and other chiles, is a potent antiviral. This herb is my personal favorite for treating cold sores, and, in fact, genital herpes. It works fast, it’s potent, so the dose can be reasonable, it’s affordable, and it’s available. Dr. Duke recommends red chile pepper for its scientifically proven ability to prevent outbreaks of herpes. Cayenne can be taken internally to treat the virus. Sprinkle it in your food, if you dare, or take it comfortably in a capsule. Since this herb is very spicy, make sure to take it with a meal, and start with a very small dose, like a half capsule, to determine your comfort level. Work up to a dose that gives you relief of the pain of the blister. Typically this would be about 1,000 mg with each meal.

Hot red chiles can also be applied externally to blisters. Numerous studies have shown that the capsaicin is very effective in relieving herpes blister pain. This herb is available in many different ointment preparations, to be dabbed directly on the sore. Be very careful, however, if you try this with cold sores. The ointment is VERY HOT. It will bring down the tingly pain very well, but do not allow it to get anywhere else on your face or any other membrane (if you know what I mean), or in your eye. Apply the ointment with a swab, or wash your hands quite thoroughly after dipping your finger.

One note of caution. While cayenne (and other chiles) is an effective antiviral herb, and I rely on it above all others for fast results in herpes outbreaks, traditional systems of holistic healing (including Ayurveda from India) say that it will actually provoke inflammation in the long run- read that more blisters. So, short run- good for crisis control, long run- it can actually have the opposite effect in susceptible people.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhyza glabra)

Licorice is an herb with a long history of benefit for the immune system. This powerful herb can be taken internally, or used in the form of an ointment.

Licorice is a strong anti-inflammatory medicine, with actions comparable to cortisone. Taken internally, the dose would be 3,000 mg per day in capsule form. This herb can be a little stool loosening, so work up gradually. Make sure the effective dose is comfortable. The ointment will contain the active ingredient glycyrretinic acid, or the related compound, glycyrrhizic acid. Topical glycyrretinic acid has been shown in clinical studies to reduce pain and healing time. Apply the cream directly to the blister as necessary.

St. Johnswort flowering tops (Hypericum perforatum)

This popular herb actually has many clinical uses beyond its success in treating depression. The active ingredient that benefits herpes appears to be hypericin, which researchers now conclude is not the antidepressant component.

This herb supports the immune system, reducing viral episodes. Use 3,000 mg per day of the whole herb in capsule form, or find a preparation standardized for hypericin. The daily dose of standardized product should contain 1.0 mg of hypericin per day.