The Herpes virus is a difficult little bug; a so-called 'incurable' infection with painful skin lesions. The sores come and go, more frequenly for some individuals than others, and often flollow stressful life conditions where the immune system may be weakened. Allopathic medicine doesn't yet have a cure for this disease, only pills and creamse that must be used regularly to keep outbreaks from recurring and to lessen their duration. Incurable, painful, sort-of ugly, and with great names like 'oral-labial' or 'genital', this can be one challenging illness.
This is a personal account - I had herpes outbreaks for several years, and had to deal with painful sores in my mouth and on my lips - sometimes so bad I thought my teeth were falling out! I've been through those internal struggles on how to break it to an intimate partner - thankfully their response was never as sever as I expected - hough it still seemed like a big deal to me. I regularly had those telling days of feeling a flu was about to hit, with several days of lesions to follow. What seemed the worst, being an athlete, was that training really hard tended to cause outbreaks almost for certain.
I freqently wondered in the midst of these bouts with HSV if this was something I'd have to deal with for the rest of my life - I tried doctor prescribed medicines, Lysine and other remedies, but none kept the virus at bay enough to really make a difference.
I then stumbled upon some research being done using an oil commonly found in aromatherapy - Melissa essential oil, also known as 'Lemon Balm'. The oil was being investigated in Europe for it's positive effects combating the Herpes virus. One German pharmaceutical company had even made a preparation utilizing the oils active components (though nowhere was it noted that the oil itself was any less effective).
Perhaps the most impressive statement about the efficacy of Melissa on herpes outbreaks was made by Dr. Dietrich Wabner, a German scientist at the Technical University of Munich - he reported that a 'one time' application of 'true' Melissa oil could lead to a complete remission of outbreaks. A cure! It seemed expensive for a little bottle of clear liquid, but not so when compared to any other medicine - and the possibility of a 'complete remission of outbreaks'! I'd figured I had nothing to lose.
Further research gave me a better idea of a protocol; direct application of the essential oil may not lead to a complete remission in one application - though healers were finding success with the oil's regular use through the course of several outbreaks. One drop of Melissa directly applied a few times a day throughout the outbreak, and for the next several times an outbreak was surfacing, might lead to remission of the disease. The regemine was to begin as soon as one felt an outbreak coming on - some folks get an odd sensation at the location where the lesion may occur, and many will feel a general malaise. My outbreaks tended to occur on my tongue at that point - I would get the flu/fatigued feeling, then a few tasted buds would swell and sting, with the occasional cold sore showing itself (and yes, this had been medically confirmed as HSV early on when the sored almost completely covered the roof of my mouth). So I started on the Melissa, placing just one drop in my mouth and 'swishing' it around a few times a day. It's a powerful oil, but I actually liked the taste...
It turns out I wasn't one of the few with a complete remission occuring with the first application - though I didn't really expect it. The essential oil did help, however - the outbreaks were shorter and less intense. Then, after perhaps 5-7 times, the outbreaks stopped all together. And life has certainly been no less stressful or physical - perhaps even the opposite! But I've had no more oncoming flu symptoms or sores on my lips or in my mouth - even after heavy sun exposure. I can't remember the last time I've had an outbreak now.
Now to those who may have more sensitive skin than I, Melissa can be diluted in a carrier oil (like Hazelnut or Rosehip Seed oil) down to 10% or less of the total concentration and still be just as effective - taking any essential oil orally, and undiluted certainly, should be done with caution - pay attention to your own reaction and proceed accordingly. I haven't any experience with the 'genital' variety of the virus, but I it should work just as well - though this is where the carrier oil might feel a little nicer. But whatever way it's used, the protocol should be followed as closely as possible: apply the oil a few times a day to the affected area as soon as you feel an outbreak coming on, and stick with it until the lesions have healed. Then do it again the next several times an outbreak is surfacing. There are no guarantees, but I do hope this wonderful natural medicine can provide the same relief for others as it has for me.
For sufferer's of Shingles, another Herpes virus variety causing lesions of the skin, Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica, or 'True' Ravensara) oil has been used. Individuals have found relief using Ravensara in a 50-50 blend with Tamanu Nut oil. The Tamanu Nut sooths the skin during the healing process and keeps the Ravensara in contact with the sores. I have not heard of this offering a complete cure, but I have heard of this blend really helping relieve discomfort of this condition.
So if you choose to use aromatherapy oils like Melissa or Ravensara yourself (or to a recommendation), find a trusted source for the essential oils. Find 'true' varieties of each - Melissa is often adulterated, and the real thing is generally priced between $10 and $20 per milliliter (about 25 drops, which actually goes a long way); Ravensara should be of the 'Ravensara aromatica' variety. Be conservative with direct application - remember that diluting the oil has not been reported to reduce efficacy. Yes, I liked the Melissa oil straight, and never had a problem - but others I've known have had sensitive reactions - though this may have been related to UV exposure. Be good to yourself and listen to your body - may you achieve healing success!
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