Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Genital Herpes
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Aloe | Apply a 0.5% cream three times per day |  [2 stars] One trial found that aloe cream shortened healing time of genital herpes outbreaks. |
Lemon Balm | Apply a cream containing 1% of a standardized 70:1 extract four to five times per day | [2 stars] One study found that topical application of a cream containing a highly concentrated extract of lemon balm helped heal oral and genital herpes sores faster than a placebo. |
Lysine | 1,000 mg daily | [2 stars] Taking lysine may speed healing and help prevent future outbreaks. |
Zinc | Apply a topical preparation containing 0.025 to 0.9% zinc several times per day | [2 stars] Applying zinc topically may help prevent outbreaks and has been shown to stop the pain, burning, and tingling of a herpes outbreak. |
Cloves Topical | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Research suggests that substances found in cloves have potential benefit for topical prevention of genital herpes. |
Eucalyptus Topical | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Research suggests that substances found in eucalyptus have potential benefit for topical prevention of genital herpes. |
Licorice | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Licorice rootcontains antiviral substances, and ointments containing related substances are effective in treating herpes infections. |
Seaweed | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Research research suggests that substances found in turmeric have potential benefit for topical prevention of genital herpes. |
Turmeric (Curcumin) | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Research research suggests that substances found in turmeric have potential benefit for topical prevention of genital herpes. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.