Boost the Immune System

Your immune system is one of your most valuable weapons against the herpes and cold sore virus - it is your body's natural defense mechanism.

How does this affect Herpes and Cold Sore Outbreaks?

Your immune system is responsible for your recovery during an outbreak, as well as controlling the frequency and severity of recurrences. The following are three herbs that can help to boost your immune system and improve your body’s resistance against this retrovirus. They are featured here because they are generally safe for adults and children and have a substantial body of evidence to support their benefits against the HSV:

1. Andrographis
2. Echinacea
3. Olive Leaf

This is attributed to their antiviral and immune stimulating properties. 

How can these herbs help to boost the immune system and prevent transmission?

The antiviral herb Andrographis is a key component in treating herpes holistically. Andrographis helps to interfere with the way viruses alter healthy DNA. It works in "synergy" with Echinacea, a herb which helps to improve the effectiveness of Andrographis when they are taken in conjunction with each other. This combination, along with Olive Leaf, can be formulated to help ward off future recurrences.

Andrographis also inhibits herpes virus activity in vitro and improves the level of killer T-helper cells (cells in your immune system that are essential to control herpes).^[1]

Echinacea assists the body in the formulation of "interferon", a compound which blocks replication of virus proteins.  Echinacea also increases levels of "properdin".   This is a protein in the body that helps the immune system destroy and suppress virus cells.^[2]

Olive Leaf has been proven to reduce Viral Shedding in Clinical Trials.^[3] This could help to reduce a major risk factor in relation to spreading and preventing herpes, possibly offering a safe natural alternative to suppressive drugs such as Acyclovir and Valtrex.

A reliable source for these herbs is a supplement called Immune Support. 

Quality is an important consideration if you want any natural therapy to work, so research a brand before using it. The herbs in Immune Support are 'standardized', a special process which ensures that you are getting the quality of concentration required for the herb to work.

Immune Support also does NOT contain any animal products such as Gelatin. Gelatin is rich in an amino acid called Arginine that is contra-indicative for herpes, but yet still found in many tablets and capsules indicated for herpes. Something to look out for when choosing your supplements.

When it comes to natural therapies, consistency is the key.  Herpes is a virus and so is often well established within the body before any supplements are started.  Building new cells and correcting the chemistry of the immune system can sometimes take time and commitment.

To help manage herpes and cold sore outbreaks, it is recommended to take the Immune Support supplement daily and increase the dosage whenever you have active symptoms (as per the recommended dosage).

Generally, you should give any herb or supplement at least two weeks to begin to work properly and stick with the regime for at least 3 months.  This will give the herbs or nutrients time to work to their full potential and will help to optimize your immune resistance against the virus.

Benefits of taking the Immune Support herbs:

• They can boost your body's natural immune resistance against the herpes virus, helping your body to recover more quickly and possibly prevent a recurrence


• These herbs are best taken after the first exposure to the virus if possible to help reduce the replication and growth of the herpes virus, but they are also beneficial to help suppress an established infection.


• These herbs naturally help to reduce Viral Shedding (when the virus is contagious without symptoms). Clinical trials have proven that the ingredients in Immune Support can inhibit the herpes virus from shedding at the cell membrane. If taken by an uninfected partner this supplement may also help to reduce their risk of contracting herpes, due to this formula's ability to create a strong immune resistance.

References

1. ^ " Andrographis paniculata | In-Depth Review "
2. ^ " Echinacea Fact Sheet "
3. ^ " Olive Leaf Extract "

Where to Now

1. What is the Immune System?
2. How You Can Prevent Transmission
3. Herpes Treatment Options
4. Diet and Nutrition with Herpes

Ask questions and get support right now in the Herpes Support Forum