Mouth Cold Sores

Mouth cold sores are usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), but could have other causes.  Multiple studies have demonstrated lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) contains compounds to help fight the virus.

Recipes to Help with Mouth Cold Sores

Lemon Balm / Aloe Cold Sore Lip Balm

Blog Articles

Lemon Balm / Aloe Cold Sore Lip Balm

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.

ALGEA

•  This mega review discussed herbs for treating herpes infection including mints and other plants from the Lamiaceae family, tannins as found in Geranium species, Chinese rhubarb and chinaberry, and other herbs like tea tree, St. John’s wort, algae, echinacea, and astragalus.  From:  Abascal, K. (2005). Herbs for Treating Herpes Simplex Infections. ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES.

ALOE

• Aloe was effective in relieving the first episodes of herpes in men.  From:  Syed, T. A., Afzal, M., Ahmad, S. A., Holt, A. H., Ahmad, S. A., & Ahmad, S. H. (1997). Management of genital herpes in men with 0.5% Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled double-blind study. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 8(2), 99-102.
• Anthraquinones from the following plants inactivated the Herpes I virus:  Rheum officinale (rhubarb), Aloe barbadensis (aloe), Rhamnus frangula (alder buckthorn), Rhamnus purshianus (cascara buckthorn), and Cassia angustifolia (senna).  Other virus species were also affected by these plants in varying amounts.  From:  Sydiskis, R. J., Owen, D. G., Lohr, J. L., Rosler, K. H., & Blomster, R. N. (1991). Inactivation of enveloped viruses by anthraquinones extracted from plants. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 35(12), 2463-2466.

ANGELICA

• Coumarins from angelica root extracts showed activity against the herpes simplex virus – 1 in vitro. From: Rajtar, B., Skalicka-Woźniak, K., Świątek, Ł., Stec, A., Boguszewska, A., & Polz-Dacewicz, M. (2017). Antiviral effect of compounds derived from Angelica archangelica L. on Herpes simplex virus-1 and Coxsackievirus B3 infections. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 109, 1026-1031.

ASTRAGALUS

•  This mega review discussed herbs for treating herpes infection including mints and other plants from the Lamiaceae family, tannins as found in Geranium species, Chinese rhubarb and chinaberry, and other herbs like tea tree, St. John’s wort, algae, echinacea, and astragalus.  From:  Abascal, K. (2005). Herbs for Treating Herpes Simplex Infections. ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES.

BASIL ssp.

• Essential oils from Columbia of the Lamiaceae family showed the most anti-herpetic activity, with Lepechinia salvifolia (pitchersage), Hyptis mutabilis (bushmint), Lepechinia vulcanicola (pitchersage), Mintostachys mollis (mint) and Ocimum campechianum (basil) inhibiting activity during early stages of the herpes infection.  From:  Brand, Y. M., Roa-Linares, V. C., Betancur-Galvis, L. A., Durán-García, D. C., & Stashenko, E. (2016). Antiviral activity of Colombian Labiatae and Verbenaceae family essential oils and monoterpenes on Human Herpes viruses. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 28(2), 130-137.
• Isoborneol, as found in several plant essential oils, showed activity against herpes virus 1. From:  Armaka, M., Papanikolaou, E., Sivropoulou, A., & Arsenakis, M. (1999). Antiviral properties of isoborneol, a potent inhibitor of herpes simplex virus type 1. Antiviral research, 43(2), 79-92.

BUCKTHORN (ALDER & CASCARA)

• Anthraquinones from the following plants inactivated the Herpes I virus:  Rheum officinale (rhubarb), Aloe barbadensis (aloe), Rhamnus frangula (alder buckthorn), Rhamnus purshianus (cascara buckthorn), and Cassia angustifolia (senna).  Other virus species were also affected by these plants in varying amounts.  From:  Sydiskis, R. J., Owen, D. G., Lohr, J. L., Rosler, K. H., & Blomster, R. N. (1991). Inactivation of enveloped viruses by anthraquinones extracted from plants. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 35(12), 2463-2466.

CHAMOMILE ssp.

• In a study of 101 patients with recurrent mouth ulcers, a Zataria multiflora and Anthemis nobilis preparation was better than an M. communis preparation at reducing pain.  From:  Jafari, S., Amanlou, M., Borhan-mojabi, K., & Farsam, H. (2003). Comparartive study of Zataria multiflora and Anthemis nobelis extracts with Myrthus communis preparation in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 11(1), 23-7.
• The author concluded chamomile oil exhibited a high selectivity index and could be a possible topical therapeutic application as an antiviral agent against herpes genitalis.   From:  Koch, C., Reichling, J., Schneele, J., & Schnitzler, P. (2008). Inhibitory effect of essential oils against herpes simplex virus type 2. Phytomedicine, 15(1), 71-78.

CHINABERRY

•  This mega review discussed herbs for treating herpes infection including mints and other plants from the Lamiaceae family, tannins as found in Geranium species, Chinese rhubarb and chinaberry, and other herbs like tea tree, St. John’s wort, algae, echinacea, and astragalus.  From:  Abascal, K. (2005). Herbs for Treating Herpes Simplex Infections. ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES.

CHINESE BAYBERRY

• Extracts from the bark of Myrica rubra showed antiviral activity against herpes 2.  From:  Cheng, H. Y., Lin, T. C., Ishimaru, K., Yang, C. M., Wang, K. C., & Lin, C. C. (2003). In vitro antiviral activity of prodelphinidin B-2 3, 3′-di-O-gallate from Myrica rubra. Planta medica, 69(10), 953-956.

CYPRESS

• Tested extracts from various plant parts of cypress were antiviral against herpes in vitro.  From:  Emami, S. A., Tayarani-Najaran, Z., Sabouri Ghannad, M., Khajeh Karamadini, P., & Khajeh Karamadini, M. (2009). Antiviral activity of obtained extracts from different parts of cupressus sempervirens against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 12(3), 133-139.

ECHINACEA

•  This mega review discussed herbs for treating herpes infection including mints and other plants from the Lamiaceae family, tannins as found in Geranium species, Chinese rhubarb and chinaberry, and other herbs like tea tree, St. John’s wort, algae, echinacea, and astragalus.  From:  Abascal, K. (2005). Herbs for Treating Herpes Simplex Infections. ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES.

EUCALYPTUS / CINEOLE

• Essential oils from eucalyptus, tea tree, and thyme, and their isolated constituents showed antiviral activity against herpes in vitro.  From:  Astani, A., Reichling, J., & Schnitzler, P. (2010). Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives, 24(5), 673-679.
• Carrageenan, cineole, curcumin, and eugenol offered significant protection against herpes type 2 in mice.  From:  Bourne, K. Z., Bourne, N., Reising, S. F., & Stanberry, L. R. (1999). Plant products as topical microbicide candidates: assessment of in vitro and in vivo activity against herpes simplex virus type 2. Antiviral Research, 42(3), 219-226

GARLIC

• Garlic products were tested against the viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1, and 2, parainfluenza virus type 3, vaccinia virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, and human rhinovirus type 2.  Products highest in the constituents ajoene (found in crushed garlic) and allicin were the most antiviral.  From:  Weber, N. D., Andersen, D. O., North, J. A., Murray, B. K., Lawson, L. D., & Hughes, B. G. (1992). In vitro virucidal effects of Allium sativum (garlic) extract and compounds. Planta medica, 58(05), 417-423.

GERANIUM

•  This mega review discussed herbs for treating herpes infection including mints and other plants from the Lamiaceae family, tannins as found in Geranium species, Chinese rhubarb and chinaberry, and other herbs like tea tree, St. John’s wort, algae, echinacea, and astragalus.  From:  Abascal, K. (2005). Herbs for Treating Herpes Simplex Infections. ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES.

GINGER

• Ginger, thyme, hyssop, and sandalwood essential oils exhibited high levels of antiviral activity against herpes type one.  From:  Schnitzler, P., Koch, C., & Reichling, J. (2007). Susceptibility of drug-resistant clinical herpes simplex virus type 1 strains to essential oils of ginger, thyme, hyssop, and sandalwood. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 51(5), 1859-1862.

HELICHRYSUM

• Extractions from the flowering tops of H. italicum possess significant activity against herpes simplex virus type 1.  From:  Nostro, A., Cannatelli, M. A., Crisafi, G., Musolino, A. D., Procopio, F., & Alonzo, V. (2004). Modifications of hydrophobicity, in vitro adherence and cellular aggregation of Streptococcus mutans by Helichrysum italicum extract. Letters in applied microbiology, 38(5), 423-427.new microbiologica, 26(1), 125-128.
• H. italicum showed antiherpes virus-1 and genotoxic activities with no DNA damaging effects.  From:  Nostro, A., Cannatelli, M. A., Marino, A., Picerno, I., Pizzimenti, F. C., Scoglio, M. E., & Spataro, P. (2003). Evaluation of antiherpesvirus-1 and genotoxic activities of Helichrysum italicum extract. The new microbiologica, 26(1), 125-128.

HYSSOP

• Ginger, thyme, hyssop, and sandalwood essential oils exhibited high levels of antiviral activity against herpes type one.  From:  Schnitzler, P., Koch, C., & Reichling, J. (2007). Susceptibility of drug-resistant clinical herpes simplex virus type 1 strains to essential oils of ginger, thyme, hyssop, and sandalwood. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 51(5), 1859-1862.

ISOBORNEOL

• Isoborneol, as found in several plant essential oils, showed activity against herpes virus 1. From:  Armaka, M., Papanikolaou, E., Sivropoulou, A., & Arsenakis, M. (1999). Antiviral properties of isoborneol, a potent inhibitor of herpes simplex virus type 1. Antiviral research, 43(2), 79-92.

JASMINE

• Oleuropein extracted from jasmine flowers showed an effect against the Hepatitis B virus.  From:  Zhao, G., Yin, Z., & Dong, J. (2009). Antiviral efficacy against hepatitis B virus replication of oleuropein isolated from Jasminum officinale L. var. grandiflorum. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 125(2), 265-268.

LAVENDER

• Isoborneol, as found in several plant essential oils, showed activity against herpes virus 1. From:  Armaka, M., Papanikolaou, E., Sivropoulou, A., & Arsenakis, M. (1999). Antiviral properties of isoborneol, a potent inhibitor of herpes simplex virus type 1. Antiviral research, 43(2), 79-92.

MANUKA

• The inhibitory activity of manuka oil against Herpes virus types 1 and 2 was demonstrated in vitro. From:  Reichling, J., Koch, C., Stahl-Biskup, E., Sojka, C., & Schnitzler, P. (2005). Virucidal activity of a β-triketone-rich essential oil of Leptospermum scoparium (manuka oil) against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in cell culture. Planta medica, 71(12), 1123-1127.

MELISSA (LEMON BALM)

• In two studies involving 231 patients, a dried Melissa leaf extract reduced herpes infection. From: Wölbling, R. H., & Leonhardt, K. (1994). Local therapy of herpes simplex with dried extract from Melissa officinalis. Phytomedicine, 1(1), 25-31.
• Melissa officinalis was effective in a double blind controlled study of 66 patients against recurrent herpes simplex labialis symptoms and healing.  From:  Koytchev, R., Alken, R. G., & Dundarov, S. (1999). Balm mint extract (Lo-701) for topical treatment of recurring herpes labialis. Phytomedicine, 6(4), 225-230.
• Extracts from lemon balm, peppermint, prunella, rosemary, sage, and thyme showed action against Herpes types 1 and 2.  From:  Nolkemper, S., Reichling, J., Stintzing, F. C., Carle, R., & Schnitzler, P. (2006). Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Planta medica, 72(15), 1378-1382.

OREGANO

• Isoborneol, as found in several plant essential oils, showed activity against herpes virus 1. From:  Armaka, M., Papanikolaou, E., Sivropoulou, A., & Arsenakis, M. (1999). Antiviral properties of isoborneol, a potent inhibitor of herpes simplex virus type 1. Antiviral research, 43(2), 79-92.

PEPPERMINT ssp.

•  This mega review discussed herbs for treating herpes infection including mints and other plants from the Lamiaceae family, tannins as found in Geranium species, Chinese rhubarb and chinaberry, and other herbs like tea tree, St. John’s wort, algae, echinacea, and astragalus.  From:  Abascal, K. (2005). Herbs for Treating Herpes Simplex Infections. ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES.
• Extracts from lemon balm, peppermint, prunella, rosemary, sage, and thyme showed action against Herpes types 1 and 2.  From:  Nolkemper, S., Reichling, J., Stintzing, F. C., Carle, R., & Schnitzler, P. (2006). Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Planta medica, 72(15), 1378-1382.
• Prunella, peppermint, rosemary and thyme extracts provided antiviral activity against Herpes 1.  From:  Reichling, J., Nolkemper, S., Stintzing, F. C., & Schnitzler, P. (2008). Impact of ethanolic lamiaceae extracts on herpesvirus infectivity in cell culture. Forschende Komplementärmedizin/Research in Complementary Medicine, 15(6), 313-320.
• Essential oils from Columbia of the Lamiaceae family showed the most anti-herpetic activity, with Lepechinia salvifolia (pitchersage), Hyptis mutabilis (bushmint), Lepechinia vulcanicola (pitchersage), Mintostachys mollis (mint) and Ocimum campechianum (basil) inhibiting activity during early stages of the herpes infection.  From:  Brand, Y. M., Roa-Linares, V. C., Betancur-Galvis, L. A., Durán-García, D. C., & Stashenko, E. (2016). Antiviral activity of Colombian Labiatae and Verbenaceae family essential oils and monoterpenes on Human Herpes viruses. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 28(2), 130-137.
• Extracts from lemon balm, peppermint, prunella, rosemary, sage, and thyme showed action against Herpes types 1 and 2.  From:  Nolkemper, S., Reichling, J., Stintzing, F. C., Carle, R., & Schnitzler, P. (2006). Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Planta medica, 72(15), 1378-1382.
• Peppermint oil might be an effective topical antiviral agent in recurrent herpes infection.  From:  Schuhmacher, A., Reichling, J., & Schnitzler, P. (2003). Virucidal effect of peppermint oil on the enveloped viruses herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Phytomedicine, 10(6), 504-510.
• Peppermint essential oil might be an effective topical antiviral agent in recurrent herpes infection.  From:  Schuhmacher, A., Reichling, J., & Schnitzler, P. (2003). Virucidal effect of peppermint oil on the enveloped viruses herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Phytomedicine, 10(6), 504-510.

PRUNELLA

• Extracts from lemon balm, peppermint, prunella, rosemary, sage, and thyme showed action against Herpes types 1 and 2.  From:  Nolkemper, S., Reichling, J., Stintzing, F. C., Carle, R., & Schnitzler, P. (2006). Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Planta medica, 72(15), 1378-1382.
• Prunella, peppermint, rosemary and thyme extracts provided antiviral activity against Herpes 1.  From:  Reichling, J., Nolkemper, S., Stintzing, F. C., & Schnitzler, P. (2008). Impact of ethanolic lamiaceae extracts on herpesvirus infectivity in cell culture. Forschende Komplementärmedizin/Research in Complementary Medicine, 15(6), 313-320.
• Extracts from lemon balm, peppermint, prunella, rosemary, sage, and thyme showed action against Herpes types 1 and 2.  From:  Nolkemper, S., Reichling, J., Stintzing, F. C., Carle, R., & Schnitzler, P. (2006). Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Planta medica, 72(15), 1378-1382.

RHUBARB

• The combined topical sage-rhubarb preparation was more effective than aciclovir in treating Herpes labialis.  From:  Saller, R., Büechi, S., Meyrat, R., & Schmidhauser, C. (2001). Combined herbal preparation for topical treatment of Herpes labialis. Forschende Komplementärmedizin/Research in Complementary Medicine, 8(6), 373-382.
•  This mega review discussed herbs for treating herpes infection including mints and other plants from the Lamiaceae family, tannins as found in Geranium species, Chinese rhubarb and chinaberry, and other herbs like tea tree, St. John’s wort, algae, echinacea, and astragalus.  From:  Abascal, K. (2005). Herbs for Treating Herpes Simplex Infections. ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES.
• Anthraquinones from the following plants inactivated the Herpes I virus:  Rheum officinale (rhubarb), Aloe barbadensis (aloe), Rhamnus frangula (Alder buckthorn), Rhamnus purshianus (cascara buckthorn), and Cassia angustifolia (senna).  Other virus species were also affected by these plants in varying amounts.  From:  Sydiskis, R. J., Owen, D. G., Lohr, J. L., Rosler, K. H., & Blomster, R. N. (1991). Inactivation of enveloped viruses by anthraquinones extracted from plants. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 35(12), 2463-2466.
• Emodin was effective against Herpes 1 and 2 in vitro and in vivo.  From:  Xiong, H. R., Luo, J., Hou, W., Xiao, H., & Yang, Z. Q. (2011). The effect of emodin, an anthraquinone derivative extracted from the roots of Rheum tanguticum, against herpes simplex virus in vitro and in vivo. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 133(2), 718-723.

ROSEMARY

• Extracts from lemon balm, peppermint, prunella, rosemary, sage, and thyme showed action against Herpes types 1 and 2.  From:  Nolkemper, S., Reichling, J., Stintzing, F. C., Carle, R., & Schnitzler, P. (2006). Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Planta medica, 72(15), 1378-1382.
• Prunella, peppermint, rosemary and thyme extracts provided antiviral activity against Herpes 1.  From:  Reichling, J., Nolkemper, S., Stintzing, F. C., & Schnitzler, P. (2008). Impact of ethanolic lamiaceae extracts on herpesvirus infectivity in cell culture. Forschende Komplementärmedizin/Research in Complementary Medicine, 15(6), 313-320.
• Isoborneol, as found in several plant essential oils, showed activity against herpes virus 1. From:  Armaka, M., Papanikolaou, E., Sivropoulou, A., & Arsenakis, M. (1999). Antiviral properties of isoborneol, a potent inhibitor of herpes simplex virus type 1. Antiviral research, 43(2), 79-92.
• Extracts from lemon balm, peppermint, prunella, rosemary, sage, and thyme showed action against Herpes types 1 and 2.  From:  Nolkemper, S., Reichling, J., Stintzing, F. C., Carle, R., & Schnitzler, P. (2006). Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Planta medica, 72(15), 1378-1382.
• Phenolic constituents of rosemary showed antiviral activity against Herpes 1.  From:  Mancini, D. A. P., Torres, R. P., Pinto, J. R., & Mancini-Filho, J. (2009). Inhibition of DNA virus: Herpes-1 (HSV-1) in cellular culture replication, through an antioxidant treatment extracted from rosemary spice. Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 45(1), 127-133.

SAGE ssp.

• The combined topical sage-rhubarb preparation was more effective than aciclovir in treating Herpes labialis.  From:  Saller, R., Büechi, S., Meyrat, R., & Schmidhauser, C. (2001). Combined herbal preparation for topical treatment of Herpes labialis. Forschende Komplementärmedizin/Research in Complementary Medicine, 8(6), 373-382.
• Extracts from lemon balm, peppermint, prunella, rosemary, sage, and thyme showed action against Herpes types 1 and 2.  From:  Nolkemper, S., Reichling, J., Stintzing, F. C., Carle, R., & Schnitzler, P. (2006). Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Planta medica, 72(15), 1378-1382.
• Essential oils from Columbia of the Lamiaceae family showed the most anti-herpetic activity, with Lepechinia salvifolia (pitchersage), Hyptis mutabilis (bushmint), Lepechinia vulcanicola (pitchersage), Mintostachys mollis (mint) and Ocimum campechianum (basil) inhibiting activity during early stages of the herpes infection.  From:  Brand, Y. M., Roa-Linares, V. C., Betancur-Galvis, L. A., Durán-García, D. C., & Stashenko, E. (2016). Antiviral activity of Colombian Labiatae and Verbenaceae family essential oils and monoterpenes on Human Herpes viruses. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 28(2), 130-137.
• Isoborneol, as found in several plant essential oils, showed activity against herpes virus 1. From:  Armaka, M., Papanikolaou, E., Sivropoulou, A., & Arsenakis, M. (1999). Antiviral properties of isoborneol, a potent inhibitor of herpes simplex virus type 1. Antiviral research, 43(2), 79-92.
• Extracts from lemon balm, peppermint, prunella, rosemary, sage, and thyme showed action against Herpes types 1 and 2.  From:  Nolkemper, S., Reichling, J., Stintzing, F. C., Carle, R., & Schnitzler, P. (2006). Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Planta medica, 72(15), 1378-1382.

SENNA

• Anthraquinones from the following plants inactivated the Herpes I virus:  Rheum officinale (rhubarb), Aloe barbadensis (aloe), Rhamnus frangula (alder buckthorn), Rhamnus purshianus (cascara buckthorn), and Cassia angustifolia (senna).  Other virus species were also affected by these plants in varying amounts.  From:  Sydiskis, R. J., Owen, D. G., Lohr, J. L., Rosler, K. H., & Blomster, R. N. (1991). Inactivation of enveloped viruses by anthraquinones extracted from plants. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 35(12), 2463-2466.

ST. JOHN’S WART

• A randomized controlled study of 149 participants showed that a topical formulation containing copper sulfate and Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort)reduced herpes skin lesions.  From:  Clewell, A., Barnes, M., Endres, J. R., Ahmed, M., & Ghambeer, D. K. (2012). Efficacy and tolerability assessment of a topical formulation containing copper sulfate and hypericum perforatum on patients with herpes skin lesions: a comparative, randomized controlled trial. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 11(2), 209-215.
•  This mega review discussed herbs for treating herpes infection including mints and other plants from the Lamiaceae family, tannins as found in Geranium species, Chinese rhubarb and chinaberry, and other herbs like tea tree, St. John’s wort, algae, echinacea, and astragalus.  From:  Abascal, K. (2005). Herbs for Treating Herpes Simplex Infections. ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES.

STAR ANISE

• Antiviral activity was demonstrated against herpes simplex virus type 1 in vitro.  Star anise oil reduced viral infectivity by 99%, phenylpropanoids inhibited HSV infectivity by 60–80% and sesquiterpenes suppressed infection by 40–98%  From:  Astani, A., Reichling, J., & Schnitzler, P. (2011). Screening for antiviral activities of isolated compounds from essential oils. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, 2011.
• P. anisum showed antiviral activities against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, human cytomegalovirus, and the measles virus,  and interfered with virus adsorption to the host cell surface, and enhanced nitric oxide production related to macrophage cells.  From:  Lee, J. B., Yamagishi, C., Hayashi, K., & Hayashi, T. (2011). Antiviral and immunostimulating effects of lignin-carbohydrate-protein complexes from Pimpinella anisum. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry, 75(3), 459-465.

TEA TREE

• In a double blind study, tea tree may have reduced the recurrent herpes labialis virus (RHL) or cold sores but further research is necessary.  From:  Carson, C. F., Ashton, L., Dry, L., Smith, D. W., & Riley, T. V. (2001). Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil gel (6%) for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 48(3), 450-451.
•  This mega review discussed herbs for treating herpes infection including mints and other plants from the Lamiaceae family, tannins as found in Geranium species, Chinese rhubarb and chinaberry, and other herbs like tea tree, St. John’s wort, algae, echinacea, and astragalus.  From:  Abascal, K. (2005). Herbs for Treating Herpes Simplex Infections. ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES.
• Essential oils from eucalyptus, tea tree, and thyme, and their isolated constituents showed antiviral activity against herpes in vitro.  From:  Astani, A., Reichling, J., & Schnitzler, P. (2010). Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives, 24(5), 673-679.

THYME ssp. / EUGENOL

• Extracts from lemon balm, peppermint, prunella, rosemary, sage, and thyme showed action against Herpes types 1 and 2.  From:  Nolkemper, S., Reichling, J., Stintzing, F. C., Carle, R., & Schnitzler, P. (2006). Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Planta medica, 72(15), 1378-1382.
• Prunella, peppermint, rosemary and thyme extracts provided antiviral activity against Herpes 1.  From:  Reichling, J., Nolkemper, S., Stintzing, F. C., & Schnitzler, P. (2008). Impact of ethanolic lamiaceae extracts on herpesvirus infectivity in cell culture. Forschende Komplementärmedizin/Research in Complementary Medicine, 15(6), 313-320.
• Ginger, thyme, hyssop, and sandalwood essential oils exhibited high levels of antiviral activity against herpes type one.  From:  Schnitzler, P., Koch, C., & Reichling, J. (2007). Susceptibility of drug-resistant clinical herpes simplex virus type 1 strains to essential oils of ginger, thyme, hyssop, and sandalwood. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 51(5), 1859-1862.
• Carrageenan, cineole, curcumin, and eugenol offered significant protection against herpes type 2 in mice.  From:  Bourne, K. Z., Bourne, N., Reising, S. F., & Stanberry, L. R. (1999). Plant products as topical microbicide candidates: assessment of in vitro and in vivo activity against herpes simplex virus type 2. Antiviral Research, 42(3), 219-226
• Isoborneol, as found in several plant essential oils, showed activity against herpes virus 1. From:  Armaka, M., Papanikolaou, E., Sivropoulou, A., & Arsenakis, M. (1999). Antiviral properties of isoborneol, a potent inhibitor of herpes simplex virus type 1. Antiviral research, 43(2), 79-92.
• Essential oils from eucalyptus, tea tree, and thyme, and their isolated constituents showed antiviral activity against herpes in vitro.  From:  Astani, A., Reichling, J., & Schnitzler, P. (2010). Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives, 24(5), 673-679.
• Extracts from lemon balm, peppermint, prunella, rosemary, sage, and thyme showed action against Herpes types 1 and 2.  From:  Nolkemper, S., Reichling, J., Stintzing, F. C., Carle, R., & Schnitzler, P. (2006). Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Planta medica, 72(15), 1378-1382.

TURMERIC / CURCUMIN

• Carrageenan, cineole, curcumin, and eugenol offered significant protection against herpes type 2 in mice.  From:  Bourne, K. Z., Bourne, N., Reising, S. F., & Stanberry, L. R. (1999). Plant products as topical microbicide candidates: assessment of in vitro and in vivo activity against herpes simplex virus type 2. Antiviral Research, 42(3), 219-226.

Compiled by: Kathy Sadowski

Updated: 10/28/19