Tansy may be used to treat herpes, study suggests

ScienceDaily (Apr. 14, 2011) — A folk remedy may be an effective treatment for the sexually transmitted disease herpes according to Dr Solomon Habtemariam from the University of Greenwich's School of Science and Professor Francisco Parra at the Universidad de Oviedo in Spain.

Tansy, Tanacetum Vulgare, is a flowering plant found across mainland Europe and Asia. From the Middle Ages onwards the plant, whose folk names include Golden Buttons and Mugwort, has been used as a remedy for various conditions, from fevers to rheumatism. However, its supposed medical benefits have always been questioned.

Joint work between research groups led by Dr Habtemariam from the School of Science at the University of Greenwich at Medway and Professor Francisco Parra at the Universidad de Oviedo in Spain, published in Phytotherapy Research, has revealed the clear potential of tansy as a treatment for herpes.

Dr Solomon Habtemariam says: "We have identified several compounds in the plant with strong antioxidant potential. Antioxidants are important for healing wounds and can be used to treat the skin eruptions and blister-like lesions or cold sores that are the symptoms of herpes. The drugs currently available to treat the disease are becoming less effective as the virus is developing resistance to them. Diseases such as genital herpes are also increasing due to immunosuppressive illnesses such as AIDS.

"Our studies have proved the scientific basis for many traditional medicinal plants. We are now able to identify even more structurally complex natural products and those that are present in plants in minute concentrations with our state-of-the-art analytical facilities. In collaboration with our international partners, we are searching for novel antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents from natural sources."

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of Greenwich, via AlphaGalileo.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Journal Reference:

Ángel L. Álvarez, Solomon Habtemariam, Malindra Juan-Badaturuge, Caroline Jackson, Francisco Parra. In vitro anti HSV-1 and HSV-2 activity of Tanacetum vulgare extracts and isolated compounds: An approach to their mechanisms of action. Phytotherapy Research, 2010; DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3382

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

View the original article here

Tansy may be used to treat herpes, study suggests

ScienceDaily (Apr. 14, 2011) — A folk remedy may be an effective treatment for the sexually transmitted disease herpes according to Dr Solomon Habtemariam from the University of Greenwich's School of Science and Professor Francisco Parra at the Universidad de Oviedo in Spain.

Tansy, Tanacetum Vulgare, is a flowering plant found across mainland Europe and Asia. From the Middle Ages onwards the plant, whose folk names include Golden Buttons and Mugwort, has been used as a remedy for various conditions, from fevers to rheumatism. However, its supposed medical benefits have always been questioned.

Joint work between research groups led by Dr Habtemariam from the School of Science at the University of Greenwich at Medway and Professor Francisco Parra at the Universidad de Oviedo in Spain, published in Phytotherapy Research, has revealed the clear potential of tansy as a treatment for herpes.

Dr Solomon Habtemariam says: "We have identified several compounds in the plant with strong antioxidant potential. Antioxidants are important for healing wounds and can be used to treat the skin eruptions and blister-like lesions or cold sores that are the symptoms of herpes. The drugs currently available to treat the disease are becoming less effective as the virus is developing resistance to them. Diseases such as genital herpes are also increasing due to immunosuppressive illnesses such as AIDS.

"Our studies have proved the scientific basis for many traditional medicinal plants. We are now able to identify even more structurally complex natural products and those that are present in plants in minute concentrations with our state-of-the-art analytical facilities. In collaboration with our international partners, we are searching for novel antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents from natural sources."

Share this story on Facebook, Twitter, and Google:

Other social bookmarking and sharing tools:

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of Greenwich, via AlphaGalileo.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Journal Reference:

Ángel L. Álvarez, Solomon Habtemariam, Malindra Juan-Badaturuge, Caroline Jackson, Francisco Parra. In vitro anti HSV-1 and HSV-2 activity of Tanacetum vulgare extracts and isolated compounds: An approach to their mechanisms of action. Phytotherapy Research, 2010; DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3382

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

View the original article here

How to Treat Cold Sores So They Don't Spread - Or Wreck Your Social Life

The chances are that unless you have a very effective cold sore treatment plan in place, you, like so many others are going to suffer from many more outbreaks of these painful and embarrassing sores. Although everyone who has suffered from the Herpes Simplex 1 Virus has come to dread the pain and embarrassment that comes with these outbreaks, what most people worry about most is the unfortunate impact that these outbreaks can have on their social life.

It is difficult to date and find the companionship that we all need if you cannot kiss or allow the other person to touch your face. It is also very difficult to meet new friends and truly enjoy yourself at social functions if you have to worry about preventing others from coming in contact with your face.

Of course, it can be quite difficult when others shy away from you or talk behind your back because of the sores on your mouth as well. All of these things come together to explain why those who suffer with this form of Herpes often suffer a lower self-esteem and higher amounts of anxiety.

The good news is you can treat cold sores and even eliminate future outbreaks entirely, enabling you to enjoy an active social life! There are two different aspects that come into play here: preventing the spread of Herpes and implementing a personalized cold sore treatment plan.

Preventing Virus Spread

It's true that trying to prevent others from getting the virus is what causes much of the social discomfort when you have the sores on your lips. While most people will recognize the cold sores and actively avoid making contact with your face, many may not know that they can get the virus by eating or drinking after you. Literally anything that your sores come in contact with could spread the virus!

The best way to prevent the spread of Herpes is to pay very close attention to the initial signs that you are getting them. In many cases the virus is spread during the very first stage of an outbreak before the sores are visibly showing. The virus can still be present on the skin even if it is not seen, so you should be extra alert to notice what your initial signs are so you can identify them right away.

For many people the initial signs are tingling or itching, red skin, or a rough patch of skin.

Implementing a Cold Sore Treatment Plan

The absolute best way to prevent spreading Herpes would be to force the virus to remain inactive inside your body and never make a public appearance on your face, right? This can actually be done by implementing a cold sore treatment plan that allows you to treat cold sores effectively and essentially inactivate the virus.

Here are some ideas of what should be included in a treatment plan:

* Working around outbreak triggers to avoid outbreaks.
* Correcting any deficiencies inside the body.
* Supplying the body with a well balanced, nourishing diet.
* Protecting the skin from sun and other potential damage.

If you just continue to live your life day to day and treat cold sores only after an outbreak develops, you will be living the social consequences the rest of your life. Take charge now and have the active social life you deserve!

Treat Cold Sores & Prevent the Spread of Herpes Simplex 1

How would you feel if having looked in the mirror and seen that you have cold sores, and at that point you realize that you can't even give your children a kiss on the cheek? Or it's the same when you go on a romantic vacation with your lover, knowing you can't touch them with your lips in any intimate way because those sores aren't completely healed just yet. These feelings are truly heartbreaking. The Herpes virus brings with it a lot of irritation and heart break, but the risk of passing on this annoying problem to others around them, is the biggest concern for most sufferers.

The spread of Herpes is a very serious concern, especially when you are talking about cold sores which many sufferers do not completely understand. If you are unfortunate to find yourself infected with this virus, it is important that you play your part in the prevention of the spread of the virus by learning about the stages of an outbreak, when you are, and when you are not contagious, and of course most importantly, how you can treat cold sores in the long term to prevent future outbreaks

Stages of an Outbreak

This is the first thing you have to completely explore after being diagnosed with Herpes Simplex Virus 1. There are very clear phases of each and every outbreak, starting with the tingling sensation that tells you they are on their way and ending with the scabbed over crusty sores that eventually trail off and disappear.

As you learn about the different stages of an outbreak you will also learn about different cold sore treatment options that could potentially shorten the duration of the outbreak. You will also learn very critical information about how to prevent the spread of the virus by avoiding contact with others during critical phases of the outbreak.

To be entirely safe, it is advised that you keep your mouth away from others during the entire outbreak, starting with those tingling sensations that tell you an outbreak is on the way.

Preventing Cold Sores

Once you have educated yourself on how cold sore outbreaks occur and are up to date on how to prevent any outbreaks you may have right now and in the near future from spreading to those you love, it's time to start learning about potential cold sore treatment options that could prevent future outbreaks.

It's very true that you can never entirely get rid of the virus. It will always be there, under the skin, presenting an ever-present risk of outbreak. Yet, you can control the way you live your life and prevent cold sores from overtaking your life.

How to Treat Cold Sores

Finally, learning how to treat cold sores is absolutely vital to controlling its spread. If you can prevent your own outbreaks from surfacing on your face, then you have much less to worry about when it comes to spreading it to others. If you don't have the blisters, you can kiss your loved ones and have an active sex life without worry!

Ultimately, reducing the spread of Herpes comes down to preventing and controlling active outbreaks for people who already have the virus. If you have the virus it is your absolute duty to learn how to treat cold sores effectively and reduce their appearance. That is our only hope to stop the spread of the virus.

After thorough research, a Los Angeles based dermatologist, has come up with a Cold Sore Treatment to get a permanent remedy for them. After following his unique treatment approach, you will shorten the virus cycle to 3 days and then permanently cure it forever. Check it out at http://www.treatcoldsores.net