Using olive leaf extract for treating herpes is getting a lot of attention in recent years. Possessing strong antimicrobial properties, this extract is effective for inhibiting virus without causing any serious side effects.
Herpes is an infectious disease caused by viral strains, herpes simplex virus – type 1 and type 2. Based on the site of outbreak, there are two types of herpes, namely, oral herpes and genital herpes. In majority of the reported cases, the former type results after the infection by type 1 herpes simplex strain (or HSV1); while the latter is caused due to type 2 herpes simplex strain (or HSV2). The symptoms of herpes may be mild to severe, depending upon the immune responses of the patient.
As of date, there is no cure for herpes. Nevertheless, certain antiviral drugs and herbal remedies are being promoted to combat the symptoms, and shorten the healing period. Also, addressing the problem correctly minimizes the risk of recurrent outbreaks of the symptoms. One of the natural remedies for this condition is using olive leaf extract.
Olive Leaf Extract and Herpes
Being a viral disease, the symptoms of herpes are not so easy to deal with. Taking this into consideration, you might be wondering as to what is present in this extract that makes it one of the effective home remedies for herpes. According to herbalists, concentrated liquid derived from freshly picked olive leaves contain several curative compounds. The leaf extract promotes synthesis of phagocytes, which, in turn, helps in strengthening the immune responses of the body.
The active ingredients found in olive leaves are oleuropein (phytochemical), calcium elenolate, and elenol acid, which are considered as natural antimicrobial agents. They make the virus inactive by acting on the outer protein coating. With regular usage of olive leaf extract, the virus is destroyed or rendered nonfunctional. Besides these main components, the leaves contain esters, hydroxytyrosol, polyphenols, flavonoids, and several other antioxidant molecules, which collectively help in treating the symptoms of herpes.
How to Use It?
Several studies have been performed for using this extract in treating herpes and other infectious diseases. It helps in containing virus population by disturbing shedding and multiplication. Overall, the results are highly impressive. It is also used in the formulation of products such as powders, liquid concentrate, and capsules. While using any of these products, considering the appropriate dose is imperative to get positive results.
The extract is effective for alleviating the symptoms of both oral herpes and genital herpes. One can apply the extract (containing 20 percent oleuropein) in the affected areas for at least 2-3 times daily. A few patients have complained of mild allergic responses after applying a concentrated extract. Though these side effects subside with time, it is best to consult a dermatologist or a qualified physician, especially if the symptoms persist for more than 3 days.
As per the proponents of olive leaf extract, it is one of the natural herbs to cure herpes. Taking its supplements on a regular basis will help in preventing the onset of herpes disease. One thing to be remembered is, selecting a pure product that is free of impurities. The logic is to purchase it from a reliable brand. Till date, there are no serious side effects reported after using olive leaf for combating herpes condition. However, to be on the safer side, it is always recommended to purchase the product from a reliable source.
