Related Health Condition
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Introduction
Herpes simplex is caused by an infection of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) I or II. Symptoms can include brain inflammation, herpes lesions in the mouth, on the face, and in the reproductive tract.
Etiology/Pathogenesis
According to Chinese medicine, herpes simplex is induced by external factors such as cold, mental stress, etc. or induced by internal factors such as accumulated heat in the lung and stomach, dampness due to hyperactive liver, and deficient spleen and pathogenic wind-heat. When herpes simplex concentrates on the skin, blisters appear with rashes, burning, and itching.
Primary Treatments with Chinese Medicinal Herbs
Wang Zuo Qing, et al. applied Ban Lan Gen parenteral solution (isatis root parenteral solution) topically to treat 42 cases of herpes simplex (39 cases of facial herpes and 3 cases of genital herpes). After the affected area was cleaned with normal saline solution, it was gently rubbed with a Ban Lan Gen parenteral solution several times (1g raw herb in 2ml per ampule). This procedure was conducted 4-6 times a day. For 25 cases in the control group, the affected area was externally applied with erythromycin ointment or 2% gentian violet solution, 2-3 times a day. The results showed all the cases in the treatment group were resolved in 3.24 days on average, and all the cases the control group were resolved in 6.06 days, on average. There was a significant difference seen in the therapeutic effects between the two groups (P
Other Treatments with Chinese Medicinal Herbs
Nong’s Herpes Simplex Treatment
Bai Yan Nong used Chinese medicine to treat 789 cases of herpes simplex keratitis. The formula for this epithelium type consisted of Sang Ye (Mulberry Leaf), Ji Su San (a classical powder formula for skin condition), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Fang Feng (Siler), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Bark), Zi Cao (Lithosperm), and Gan Cao (Licorice). The formula for the shallow layer consisted of Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Huang Lian (Coptis), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera Flower), Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), Ye Ju Hua (Wild Chrysanthemum), Sang Ye (Mulberry Leaf), Chan Yi (Cicada), Fang Feng (Siler), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Bark), and Sheng Di (Rehmannia). If herpes simplex affected the deep layer of the skin, then the formula contained the following herbs: Yu Zhu (Polygonatum), Sheng Di (Rehmannia), Lu Gen (Phragmites), Bo He (Mentha), Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera Flower), Chi Shao (Red Peony Root), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Huang Lian (Coptis), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Bark), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), and Fang Feng (Siler). For deep layer keratitis with hypopyon and iridocyclitis, the formula consisted of Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Di Bai Cao (Climbing Violet Herb), Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera Flower), Gao Ben (Ligusticum Root), Sheng Di (Rehmannia), Di Gu Pi (Lycium Bark), Zao Jia (Honeylocust), Lu Gen (Phragmites), Mang Xiao (Mirabilitum), Zhi Da Huang (prepared Rhubarb), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), and Chong Wei Zi (Leonurus Fruit). The results of the study showed that 388 cases were resolved, 251 cases had shown significant improvement, 113 cases had somewhat improved, and 37 cases had no improvement. The total effectiveness rate of the study was 95.31%. (1)
Xiao Yao San
Bo Wen Chao used modified Xiao Yao San to treat 42 cases of herpes simplex keratitis. The formula consisted of Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Bai Zhu (White Atracytlodes), Chi Shao (Red Peony Root), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera Flower), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Fu Ling (Poria), Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root), Che Qian Zi (Plantain Seed), Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), Chan Yi (Cicada), Zi Cao (Lithosperm), and Yin Chen (Oriental Wormwood). The formula was modified according to individuals’ symptoms. The decoction was taken orally one dose a day, divided into 3 separate administrations. At the same time, 0.25% chloramphenicol eye drops were used 3-6 times a day. Acyclic guanosine (antiviral) eye drops were used for the hypothallus type, 6-8 times a day. 1% atropine eye drops were used for the hyperemia type, 3 times a day or once every evening. The results showed that 47 eyes significantly improved, 12 eyes had improved, and 3 eyes showed no improvement. The total effectiveness rate was 95.5%. (2)
Sang Ju Yin
Wei Xin Ji, et al. used Sang Ju Yin to treat 46 eyes out of 42 cases of herpes simplex keratitis. The formula consisted of Sang Ye (Mulberry Leaf), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), Zhu Ye (Lophatherum), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Lu Gen (Phragmites), Bo He (Mentha) (which was decocted later), Xing Ren (Apricot Seed), Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), and Chan Yi (Cicada). The formula was modified according to each individual’s symptoms. The decoction was taken orally once daily and antiviral eye drops were also used. 1% atropine was used for combined iridocyclitis. The results showed that 28 eyes were significantly improved, 14 eyes had improved, and 4 eyes did not demonstrated improvement. The total effectiveness rate of this study was 91.3%. (3)
Liang Xue Jie Du Tang
Fu Sai Ping, et al. used Liang Xue Jie Du Tang (a decoction for removing heat from blood and for detoxifying) to treat 35 cases of genital herpes and the total effectiveness rate of this treatment was 97.1%. The formula consisted of Sheng Di (Rehmannia), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Bark), Chi Shao (Red Peony Root), Zi Cao (Lithosperm), Huang Lian (Coptis), and Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera Flower). (4)
Other Treatments
External application of Chinese herbs
Wang Shu Zhong used a topical herbal therapy to treat 10 cases of herpes simplex. After the affected area was cleaned, a Liu Shen Wan powder (a classical formula for skin conditions) mixed with 0.5% aureomycin was applied topically, 1-2 times a day. After 1 week to 1 month of treatment, skin lesions healed without pigmentation and there were no relapses. (5)
Hou Xiu Jun used the formula San Huang You to treat 38 cases of facial herpes simplex. The herbs used were Da Huang (Rhubarb), Huang Bo (Phellodendron), Huang Qin (Scuellaria), Hu Zhang (Giant Knotweed Rhizome), Zi Cao (Lithosperm), and Di Yu (Sanguisorba). These herbs were soaked in 300 g of sesame oil for 3 days. Then the mixture was decocted with small fire until it turned yellow. It was then filtered for application. 35 cases in the contrast group were treated with calamine lotion. The affected area was topically applied with this decoction 3 times a day in the two groups. The treatment group and the contrast group were compared with respect to the length of the time took for herpes to disappear or for scab formation. In comparing the length of recovery time, the treatment group’s time was shorter than that of the contrast group (P
References
- Bai Yan Nong. Analysis of TCM treatment according to differentiation of symptoms for 789 cases of herpes simplex keratitis. Journal of Integrated Optometry. 1997;15(1):34-35.
- Bo Wen Chao. Therapeutic observation on treating 62 eyes of 42 cases of herpes simplex keratitis with modified Xiao Yao San. Journal of Yunnan College of TCM. 1998;21 (2):24-25.
- Wei Xin Ji, et al. Treating 46 eyes of 42 cases of herpes simplex keratitis with Sang Ju Yin as primary treatment. Sichuan Journal of TCM. 1999;17(4):49.
- Fu Sai Ping, et al. Treating 35 cases of menstrual herpes with Liang Xue Jie Du Tang (a decoction for removing heat from blood and detoxicating). Shaanxi Journal of TCM. 1998;19(12):530.
- Wang Shu Zhong. Observation on treating 10 cases of herpes simplex with herbal topical application. Bulletin of Correspondence College of TCM. 1997;16(2):5.
