Question:
I'm not interested in the pharmaceudical rip-off suppression therapies that merely break down other aspects of your health, so I'm desperately searching for long-term dietary or other non-invasive treatment. I came across an article published by the National Library of Medicine in June 1985 - essentially a lit reveiw - that shows some indication of zinc as a potential "cure" - but concludes that more studies are required to verify positive findings. you will find it reprinted at the following link http://www.coldcure.com/html/herpes.html. I was wondering if anyone else had heard of this and if there had ever been subsequent blind studies to investigate this as a potential treatment or cure. I would be prepared to try this and would be eager to participate in such a study. I am trying it on my own, but can only find 500mg zinc gluconate tablets, which I dissolve in hot water, soak in a cloth pad and apply to the affected area for 15 minutes. The local health food store naturopath is skeptical, but I will persist. I just started this and hope to continue as suggested in the article for two weeks twice daily.

Answer:
I have fought off many colds by taking high doses of zinc gluconate. I think it probably has the same effect on all viruses. It probably stimulates your immune system to increase production of antibodies and react more quickly. It really works for colds!!! I have used Novitra topically, it contains zinc and has stopped outbreaks when I caught them at the prodrom phase.

As for a cure, I read that article, and I think that it may help to keep the virus dormant, but in order to completely rid yourself, you need something that will get into the nerve cells in your spine where the virus hides.

I personally haven't had an outbreak in a long time, because I caught it when I first got it. I used many different things including zinc. My suggestion is to keep an open mind and use anything that might work, it's better than not doing anything. And it may be your belief in the product itself that does the healing--the power of the mind. But, my suggestion is to not put all your eggs in one basket. Keep trying until you find the thing that works best with your body. Everyone's different and certain things work better for some than others.

Answer:
I appreciate your response. I tend to agree that as a systemic ailment, a topical "cure" is unlikely. I am a believer in healthy living as a mean to maintaining overall well being, but find that it is almost impossible to eliminate such triggers as stress, hormonal changes, etc. I've had on-going problems for the past two years - the prodrome feeling is nearly constant with intermitent (usually mild) ruptures. I don't know when I was infected, really - it could have been years ago for all I know - I dated various partners over the years prior to marriage, and my spouse had a couple of extra-marital encounters, my subsequent partner of 10 years had various partners throughout our spotty relationship - In retrospect, I realized that he was definitely infected, but both of us were in denial. I can only live in hope of health since this has changed my lifestyle and attitude completely. I am simply thankful that it was this virus rather than one more deadly!

Answer:
Zinc is a natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial and I find zinc gluconate in most topical solutions available for HSV1. So, it only makes sense that it would help. I've been applying HSV1 creams to my HSV2 area and it seems to finally be clearing up the scars.

Good luck,
Fighter

Answer:
I did try one 100mg Zinc Gluconate tablet. Next thing I know, I was having watery bowels twice until I flushed it outta my system.

Answer:
I have tried this treatement, it helps but is no magic one negative aspect is that I think it spread my OB to different areas.