Lysine for Herpes: Benefits, Research & Usage

L-Lysine is an essential amino acid necessary for regulating hormones, building muscle, and enabling healthy production of enzymes and antibodies. In addition to its importance in enabling recovery from physical injuries, Lysine shows promise for treating and preventing outbreaks of herpes-family viral infections.

Herpes Family Viruses

• Herpes-family viruses-- including cold sores, genital herpes, chicken pox (shingles), roseola, Cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr--"bury" themselves into nerve tissue and are capable of recurring years after their initial onset.

Outbreak Prevention

• A herpes-family virus can not be eliminated from the body. However, lysine appears to help keep the virus from recurring, so it prevents outbreaks of cold sores, shingles, and genital herpes.

Dosage

• Daily intake of 1000-2000 mg of L-lysine can prevent and inhibit herpes outbreaks. Slightly lower doses may provide day-to-day immune support against the infection.

Risks and Side Effects

• Lysine has no known side effects or medical interactions, but extremely large doses may be linked to high cholesterol and gallstones.

Supporting Supplements

• Other supplements that fight herpes-family viral infections include lemon balm, resveratrol, garlic, and aloe vera. They can be taken in conjunction with lysine and most prescribed medications.