In holistic dermatology, everyone’s case of herpes is unique. Our natural treatment of herpes is based on Chinese herbal medicine. Focus is on the underlying “patterns of disharmony” associated with each individual’s skin problems.

How can you tell what patterns I have?

First, Antonia closely examines the skin and looks at any areas with active lesions. The look of the skin and lesions gives lots of information about what is going on internally. Darkened skin indicates a different pattern from red skin. Water-filled lesions indicate a different pattern from open or crusted lesions. Lesions on the lips and face indicate a different pattern than those on the genitals or along dermatomes (as seen in shingles). Itching indicates a different pattern than tingling or the pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia. In all these cases the underlying imbalances are different, so different herbal treatment is indicated.

Antonia also determines what inner imbalances led to the lesions expressing in the first place. How frequent are your outbreaks? How severe are your outbreaks? What causes them – stress, menstruation, or other factors? What other symptoms do you have? Are there digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, loose stools or constipation. In the herbal consultation we discuss everything from workplace/environmental factors to family history to physical and emotional signs and symptoms.

Natural Treatment with Customized Herbal Formulas

Once she identifies the patterns of disharmony, Antonia puts together a custom herbal formula. There are multiple ingredients in each person’s herbal formula to address each of these patterns. The ingredients in the formula change over time as the skin evolves and heals.

Antonia also recommends the best topical treatment (which may come in the form of an herb wash, ointment or powder) as well as beneficial foods and foods to avoid.