Background & Aims : This study was performed to evaluate the effects of a mixture herbal remedy on herpes labialis.

  Materials & Methods: The efficacy of a combined topical preparation with liquorice, sumac and lemon balm extracts and geranium essential oil was investigated in a clinical trial. 78 patients with HSV-1 infection were included in the study and were instructed to apply the herbal gel and placebo for five times a day up to five days. Total duration and severity of clinical signs and symptoms (time of healing, pain, size of lesions) were evaluated on the first and fifth days of the trial.

  Results: In our clinical trial, a herbal gel, initiated within 12 hrs of symptoms onset, demonstrated efficacy in reduction of time to healing and size of lesions compared with placebo. There were no statistically significant differences in the course of other symptoms.

  Conclusion: The combined topical gel proved to be more effective than placebo and can be used as an active treatment for recurrent herpes labialis.

  Source: Urmia Med J 2011: 22(4): 387 ISSN: 1027-3727