Once you have contracted the herpes virus, it will stay in your body for the duration of your life. There is no cure, no magic potion that will kill it or remove it from your body. DMSO, hydrogen peroxide, and nonoxynol 9...not a single one of these is going to provide a quick fix. What you have to understand about this virus is that there is no need for it to be active. Knowing that a virus in your body would prefer to stay dormant, wouldn't you rather do everything in your power to make sure it stays that way?

The first step in a herpes treatment is forgiveness. This means that not only forgive the person from whom you contracted the virus, but you forgive yourself as well. If you remain stuck in a place of anger, resentment, fear, or shame, you are compromising your ability to heal. Know, deep within yourself, that having herpes does not make you any less attractive, any less ethical, or any less worthy of a person than you were before.

Once you are at peace with your condition, it's time to step out of the closet. This doesn't mean that you need to tell everyone you meet, but it certainly make sense to share this information with your close friends and family. After all, these people are your support system. The stigma of herpes is one that is usually self-imposed. If you broach the subject just as you would with any other disease, the reaction you receive will mimic this. Being at peace means that you can bring this energy to others around you. Over 50% of the adult population has either herpes 1 or 2 (often known as simplex A or B), so you are certainly not in the minority.

The herpes virus only re-activates itself when it is triggered. Common triggers include stress, poor diet, unprotected sex with someone else who has herpes, sun exposure, Candida yeast infections, too little sleep, etc. Once you learn what triggers your herpes, you can learn to avoid these activities. Herpes can stay dormant indefinitely, so why put yourself through unnecessary discomfort?

As for your diet, the following foods should be avoided: caffeine in all forms, nuts except hemp and flax seeds, raisins, carob, gelatin, and cereal grains. Ultimately a diet low in sugar with only moderate amounts of whole grain foods. Foods that you should seek to include are: avocados and olives, foods rich in omega fatty acids (hemp and flax seeds included), organic yogurt, brewers yeast, or selenium supplements. Avoid L-lysine in supplements as research has shown that its long-term use can actually inhibit the immune system. Getting L-lysine from food is a much safer alternative.

Getting exercise is recommended for health across the board. Whether you play racquetball, squash, or punch a punching bag, relieving stress is certainly a way to prevent re-activation. Activities such as yoga, tai-chi, and qi-gong can relieve stress and provide you with the tools to maintain balance in your life. The more peace and balance you have in your life, the less likely it is that your herpes will be a major factor in your everyday reality. You can use the tools of prayer, meditation, or visualization to make peace with the virus.