Have you heard of using soursop (graviola or guanabana) to treat herpes? While soursop is a well known natural treatment for cancer, insomnia, and  digestive issues, not very many people know that it can also be used to treat the herpes virus.

Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus affects external genitalia, around the anus, and mucosal surfaces. It can also affect skin in various parts of the human body.

It causes blisters, ulcers, pain during urination, cold sores and vaginal discharge. There is no cure for herpes, however it can be treated with both medications and home remedies.
There are two types of herpes simplex viri:

  • Herpes type 1 is known as or oral herpes. The short form is HSV-1
  • Herpes type 2 is known as genital herpes. The short form HSV-2

The science behind graviola as a treatment for herpes

The active ingredient in soursop is thought to be a type of plant compound (phytochemical) called annonaceous acetogenins, which has been found to be effective against the herpes virus in laboratory experiments. However clinical research involving humans is needed to prove it definitively.
It is estimated that more than 16% of the population and more is infected with Herpes Virus Simplex 2 and about 67% have the oral version that causes facial cold sores.
To treat herpes, sufferers can consume soursop leaves as tea or eat the soursop fruit.

Here’s how to use soursop leaves as a herpes remedy:

  1. Buy some air dried organic soursop leaves (also called graviola leaves) from Soursopstore.com
  2. Crush 5 large dried soursop leaves
  3. Boil 5 cups of water
  4. Drop leaves into water
  5. Reduce to until only 3 cups of water are left.
  6. Drink ¾ cup of this soursop leaf  once in a day for back pain relief.

Note: Some people drink 1 cup (250 ml) of the soursop tea for back pain that they consume 3 times per day before each meal, because it hits the bloodstream faster.
Caution: Avoid soursop consumption by small children under the age of 2, and pregnant and nursing mothers. Over use of soursop can lead to soursop toxicity. Always consult your naturopath or health care provider for professional medical guidance.