The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Anxiety
Posted by Alex (Paris, France) on 11/11/2023
★★★★★
I feel better after using lysine since 2 days, I'm less stressed and anxious. I'll keep taking the supplement and will update.
Contraindications
Posted by Suzanne (IN) on 02/10/2022
Also taking magnesium before bed on a regular basis will fix this.
Contraindications
Posted by Beloved (California ) on 02/05/2022
I see you struggle with constipation. If you have a juicer, then juice some beets and it will make you go.
Tailbone Pain
Posted by HisJewel (New York) on 07/18/2021
★★★★★
Hello Earth Clinic,
As ORH has desired for us to do I have been studying. I am a big woman and do little exercise until I get to the subway steps. (Mama and Michael I tried). Never the less I shall keep trying to pick up on the exercises.
It seems I'm dealing with two problems during the sitting; A numbing pain from poor circulation and Tailbone pain.
To cut to the chase, I just want to say that Lysine has helped my Tailbone pain more than any pain killers I have tried. Amazing!
I had wanted to cry after doing some traveling, and then rushed to a service. Before I knew it, I was back in the house and had fallen asleep and not taken my supplements.
I don't know if it was the good Lord or not, but it came to my mind you have not taken your Lysine. I got up and took two 1000 mgs because I was in PAIN! I fell back to sleep and when I awoke, no pain. I had a feeling before that it was the lysine that was giving me relief when I took it, now I know.
There is plenty of information about lysine and viruses, but very little information of lysine as an anti-inflammatory.
Healing Benefits of L-Lysine
https://www.medicalmedium.com/blog/healing-benefits-of-l-lysine
Contraindications
Posted by Suzy (Indiana) on 03/16/2018
Felina,
Ssorbic acid crystals, vitamin c, mixed with water or taking magnesium will take care of your constipation. Experiment with it a bit and find the right dosage. Black strap molasses daily also fixes the problem. It is high iron if that's something you are avoiding. These have changed my life. I wish you the best.
Contraindications
Posted by Felina (Wilmington, Delaware) on 03/16/2018
Thank you for this message. I'm so glad I checked before I took it. I'm currently taking mavyrit, its like harvoni. I am struggling with joint and severe constipation side effects. That's why I was tempted to take it. Thank you, for your knowledge. Love and light.
Contraindications
Posted by Mevina (Texas, Us) on 02/11/2018
Saying "hep C doesn't like aspirin and lysine" means they knock out the virus.
Herpes
Posted by Cheryl H. (Lufkin) on 10/16/2017
My doctor recommended 2000mg for 6 months to help with my reoccurring shingles. I am sorry to dispute your fact that one wouldn't suggest more that 1500mg. Are you a doctor - just wondering if I should research further.
Canker Sores
Posted by Vandi (Arizona) on 10/24/2015
★★★★★
I feel so sorry for your little girl. I hope she came out of it OK. My son has also suffered with cold sores all of his life on his cheek and all across his mouth. Now that he's a young man and has a career this can be embarrassing and painful for him when he has a bad outbreak. I just advised him to start taking lysine on a daily basis.I advised him to take one tablet per day this advice was given to me by a good friend who tried it and hasn't had a cold sore in years. I started nearly a year ago and haven't had one.
Canker Sores
Posted by Speedwell (Earth) on 10/24/2015
4 ounces a day? Recommended by who, the morgue?
Lysine is definitely processed in the liver, so don't take a high dosage along with alcohol, paracetamol (Tylenol for you Yanks), or other medications processed by the liver such as metformin.
Canker Sores
Posted by Ron (Mesa) on 10/21/2015
Fighting cancer recommended is 112 grams per day.....4 oz
Colds and Cold Sores
Posted by Baiazid (Gvrd, Bc) on 10/12/2015
★★★★★
I use L-Lysine for cold sores and to keep away the colds. For me it works.
Colds: I use the dose on the bottle for colds and gargle with cayenne powder water as often as I remember to. The worst I get is maybe one day of very mild symptoms. I tried many recipes from EC but for me this one knocks it out of the park.
Cold Sores: I use it a bit more often/day than for colds. As soon as I feel pain or itchiness around my mouth I take L-Lysine then dab the spot with DMSO. I keep dabbing DMSO every time I remember. That's it. It just fails to erupt if I catch it in time, if not, the combination of L-Lysine and DMSO stops it in its tracks, dries it and saves me days of unpleasantness. If I am away from my DMSO bottle, I use H2O2 instead. A fraction less effective for me but it stil works.
I have tried many other remedies for colds and their resulting sores but none have worked so consistently and so efficiently as these have. It takes a bit of time to search and to try them out until you find your own combo.
Thank you EC!
Lupus
Posted by Lindsey (Cincinnati, Oh) on 08/09/2015
Have you ever been adequately tested for Lyme Disease. All of your symptoms sound more like chronic Lyme with tick-borne co-infectiona than lupus. If you have questions, please contact me. As a lupus researcher and someone with Chronic Neurological Late-Stage Lyme Disease, this is a viable diagnosis. Lyme is often misdiagnosed as lupus, MS, ALS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and many others... Hope this helps. Lindsey
Canker Sores
Posted by Whiperingsage (Northeastern California) on 08/07/2015 45 posts
★★★★★
I thought lysine wasn't helping my cold sores when I took 500 mg and dicovered I should be taking more. I have been on 1 gram a day for years and any time I run out or forget, my cold sores fire up within 2 days.
Recently my cold sores popped out even on 1 g and gallstones and ulcer symtoms came back, I was stressed because I had just gotten out of the ICU with severe bleeding ulcer and loss of 5 pints of blood (extreme stress). I researched until I found a lysine link and found deficiency can cause anemia (a constant problem for me) and many other symptoms asociated with anemia. I googled lysine-gallstones and found conflicting info- but tried 5 g of lysine and the pain was releived and I slept without benedryl and all the usual herbs I have to take to sleep. And the cold sores are going away. I don't know what stimulated this last period of stress that I would need a higher dose of lysine, but I will have to be more mindful of getting enough protein.
Canker Sores
Posted by Marloef8 (Comox Valley) on 01/13/2015
This is to reply to Anthony from Canberra:
Just come across an interesting article from Nutrition Review: The Collagen Connection Linus Pauling's Unified Theory of Human cardiovascular Disease that might help with your question.
Food Sources
Posted by Frankiee (Tennessee, US) on 12/07/2014
GNC.com is where you can order the L-lysine online; I believe even though you live in China, you still may be able to have it shipped to your location. I have to tell you, it has worked so well with my sudden development of canker sores, I am just so relieved to know that I have access to it; I will pay whatever amount to obtain it!!
Herpes
Posted by Anjjella (Usa) on 03/07/2014
Lysine cream never realy worked for me, so for yrs I just put up with them. Then I started using iodine for a nail fungus, (which has work well) and wondered if it would help on the lip blisters. So I took a little coconut oil (1 Tblsp) added 3 drops of iodine and started rubbing it into sore on my lip. After repeated use, the one area that used to take over my bottom lip has yet to reappear, even if a smaller one appears in another area of my lips. I stopped getting that crappy feeling like the flu was coming on also. They stay very small. Iodine has worked better than the baking soda paste I used to plaster on them.
But since Lysine has been helping my son with the severity of his acne and scaring when they heal, I have started taking it too since I love cashews and hazelnuts which are high in arginine. hoping it will counter the imbalance.
Herpes
Posted by Anjjella (Usa) on 03/07/2014
Lysine cream never realy worked for me, so for yrs I just put up with them. Then I started using iodine for a nail fungus, (which has work well) and wondered if it would help on the lip blisters. So I took a little coconut oil (1 Tblsp) added 3 drops of iodine and started rubbing it into sore on my lip. After repeated use, the one area that used to take over my bottom lip has yet to reappear, even if a smaller one appears in another area of my lips. I stopped getting that crappy feeling like the flu was coming on also. They stay very small. Iodine has worked better than the baking soda paste I used to plaster on them.
But since Lysine has been helping my son with the severity of his acne and scaring when they heal, I have started taking it too since I love cashews and hazelnuts which are high in arginine. hoping it will counter the imbalance.
Herpes
Posted by Victoria (Colorado) on 01/12/2014
★★★★★
I got tired of spending 20 bucks on abreva that never ever worked on my fever blisters that would swell and become pus filled(and I assume virus filled). I would say on, avg I had blisters at least 3 times a yr. My triggers are sun, stress, trauma, and the occasional accompanying cold. Came on here and read about l lysine. So in middle of hell started a regiment of vit a, e, b complex, echinaecha, goldenseal, and lysine. (I also am prone to stys and they are also triggered by stress, so naturally I was treating that too). The swelling of much lip reduced in a day and both the blister and sty were gone in like 3 days. Now I rarely have either ailment start due to taking it every other day for 2 wks, then week off, then every othet day. Havent. Had either in probably a yr. And that was only because I stop taking it.
Fever Blisters
Posted by Polly (Gander, Neewfoundland, Canada) on 07/08/2013
Yes you can use acetone in fever blisters-it burns a bit but does not hurt the skin, and gets rid of them very fast--really it wonderful for this--strange but true!!
Fever Blisters
Posted by Dee (Medford, Oregon ) on 07/08/2013
Mel from Houston.... Do you put acetone on the fever blister? You do know that Acetone is a harmful chemical that nail techs use to take off artificial nails.... It's a hamful substance that I've never heard of anyone using on an open sore. Please rethink this.
Canker Sores
Posted by Anonymous (Miami, Florida) on 07/04/2013
Interesting I have been taking four caps of lysine and started having liver pain burning feeling for weeks, I read high protein diet can cause this too, it creates high acidicity and the liver doees not like this. My doctor ran tests for liver enzymes check and of course Hepatitis right away I feel kind of silly thinking that perhaps the lysine is the causative factor anyhow I stopped the Lysine right away.
Sinus Congestion, Post Nasal Drip, Allergies
Posted by Renee (Bergen Co., Nj) on 07/03/2013
★★★★★
My allergies, sinus congestion, and post-nasal drip (and the accompanying cough that can cause you to gag or wake up in the middle of the night) have improved immensely with taking 500mg of l-lysine twice daily on an empty stomach. I take it 30 min. Before breakfast and at bedtime. Huge improvement immediately! I have occasionally taken 1000mg dose as needed. I almost have no symptoms anymore!
I've tried several different brands, including generics, and they've all worked the same. I take year-round, as I have lots of trouble with dry heat in the winter and all kinds of pollen and dust.
Dosage
Posted by Plumhappy (Eugene, Oregon) on 04/11/2013
I use liquid lysine. The tablets are too big for the amount you need. The liquid is not so pleasant but I put it in a little bit of water or frute juice and chase is with something with flavor. It comes with a dropper and quite affordable.
Dosage
Posted by Colleen (Greenwich, NY, US) on 04/11/2013
I'm reading all this wonderful information about lysine but i'm wondering what type of supplement is everybody using? Are you using typical synthetic, chemical supplements or is it natural from an animal source? I was taking 500mg of L-lysine from CVS until I read about how bad synthetic supplements are for us. I'm curious if people are still getting good results with the synthetic? Thank you!
Colleen
Fever Blisters
Posted by Mel (Houston, Tx) on 02/07/2013
★★★★★
I get a lot of fever blisters on my lips from stress and I don't know what. But I started taking L-Lysine and that alone helps keep them away for months at a time and the only reason I might get them might be cuz I forget to take it. When I do get them I use acetone and coconut oil. But L-Lysine works.
Shingles
Posted by American (Los Angeles, Ca) on 11/21/2012
★★★★★
They put me on remecade for arthritis and it blew out my immune system. Shingles popped out all over my leg. The day it manifested, I started taking two big tablets of L-lysine a day. The result was fantastic. The pain and itching died down within hours and I within a week it was gone. Pretty amazing stuff that L-lysine.
L-Lysine Vs. Lysine
Posted by Kate59 (Kingston, Ny, United States) on 11/16/2012
Good sources of L-Lysine are dairy products (organic), spirulina, raw honey, and royal jelly.
Herpes
Posted by Listen 2 Ur Body (Denver, Co) on 07/31/2012
In regards to the warning.....Your typical "Dr. "will almost ALWAYS say "Warning!". They are unfortunately taught to be drug pushers because there is no $ in natural cures. As with anything be aware of how YOUR body reacts, you are your best physician. :).
Contraindications
Posted by Denise (Seattle, Wa) on 07/21/2012
Oscar, I have read your reply regarding L-Lysine. "Ted" from this website says, "there are 2 things hepatis C does not like; aspirin and lysine.. He also recommends a protocal of lysine and aspirin for 4 days, taking them for four hours and for 4 days will eliminate hepatitis c. I recall he recommends 4000 mgs of lysine per day..
Just am a bit confused regarding this conflicting info...Thanks
Contraindications
Posted by Oscar (Syracuse, New York) on 02/25/2012
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
There is evidence that taking L-LYSINE supplements with a compromised liver and or kidneys is bad for you. This may help explain why some people are having mixed or less than desired effects with the BHT [ butylated hydroxytoluene ] treatment for hepatitis C. Many of these people are including supplements including L-LYSINE supplements as a part of their treatment. It seems this is a bad idea for the treatment of hepatitis. Link here about all this:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/394394-l-lysine-contraindications/
And any person who is experiencing both kidney and liver failure should read that linked information and should be especially concerned.
So, if you have a compromised liver and or kidney do NOT take L-LYSINE as a supplement....Oscar
Canker Sores
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 02/14/2012
Anthony: I tried l-lysine numerous times for canker sores, sometimes it helped, sometimes not. I do take 1 gr. Vitamin C daily.
Then I was told to take the l-lysine away from foods. I now take one capsule of 500gr. with my morning drink as a precaution, because the CANKERS ARE GONE!!! Thank G-d! So in my experience it's not the huge amount that you might need, it's the taking it far from meals, preferably in the morning.
Canker Sores
Posted by Anthony (Canberra, Act, Australia) on 02/13/2012
Hello Bill, Continuing from your suggestion re dosage of Lysine, I am aware that Linus Pauling protocol (for heart disease) suggests high dosages ie up to 6 gms Lysine per day. This protocol also suggests Vit C of up to same quantity ie 6 gms. I have tried to research this issue but could not get answer as to What other Amino ACids to take with such high dosage of L-Lysine.
I read some where in this website, to take L-Arginine along with L-Lysine. Do you or others have any suggestions on this issue ie how much L-Arginine to take alongwith say 6 gms of L-Lysine.
EC: Can we pass this question to Ted for his expert comments please.
Anthony
EC: Forwarded to Ted, per your request.
Shingles
Posted by Boobabymama (Montgomery, Alabama, Us) on 12/25/2011
Survivor2011... I don't want to alarm you but usually shingles is not a recurring virus. You might want to get tested for Herpes Simplex 2 when you have a breakout or just get a blood test. There is a small minority of persons who might have a recurring shingles but where it's located and you stating fighting it constantly... Please get checked. It could be passed on if its HSV2.
Food Sources
Posted by Yow_whaz_up (Chinatown, Singapore) on 11/11/2011
I can't find the supplements Lysine and Arginine where I live. The ones I have seen are bits of them in children's multivitamin syrups, which are either inadequate or has MSG added.
I don't know what else to do except making some chicken soup or the pig leg one. For Chinese people, it is kind of like a tradition to cook it if someone in the family feels weak and sick.
Will it have the same effect as taking 1000 mg of lysine to fight against some virus or germ? Will it also be the same as taking 500 mg of arginine to relax that stressful heart? Does the soup also have the same useful lysine and arginine?
Ted from Bangkok, anyone, have you ever drunk dong koi teng (chicken soup with dong koi herb) or ba kut teh (pig leg tea) to kill the fatigue caused by a germ or simply stress?
Shingles
Posted by Chacha37 (Atlanta, Ga) on 10/29/2011
I read recently in the Definitive Guide for Alternative medicine that shingles can be treated with 2 types of energy therapy to zap the lesions. Electro-Acuscope or Light Beam Generator. Refer to pages 208-215 of the book to learn more, including how to find a practitioner.
Shingles
Posted by Survivor2011 (Greensboro, Nc) on 03/16/2011
I have been dealing with shingles for the last 2 years. I get 1 small bump/rash on my lower back. I have been tracking what causes some of the outbreaks. Anything that has PKU & Asparatame. Phenylketonurics:Phenylanie & Asparatame are major triggers for shingles, rashes, leg pain and more. If it's not truly sugar-free stay away from it. I hope this helps.
L-Lysine Vs. Lysine
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 02/05/2011
Hi Baldev, I have 100% pure L-Lysine powder and on the ingredients label it says - "552 mg L-Lysine from 552 mg L-Lysine Monohydrochloride. We tend to use the short version instead of the full chemical name. If you are still not sure do a search for L-Lysine MSDS (material saftey data sheet).
L-Lysine Vs. Lysine
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines) on 02/05/2011
Hi Baldev... Lysine or L-Lysine are the convenient supplement names for this amino acid. The actual chemical name of lysine is 2, 6-diaminohexanoic acid, which is a bit of a mouthful.
The lysine supplement I use is pure Lysine Monohydrochloride which is the same as Lysine Hydrochloride.
L-Lysine Vs. Lysine
Posted by Baldev (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) on 02/04/2011 184 posts
Ted/Bill please comment on this. Your thoughts on this subject are requested.
Thanks
L-Lysine Vs. Lysine
Posted by Baldev (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) on 02/02/2011 184 posts
I had ordered L- Lysine, but I have received L-Lysine monohydro-chloride. I want to know whether the product I have received is same and can it be used as Lysine or in place of L-Lysine. Thanks
L-Lysine Vs. Lysine
Posted by Ray (Chicago, Illinois) on 09/16/2010
Without the "L-" in an aminoacids description it is referred the the real food. With the "L-", it refers to the supplement-version. Whereby both are the same. The "L-" refers to the aminoacids L-Structure of the molecule.
Lupus
Posted by Catherine (Wellington, New Zealand) on 04/12/2010
Reply to Shara..concerning Lupus there is a very interesting book by Dr Batmanghelidg "the ABC's of Asthma Allergies and Lupus" it is available on Amazon. I have followed his therapy for other problems & can recommend you try it.
Hives
Posted by Carrie (Reston, VA) on 01/19/2009
★★★★★
Chronic Hives and L-lysine: My mother and grandfather both suffer from chronic hives all of their bodies, face, skine, and even internal organs. ITS BAD! My mother has researched and tried everything (including conventional and holistic medicine). She prayed and prayed that God would show her the cure. HE DID! Its just plain old (and CHEAP I might mention) L-lysine. You know, you use it for canker sores in your mouth! I think she would take 2 in the morning and 2 at night. They started going away immediately and she's even off the L-lysine now and hasn't had a recurrance in over two years! She had my grandfather use it and it worked for him too. This gave my mom her life back! I hope that this helps someone else as it did them. It was literally a God-send. What do you have to lose a few bucks?
Herpes
Posted by Bonita (Rochester, MN, USA) on 01/03/2009
★★★★★
Found this website looking for flea remedies and found so much more! I too am always looking for remedies other than what are mainstream, just because it seems to me there has got to be more than one way to skin a cat, so to speak!
Read about Vitamin D deficincy in The Star Tribune by a doctor at the U of MN who discovered how many people suffer from a lack of it. Of course, I am a blue eyed blond who frys like a lobster in the sun and can't remember when the last time was that I went outdoors without sunscreen and and hat so I began taking a D supplement right away. I take 2000 IU of vitamin D daily. I have to say that I feel pretty darn good considering I have arthritis in all the major joints of my body.
I also have been using lysine to take care of my Herpes simplex outbreaks for years and would not be without it. I find that if I take 4-6 500 mg tablets at the first sign of the itch/tingle on my lip, and then 2 tablets every couple of hours after that, I can most times, stop it in its tracks and completely skip and signs of the break out. If I am nowhere near my supply of lysine and I get those symptoms, taking it at first opportunity causes the leisons to heal very rapidly. In any case, it works for me.
Am going to try the apple cider vinegar thing as well, for arthritis and for the flea problem. Weird that it will be for 2 such unrelated problems but If it works, who cares. It is certainly safe enough. Thanks for being here as a sounding board and gathering of natural remedies.
Herpes
Posted by Bill (Davis, CA) on 12/22/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
One should not take this much L-lysine as it has a severe effect on arginine levels. No medical practictioners have ever suggested more than 1500mg per day when an outbreak is present. To much L-lysine can have a toxic effect on the liver.
Canker Sores
Posted by Bill (Davis, CA) on 12/22/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
One should never take as much Lysine as you have suggested. I have been taking L-Lysine for 15yrs for herpes and have never heard of such a high dose. Most medical practictioners suggest 500mg daily before food or other aminos and during an outbreak up to 1500mg/day. This has helped me control my outbreaks for a long time. Not one source that I have researched during this time has suggested such a high dose. Overloading of the liver would seem common sense with that dose.
L-Lysine Vs. Lysine
Posted by Melisa (Birmingham, UK) on 11/03/2008
Can anyone explain the difference between L-lysine and lysine tried to find on goole with no luck.
Canker Sores
Posted by Joe (NYC, NY) on 11/02/2008
I have taken L-Lysine for canker sores and it worked great. I havent had one since.
If taken for a while L-Lysine can have an effect on your liver, my mistake was that i kept experimenting and supplementing on it even though i did not need it. It is good but you should pay attention to your arginine levels (consume arginine foods or supplements), as an unsafe drop in those levels can damage your liver. As in my case after consuming about 2-3 grams a day for about 3-4 months resulted in a morning with pain in my liver and a feeling as if i had a cinder block under my ribcage(i had no idea there was such a thing such as liver pain and swelling). Stopped supplementing on it, and 2 days after my liver felt way better. My cholesterol levels were also unusually high during supplementation and they went back to normal after stopping, so people should keep these things in mind, i know its easy to miss these warnings since i missed them myself. The beautiful thing about the liver though is that it can repair itself, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt be careful. Milk Thistle can help repair your liver. And if i had to do this all over again i would take L-Arginine along with L-Lysine. It would be great if someone posted these warnings in the main description for awareness so they can learn from my mistake. Thanks
Herpes
Posted by Okemah (San Diego, CA, US) on 09/22/2008
★★★★★
For over twenty years I've witnessed L-Lysine work for family, friends, neighbors,and recently nurses at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. Nurses claim they noticed it stunted the growth overnight. People with reoccurring fever blisters, cold sores, canker sores and I suppose herpes, too, may find relief. My mother, Nancy, had suffered with fever blisters in her youth. She felt they were triggered by stressful events in her life. And by paying attention to her own symptoms (nerve twitch in the area the blister intends to form) and taking L-Lysine she could keep the blisters from ever forming. Within an hour of feeling the twitch she would take no less than 3000mgs - 6000mg of L-Lysine and repeat treatment every two to three hours until bedtime. Upon rising she continued her assault until she had no symptoms (twitching nerve/nerves) for one complete day. Then she felt she had enough amino acids to squash its desire to produce. If she felt it again or felt one in another area she would slam another 3000-6000mgs to squash its desire as well. Everyone will find their own dosage through trial and error, too little and you'll blister, but keep taking the L-Lysine and you'll heal faster. Almost enough, a bump may form but not into an open sore. Always check dates for freshness because it has to be potent.The day before her mothers funeral she had 5 blisters, until then I never saw more than one. We eventually traced it back to her using an old bottle that had little or no potency. Some may require less and some seem unable to be honestly consistent with their dosages to squash the sore. Pound it down, we say, 1000mg tablets, yes they are big. If you prefer there are also 500mg tablets, available. It works!
Canker Sores
Posted by Maya (Ft Leavenworth) on 11/19/2005
★★★★★
My daughter and I would get canker scores often, until a friend told me about Lysine. We both take one a day, and if ever one starts to appear, then take 2 pills and the scores are gone. I told a great friend who had very dry lips and the lysine has worked for her as well! Love it! The pain is gone!
