Does Monolaurin Really Work for Herpes?

We’ve looked at the research and the reviews and yes! Monolaurin really seems like it works for many people who are suffering from HSV (herpes simplex virus) infections. The evidence is both anecdotal (from public product reviews) to academic (peer reviewed research studies). This article will cover both to demonstrate that monolaurin really works.  

First, the anecdotal…

Here are some promising reviews from verified Amazon customers who mention herpes in their reviews:

  •  very helpful for herpes simplex

    • Great supplement!

  •  Stop herpes outbreaks now. You can do it

    • I've been a chronic sufferer of herpes / HSV for years and willing to try anything at this point. I am very active on forums for people suffering from HSV and more than one user suggested this monolaurin brand for treatment of their outbreaks. I started taking 2 pills with each meal and the result was at first a herx die-off reaction (so I had some flu-like symptoms – means it’s working), but after a while a reduction in the number of outbreaks, the intensity, and duration. It's been so much more effective than any creams or drugs for me. I’m starting to pay attention to when some tingling / symptoms are flaring up and I increase the dosage to stop it in its tracks. It’s helped with my stress levels and I finally feel like I have things under control. SO relieved I found this product. Will see if I can get by with a "maintenance" dose of 2 caps per day after a few more weeks… This product has been such a lifesaver. Give it a try

  •  It really works. Tried lauricidin which my body had ...

    • It really works. Tried lauricidin which my body had a hard time digesting but this brand works. I suffer from hsv and notice an immediate difference after taking this. Can cause a herxheimer reaction initially which is sickness from your body ridding itself of pathogens.

  •  Great customer service and very beneficial product!

    • I have had cold sores (HSV1) on and off since I can remember. I read about the therapeutic properties of monolaurin / coconut oil against all Herpes strains (including HSV2, shingles, EBV, mono) so I gave it a try. No more outbreaks since taking this product. Just a couple capsules a day is far better than painful outbreaks.

  •  Monolauren can keep Herpes dormant

    • Absolutely works.

  •  This is the best thing for your body, helped cure BV!

    • I have been using this because someone close to me used it for HPV, their next test came back Negative for HPV after they used this for several months. Also, I use this and my pap smears come out healthy! I have recently experienced BV Bacterial Vaginosis for the first time in my life, and I was going to the doctor and put on antibiotics And it wasn't going away, finally the last antibiotic worked I think, but because I used other things with it, I had this problem for 2 months and I took this while I was on the antibiotic and right after for 2 weeks, I used boric acid (2 weeks), probiotics both oral and suppositories (probiotic suppositories not while on boric acid). But I know this product contributed so much help because it is lactic acid which kills bad bacteria and even HSV like other comments claim. My last BV lab test has come back Negative! This gives you help o your immune system to fight back and balance things out. I highly recommend this to anyone with feminine problems... or just to keep healthy, and help your digestive system. Buy this! It really works!!!! I don't really ever review, but I recommend this a 100% love this. Thank you for this amazing product!

      Update: I still continue to use this in 2022 and will continue to use this, it’s an amazing product that keeps my immune system healthy and things balanced , I’m very happy with this and recommend it highly.

  • I've been getting sick a lot stuffy nose Coughing serious headache like last year when I had influenza These pills I'm ...

    • I just started taking it 2 days ago And I feel it! i FEEL IT! I've been getting sick a lot stuffy nose Coughing serious headache like last year when I had influenza These pills I'm taking 2 twice A-day And its kicking out the last bit of sickness I have in me!
      Update! This pill is amazing and im taking the immune support with it and i love it! Not only does it protect me from food poisoning and regular sickness but it also help my friend! He had hsv dont no what type but he went to the doctor after a year and a half of taken both pills and he came back clean like he never had it he said he took 6 monolaurin pills a day 2 morning 2 afternoon and 2 at night and 4 immune support 2 morning and 2 at night and he said he kicked it!!! I love this stuff thank you scientist who made these 2 great pills

Now the scientific…

Here is some published research that monolaurin really works. There is plenty of research on monolaurin and herpes and how monolaurin (also known as lauric acid) can literally break down the herpes virus.

Here are what the academic studies are saying about how monolaurin works:

"In studies performed at the Respiratory Virology Branch, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, Monolaurin was found effective against 14 human RNA and DNA enveloped viruses in cell culture. These included … Herpes Simplex types 1 & 2, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus. Monolaurin removed all measurable infectivity by disintegrating the virus envelope."

  • Hierholzer JC and Kabara JJ. In vitro effects of Monolaurin compounds on enveloped RNA and DNA viruses. Journal of Food Safety 4:1, 1982

We have shown that a variety of fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives have potent antiviral effects against the lipid-containing bacteriophages PM2, ø6, and PR4 and against at least one enveloped mammalian virus, herpes simplex virus type 2.

  • Kabara JJ. The Pharmacological Effect of Lipids. Champaign, Ill, USA: American Oil Chemist’s Society; 1978. Page 92

 "Unsaturated monoglycerides and alcohols of chain lengths of 16 or 18 carbons were found to be extremely potent inactivators of two enveloped viruses, herpes simplex virus type 2 and bacteriophage phi6 "

  • Sands J, Auperin D, Snipes W. Extreme sensitivity of enveloped viruses, including Herpes Simplex, to long chain unsaturated monoglycerides and alcohols. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 15; 1:67-73, 1979.

This research shows that monolaurin helps to break down the outer layer of the herpes virus (below called the “envelope” or virus “membrane”) and can kill the virus.

The antiviral action, attributed to monolaurin (the monoglyceride of lauric acid), is that of solubilizing the lipids and phospholipids in the envelope of the pathogenic organisms causing the disintegration of their outer membrane. There is also evidence that medium chain fatty acids interfere with the organism’s signal transduction and the antimicrobial effect in viruses is due to interference with virus assembly and viral maturation.”

  • Arora R, Chawla R, et al. Potential of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Preventive Management of NovelH1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Pandemic: Thwarting Potential Disasters in the Bud. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2011 (2011), Article ID 586506

Both of these points taken together (real-life customer feedback combined with published research) suggest that monolaurin really works.

How fast does monolaurin work?

In lab studies, monolaurin works very fast. Some research shows that monolaurin can inactivate pathogens, bacteria, and viruses within minutes or hours – depending on the concentration on monolaurin used. These studies are in controlled lab settings.

In the body, this is a different story. Some users report experiencing a “herxheimer reaction” – this is when there is a rapid die-off of a pathogen in the body which causes an inflammatory response. The response can cause flu-like symptoms so people may feel “worse” even though they are getting “better”.  This die-off reaction can happen fast, and if it happens in conjunction with monolaurin this may be an indication of the speed at which monolaurin can help.

How long does monolaurin take to work

It’s hard to say how long it takes for monolaurin to work. Judging from the reviews it can take a few days for a few weeks. Everything depends on the individual – your age, weight, gender, lifestyle, and sensitivity to supplements.

You should try monolaurin for at least three months before making a decision, but of course discontinuing use if you experience any adverse effects. Work with a doctor if you decide to take monolaurin.

What does monolaurin help with?

Monolaurin seems to help with a wide range of issues – from bacterial infections, to viruses, yeast, biofilms, lyme disease, and more. There is a lot of information which can be found on site like WebMd, RX List, Healthline, and more.

WebMd states: Monolaurin is used for the common cold, flu (influenza), shingles (herpes zoster), and other infections.

RX List states: Monolaurin is used for preventing and treating colds (the common cold), flu (influenza), swine flu, herpes, shingles, and other infections. It is also used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and to boost the immune system.

Healthline states: Research shows that monolaurin is an effective killer of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Several fungi, yeasts, and protozoa are reported to be inactivated or killed by monolaurin, including some species of ringworm and candida albicans. It’s reported that some of the viruses that have been inactivated, at least partially, by monolaurin include: measles, herpes simplex-1, vesicular stomatitis, visna virus, cytomegalovirus 

Clearly the research is promising for monolaurin and its many uses.