Sticking to all-natural remedies is a prerogative that many Americans maintain, which is why plenty of adults take herbal supplements as a part of their daily health routine. Plant extracts may be able to reduce inflammation or prevent oxidative damage. Recently, researchers announced that a specific plant derivative may be able to something else entirely – namely, treat herpes.

A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research determined that substances found in Tanacetum vulgare, a perennial flowering plant commonly known as tansy, appear to be able to treat the skin eruptions associated with the sexually transmitted disease.

Researchers at the UK’s University of Greenwich at Medway Spain’s Universidad de Oviedo said that such findings are especially important today, since herpes virus strains are gradually becoming resistant to current therapies.

The study noted that tansy’s antioxidant properties may help skin lesions heal, since substances that percent oxidative damage can increase the efficacy of the body’s immune system.

Additionally, antioxidants, like those found in dietary supplements, may help reduce inflammation and slow the inexorable process of cellular aging.