I started using H-Balm and H-Balm daily about two weeks ago. I've been having back-to-back obs since January - most of them around the anal area. Started taking acyclovir about three weeks ago, so I'm sure the combo of the two helps considerably. However, H-Balm has been a great anxiety-calmer - it keeps everything moist and definitely more comfortable while things heal. The smell is definitely "herbal", but for me it's pleasant. I use H-Balm daily about twice a day, and just recently got an outbreak that I started putting regular H-Balm on, and literally, in two days its almost gone (before acyclovir it was anywhere between 2-3 weeks, and before acyclovir+H-Balm it was still 5-7 days!). Even if it is just my body developing more antibodies to the virus, H-Balm soothes and provides the comfort that I am doing something to fight the obs.
Both give a tingling/warming sensation when applied, H-Balm considerably more so than H-Balm daily. You get used to it over time, and I even get comfort out of feeling it - almost like I"m feeling it "fight" my obs.
Some people complain that it's expensive, however, I think that it's just fine (considering Valtrex without insurance is around $200 a month!). The little bottles go a long way - you don't need much!