Shingles Health Article

Herbal remedies

Many herbs can be used to treat shingles. Some remedies involve brewing tea and then consuming and/or applying it to the affected area. Herbs used to treat shingles include:

• Red pepper, also known as capsicum or cayenne, is so effective that it's an ingredient in commercial ointments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Commercial preparations include Zostrix and Capzasin-P. Red pepper is hot, so the ointment should be applied only to healed blisters. Red pepper is useful for treating painful PHN.
• Topical applications of lemon balm, licorice, or peppermint may reduce pain and blistering. These herbs may be brewed as teas and then consumed and applied to the skin.
• Herbal antivirals, such as echinacea, can be effective in fighting infection and boosting the immune system.
• Calendula ointment or lotion works to counter the virus.
• Sedative herbs such as passionflower can be brewed for a tea. Such herbs can help with treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia.
• Vervain helps relieve pain and inflammation. St. John's wort, lavender, chamomile, and marjoram also help relieve inflammation.

Homeopathic remedies

A person with shingles should consult a homeopath for specific remedies and dosages. Homeopathic remedies include Ranunculus, which is effective for shingles on the trunk. It is also taken for itching. A homeopath may recommend Rhus toxicodendron for blisters and Arsenicum album or Hypericum for pain.

Traditional Chinese medicine

Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) recommend acupressure and acupuncture to alleviate pain. Acupuncture can help with post-herpetic neuralgia. In addition, a TCM practitioner may recommend herbal remedies such as Chinese gentian root, which is used to treat the liver. In addition, Chinese skullcap root is combined with water and used as a folk remedy for treating shingles in China. Also, certain herbal combinations can treat specific symptoms and contributing causes. For example, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang can quell the accumulation of damp toxic heat in the liver. For damp infected painful eruptions on the torso, Huang Qin Gao can be applied to the surrounding area.

Diet and nutrition

To boost the immune system, supplement the diet with vitamin B during the first one or two days. Until health returns, continue to supplement with vitamin B complex, high levels of vitamin C with bioflavonoids, and calcium.

Food seasoned with red pepper (capsicum) may provide relief, as may foods containing the amino acid lysine. High-lysine foods include soybeans, black bean sprouts, lentils, parsley, and peas.

Home remedies

Cool wet compresses may help reduce pain while blisters or crusting is present. Patients may be made more comfortable with the application of a cloth dipped in one-quarter cup (60 ml) of white vinegar mixed in two quarts (1.9 l) of lukewarm water. Compresses should be used twice daily for 10 minutes. When blisters dry up, the compresses may be discontinued.

Soothing treatments such as colloidal oatmeal baths, starch baths or lotions, and calamine lotion may help to relieve itching and discomfort.

When the crusts and scabs are separating, the skin may become dry, tight, and cracked. If that happens, a small amount of plain petroleum jelly can be applied to the area three or four times daily.

Ayurvedic medicine

Ayurveda is an Indian healing science that is more than 5,000 years old. Treatment is based on maintaining a balance between the body and the world. Treatment for shingles may include applying a turmeric paste to the skin.

Relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques can be used to treat symptoms of shingles. Techniques such as hypnotherapy and yoga can help a person relax.

Flower remedies

Flower remedies are liquid concentrates made by soaking flowers in spring water. Also known as flower essences, 38 remedies were developed by the homeopathic physician Edward Bach during the 1930s. A 39th combination formula, known as Rescue Remedy is taken to relieve stress. The remedy is taken by placing several drops under the tongue four times daily. Alternately, the drops may be added to a glass of water. The patient drinks the mixture throughout the day.

Reflexology

Reflexology is the manipulation of the foot to bring the body into balance. Reflex points on the foot correspond to parts of the body. These points can be treated by a reflexologist or at home by following instructions on a reflex chart.