In the United States, nearly 3 million women fall victim to a tiny organism that causes the sexually transmitted disease (STD) called trichomonas (or in some circles, trichomoniasis). However, despite symptoms appearing more in the female population – keep in mind that men are also susceptible to the disease. This pesky organism keeps pretty busy, as it’s estimated that between 30 and 50% of all women have the potential to become infected with this infection with symptoms that don’t show right away.

Causes and Symptoms

A single-celled protozoan parasite (known as Trichomonas vaginalis) is responsible for trichomonas. In women, the vagina is the most common site of infection, whereas men are attacked through their urethra (urine canal). The parasite is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner.
Sometimes, infection is spread through the use of contaminated towels and washcloths, but only in rare instances.

Pregnant women have also been known to pass the infection onto their newborns during their journey through the birth canal. There are also a couple of risk factors that can make an individual more vulnerable to developing trichomonas, such as weak immune systems. Wearing nylon panties or pantyhose will also cause the ideal, moist environment for the parasite to thrive.

Most men with trichomonas do not show any signs or symptoms, but may encounter irritation inside the penis, slight burning after peeing, and a mild discharge. Women may experience a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor [1]. Symptoms in females usually arise within five to 28 days of exposure to the infection.

Trichomonas Natural Cures

No one wants to deal with a sexually transmitted disease…but wait…there’s good news. Trichomonas is the most common STD with an effective cure in young, sexually active women. Plus, there is a handful of natural cures for you to consider that prepares the immune system for a fight against the protozoan that causes trichomonas. A few suggestions include:

a) Garlic:

As an antibacterial agent, garlic has found a place in folk medicine for many years – curing worms and other parasites. If you fear using garlic when cooking because of its smell, there are odorless tablets on the market to help fight infection.

b) Milk Thistle:

This herb works wonders for the liver by aiding the healing process and clearing the body of toxins produced by infection.

c) Goldenseal:

With antibacterial properties, allow goldenseal to enhance your immune system.

d) Echinacea:

Boost your immune system with this herb, which provides the body with antimicrobial and antibacterial assistance.

e) Herbal Teas:

Combat trichomonas by drinking teas made out of goldenseal, echinacea, and barberry.

f) Tea Tree Oil:

For an effective topical treatment, tea tree oil offers decent antibacterial and antifungal results. However, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of a qualified naturopath or herbalist before pursuing a vaginal douche consisting of diluted tea tree oil. You may also explore the possibilities of inserting a tampon into the vagina that has been saturated in 1 part tea tree oil and 2 parts vitamin E oil.

[1] http://www.cdc.gov/STD/Trichomonas/STDFact-Trichomoniasis.htm#WhatIs

In the United States, nearly 3 million women fall victim to a tiny organism that causes the sexually transmitted disease (STD) called trichomonas (or in some circles, trichomoniasis). However, despite symptoms appearing more in the female population – keep in mind that men are also susceptible to the disease. This pesky organism keeps pretty busy, as it’s estimated that between 30 and 50% of all women have the potential to become infected with this infection with symptoms that don’t show right away.

Causes and Symptoms

A single-celled protozoan parasite (known as Trichomonas vaginalis) is responsible for trichomonas. In women, the vagina is the most common site of infection, whereas men are attacked through their urethra (urine canal). The parasite is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner.
Sometimes, infection is spread through the use of contaminated towels and washcloths, but only in rare instances.

Pregnant women have also been known to pass the infection onto their newborns during their journey through the birth canal. There are also a couple of risk factors that can make an individual more vulnerable to developing trichomonas, such as weak immune systems. Wearing nylon panties or pantyhose will also cause the ideal, moist environment for the parasite to thrive.

Most men with trichomonas do not show any signs or symptoms, but may encounter irritation inside the penis, slight burning after peeing, and a mild discharge. Women may experience a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor [1]. Symptoms in females usually arise within five to 28 days of exposure to the infection.

Trichomonas Natural Cures

No one wants to deal with a sexually transmitted disease…but wait…there’s good news. Trichomonas is the most common STD with an effective cure in young, sexually active women. Plus, there is a handful of natural cures for you to consider that prepares the immune system for a fight against the protozoan that causes trichomonas. A few suggestions include:

a) Garlic:

As an antibacterial agent, garlic has found a place in folk medicine for many years – curing worms and other parasites. If you fear using garlic when cooking because of its smell, there are odorless tablets on the market to help fight infection.

b) Milk Thistle:

This herb works wonders for the liver by aiding the healing process and clearing the body of toxins produced by infection.

c) Goldenseal:

With antibacterial properties, allow goldenseal to enhance your immune system.

d) Echinacea:

Boost your immune system with this herb, which provides the body with antimicrobial and antibacterial assistance.

e) Herbal Teas:

Combat trichomonas by drinking teas made out of goldenseal, echinacea, and barberry.

f) Tea Tree Oil:

For an effective topical treatment, tea tree oil offers decent antibacterial and antifungal results. However, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of a qualified naturopath or herbalist before pursuing a vaginal douche consisting of diluted tea tree oil. You may also explore the possibilities of inserting a tampon into the vagina that has been saturated in 1 part tea tree oil and 2 parts vitamin E oil.

Resources

[1] http://www.cdc.gov/STD/Trichomonas/STDFact-Trichomoniasis.htm#WhatIs

It can appear stretched across your face or infiltrate your legs in the middle of the summertime, as there are hundreds of different conditions that can cause a skin rash. From your scalp to your eyelids to the bottom of your feet –no part of the body is safe. Thanks to natural cures for skin rash, you can cut down your symptoms without having to use over-the-counter products that may contain irritating chemicals.

The Lowdown on Skin Rashes

Skin rashes cause changes to the skin, which can affect its appearance, color, and even texture. While some rashes involve only one part of the body, others can affect all of your skin. Basically, a rash can turn your skin into a bumpy mess, with or without redness, swelling, itchiness, and other bodily reactions. Usually, a skin rash is an indicator of another medical condition, and is often categorized as [1]:

• scaly patches not associated with infection
• scaly patches associated with fungal or bacterial infection, or
• red, itchy bumps or patches all over the body

Causes and Symptoms

Skin rashes can erupt due to work conditions, exposure to sickness, or exist as a common occurrence amongst family members. Any number of conditions and encounters also cause skin rashes to appear, including hives, poison ivy, contact dermatitis, ringworm, allergies, eczema, measles, insect bites, and in rare instances – pregnancy. Depending on the source of your skin irritation, your skin could change, itch, dry, crack swell, change colors, become painful and/or warm [2].

Depending on the type of skin rash, you could see symptoms arise in a matter of minutes (like immediate bumps from a case of hives) to gradually worsen over the course of a couple days. Typical skin rash symptoms include bumps, redness, tender patches, flushed appearance, small red dots, itching, white spots, soreness, tingling sensations, swelling, blisters, and fever.

Skin Rash Natural Cures

There’s nothing worse than feeling like an outcast from the world because your face is covered with red dots or you can’t stand to reveal your arms in a short-sleeved shirt. From uncontrollable itching to blotchy patches, consider the following natural cures for skin rashes:

a) Milk Compress:

Create a soothing compress soaked in a mixture consisting of ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of water. Apply the compress to your rash and allow the milk protein to work its anti-inflammatory magic. Soon after, don’t forget to rinse off the milk.

b) Natural Oils:

There are many natural oils that provide relief from skin rashes. For instance, take advantage of the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal power of coconut oil, which treats diaper rash and other skin irritations. Use sweet almond oil to ease inflammation and irritation of the skin, as well as calm pesky itching. You may also treat your sensitive skin with avocado oil, which serves as a decent base for many different salves on the market.

c) Shea Butter:

The anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter helps individuals ease the pain of skin rashes.

d) Wild Pansy:

Calm the itching and irritation of eczema-related conditions with wild pansy.

e) Comfrey [3]:

Apply comfrey ointment, cream, or lotion to inflamed rashes about two to four times a day. If you’re interested in making a lotion, simply make an infusion, strain, let cool, and then apply. Please note that comfrey should not be applied to skin that is broken.

f) Heartsease and Pot Marigold:

Bathe diaper rash with a heartsease infusion and follow up with an ointment made from pot marigold.

g) Chamomile Essential Oil:

For soothing relief of itchy skin rash and irritations, turn to the anti inflammatory (anti-microbial) properties of chamomile. Individuals with eczema and psoriasis respond well to this natural cure for skin rashes. However, if you possess an allergy to grass or ragweed, stay clear from chamomile to avoid any unnecessary reactions.

h) Vitamin E:

Boost healing by using this antioxidant to treat skin irritations.

i) Jewelweed:

Fighting a poison ivy rash? Crush the fresh leaves of jewelweed into a ball and immediately rub on your rash.

j) Witch Hazel:

It is the astringent properties in witch hazel that helps ease itchy skin. Some of the best results come when using fresh witch hazel bark. Simmer one ounce of the bark and one pint of water for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture and let cool. Using a clean cloth, apply the witch hazel to your rash and leave on for 30 minutes.

k) Aloe Vera:

Cut an aloe leaf to extract the gel-like substance inside, which can help speed up healing and calm an itchy skin rash. The plant is quite useful as a topical solution, as it contains anti inflammatory, anti bacterial, and anti fungal properties; and also supplies the body with the power of folic acid, zinc, and vitamins C and E.

l) Calendula Essential Oil:

For babies battling diaper rash, consider calendula, which has a knack for reducing inflammation, as well as encourages the production of white blood cells that work towards eliminating unwanted microbes. Take calendula and mix it with boiling water: two teaspoons of the herb for each cup of water. Allow the mixture to simmer for about ten minutes. Once it has cooled, apply to affected areas using a clean cloth.

m) St John’s Wort:

For thousands of years, this herb has found a place in refreshing the skin and providing moisture when an itchy skin rash strikes.

Resources

[1] http://www.medicinenet.com/rash/article.htm
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rash
[3] The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Chevallier; pg. 303

It can appear stretched across your face or infiltrate your legs in the middle of the summertime, as there are hundreds of different conditions that can cause a skin rash. From your scalp to your eyelids to the bottom of your feet –no part of the body is safe. Thanks to natural cures for skin rash, you can cut down your symptoms without having to use over-the-counter products that may contain irritating chemicals.

The Lowdown on Skin Rashes

Skin rashes cause changes to the skin, which can affect its appearance, color, and even texture. While some rashes involve only one part of the body, others can affect all of your skin. Basically, a rash can turn your skin into a bumpy mess, with or without redness, swelling, itchiness, and other bodily reactions. Usually, a skin rash is an indicator of another medical condition, and is often categorized as [1]:

• scaly patches not associated with infection
• scaly patches associated with fungal or bacterial infection, or
• red, itchy bumps or patches all over the body

Causes and Symptoms

Skin rashes can erupt due to work conditions, exposure to sickness, or exist as a common occurrence amongst family members. Any number of conditions and encounters also cause skin rashes to appear, including hives, poison ivy, contact dermatitis, ringworm, allergies, eczema, measles, insect bites, and in rare instances – pregnancy. Depending on the source of your skin irritation, your skin could change, itch, dry, crack swell, change colors, become painful and/or warm [2].

Depending on the type of skin rash, you could see symptoms arise in a matter of minutes (like immediate bumps from a case of hives) to gradually worsen over the course of a couple days. Typical skin rash symptoms include bumps, redness, tender patches, flushed appearance, small red dots, itching, white spots, soreness, tingling sensations, swelling, blisters, and fever.

Skin Rash Natural Cures

There’s nothing worse than feeling like an outcast from the world because your face is covered with red dots or you can’t stand to reveal your arms in a short-sleeved shirt. From uncontrollable itching to blotchy patches, consider the following natural cures for skin rashes:

a) Milk Compress:

Create a soothing compress soaked in a mixture consisting of ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of water. Apply the compress to your rash and allow the milk protein to work its anti-inflammatory magic. Soon after, don’t forget to rinse off the milk.

b) Natural Oils:

There are many natural oils that provide relief from skin rashes. For instance, take advantage of the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal power of coconut oil, which treats diaper rash and other skin irritations. Use sweet almond oil to ease inflammation and irritation of the skin, as well as calm pesky itching. You may also treat your sensitive skin with avocado oil, which serves as a decent base for many different salves on the market.

c) Shea Butter:

The anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter helps individuals ease the pain of skin rashes.

d) Wild Pansy:

Calm the itching and irritation of eczema-related conditions with wild pansy.

e) Comfrey [3]:

Apply comfrey ointment, cream, or lotion to inflamed rashes about two to four times a day. If you’re interested in making a lotion, simply make an infusion, strain, let cool, and then apply. Please note that comfrey should not be applied to skin that is broken.

f) Heartsease and Pot Marigold:

Bathe diaper rash with a heartsease infusion and follow up with an ointment made from pot marigold.

g) Chamomile Essential Oil:

For soothing relief of itchy skin rash and irritations, turn to the anti inflammatory (anti-microbial) properties of chamomile. Individuals with eczema and psoriasis respond well to this natural cure for skin rashes. However, if you possess an allergy to grass or ragweed, stay clear from chamomile to avoid any unnecessary reactions.

h) Vitamin E:

Boost healing by using this antioxidant to treat skin irritations.

i) Jewelweed:

Fighting a poison ivy rash? Crush the fresh leaves of jewelweed into a ball and immediately rub on your rash.

j) Witch Hazel:

It is the astringent properties in witch hazel that helps ease itchy skin. Some of the best results come when using fresh witch hazel bark. Simmer one ounce of the bark and one pint of water for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture and let cool. Using a clean cloth, apply the witch hazel to your rash and leave on for 30 minutes.

k) Aloe Vera:

Cut an aloe leaf to extract the gel-like substance inside, which can help speed up healing and calm an itchy skin rash. The plant is quite useful as a topical solution, as it contains anti inflammatory, anti bacterial, and anti fungal properties; and also supplies the body with the power of folic acid, zinc, and vitamins C and E.

l) Calendula Essential Oil:

For babies battling diaper rash, consider calendula, which has a knack for reducing inflammation, as well as encourages the production of white blood cells that work towards eliminating unwanted microbes. Take calendula and mix it with boiling water: two teaspoons of the herb for each cup of water. Allow the mixture to simmer for about ten minutes. Once it has cooled, apply to affected areas using a clean cloth.

m) St John’s Wort:

For thousands of years, this herb has found a place in refreshing the skin and providing moisture when an itchy skin rash strikes.

Resources

[1] http://www.medicinenet.com/rash/article.htm
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rash
[3] The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Chevallier; pg. 303

It can appear stretched across your face or infiltrate your legs in the middle of the summertime, as there are hundreds of different conditions that can cause a skin rash. From your scalp to your eyelids to the bottom of your feet –no part of the body is safe. Thanks to natural cures for skin rash, you can cut down your symptoms without having to use over-the-counter products that may contain irritating chemicals.

The Lowdown on Skin Rashes

Skin rashes cause changes to the skin, which can affect its appearance, color, and even texture. While some rashes involve only one part of the body, others can affect all of your skin. Basically, a rash can turn your skin into a bumpy mess, with or without redness, swelling, itchiness, and other bodily reactions. Usually, a skin rash is an indicator of another medical condition, and is often categorized as [1]:

• scaly patches not associated with infection
• scaly patches associated with fungal or bacterial infection, or
• red, itchy bumps or patches all over the body

Causes and Symptoms

Skin rashes can erupt due to work conditions, exposure to sickness, or exist as a common occurrence amongst family members. Any number of conditions and encounters also cause skin rashes to appear, including hives, poison ivy, contact dermatitis, ringworm, allergies, eczema, measles, insect bites, and in rare instances – pregnancy. Depending on the source of your skin irritation, your skin could change, itch, dry, crack swell, change colors, become painful and/or warm [2].

Depending on the type of skin rash, you could see symptoms arise in a matter of minutes (like immediate bumps from a case of hives) to gradually worsen over the course of a couple days. Typical skin rash symptoms include bumps, redness, tender patches, flushed appearance, small red dots, itching, white spots, soreness, tingling sensations, swelling, blisters, and fever.

Skin Rash Natural Cures

There’s nothing worse than feeling like an outcast from the world because your face is covered with red dots or you can’t stand to reveal your arms in a short-sleeved shirt. From uncontrollable itching to blotchy patches, consider the following natural cures for skin rashes:

a) Milk Compress:

Create a soothing compress soaked in a mixture consisting of ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of water. Apply the compress to your rash and allow the milk protein to work its anti-inflammatory magic. Soon after, don’t forget to rinse off the milk.

b) Natural Oils:

There are many natural oils that provide relief from skin rashes. For instance, take advantage of the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal power of coconut oil, which treats diaper rash and other skin irritations. Use sweet almond oil to ease inflammation and irritation of the skin, as well as calm pesky itching. You may also treat your sensitive skin with avocado oil, which serves as a decent base for many different salves on the market.

c) Shea Butter:

The anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter helps individuals ease the pain of skin rashes.

d) Wild Pansy:

Calm the itching and irritation of eczema-related conditions with wild pansy.

e) Comfrey [3]:

Apply comfrey ointment, cream, or lotion to inflamed rashes about two to four times a day. If you’re interested in making a lotion, simply make an infusion, strain, let cool, and then apply. Please note that comfrey should not be applied to skin that is broken.

f) Heartsease and Pot Marigold:

Bathe diaper rash with a heartsease infusion and follow up with an ointment made from pot marigold.

g) Chamomile Essential Oil:

For soothing relief of itchy skin rash and irritations, turn to the anti inflammatory (anti-microbial) properties of chamomile. Individuals with eczema and psoriasis respond well to this natural cure for skin rashes. However, if you possess an allergy to grass or ragweed, stay clear from chamomile to avoid any unnecessary reactions.

h) Vitamin E:

Boost healing by using this antioxidant to treat skin irritations.

i) Jewelweed:

Fighting a poison ivy rash? Crush the fresh leaves of jewelweed into a ball and immediately rub on your rash.

j) Witch Hazel:

It is the astringent properties in witch hazel that helps ease itchy skin. Some of the best results come when using fresh witch hazel bark. Simmer one ounce of the bark and one pint of water for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture and let cool. Using a clean cloth, apply the witch hazel to your rash and leave on for 30 minutes.

k) Aloe Vera:

Cut an aloe leaf to extract the gel-like substance inside, which can help speed up healing and calm an itchy skin rash. The plant is quite useful as a topical solution, as it contains anti inflammatory, anti bacterial, and anti fungal properties; and also supplies the body with the power of folic acid, zinc, and vitamins C and E.

l) Calendula Essential Oil:

For babies battling diaper rash, consider calendula, which has a knack for reducing inflammation, as well as encourages the production of white blood cells that work towards eliminating unwanted microbes. Take calendula and mix it with boiling water: two teaspoons of the herb for each cup of water. Allow the mixture to simmer for about ten minutes. Once it has cooled, apply to affected areas using a clean cloth.

m) St John’s Wort:

For thousands of years, this herb has found a place in refreshing the skin and providing moisture when an itchy skin rash strikes.

Resources

[1] http://www.medicinenet.com/rash/article.htm
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rash
[3] The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Chevallier; pg. 303

Shingles is a much better-sounding name that the virus it is associated with – herpes zoster. However, you will encounter an outbreak of rashes or blisters that appear on the skin all the same. Did you know that the same virus (the varicella-zoster virus) that brings chickenpox to schoolchildren causes shingles? You probably didn’t know that if you’ve ever had chickenpox, then you are at risk for developing this condition [1]. You might want to brush up on your natural cures for shingles…

Causes and Symptoms

A second eruption of the varicella-zoster virus, which is a member of the same group of viruses that causes herpes, causes shingles to emerge. Many people believe that the aftermath of chickenpox stops at childhood, but many years later – the virus can inactively hide within the nervous system for years before deciding to make a reappearance in the form of shingles.

Oftentimes, burning or tingling pain are the first signs of this condition. A patient may experience numbness or itchy skin that affects one specific location on only one side of the body. After several days or one week has passed, a rash consisting of fluid-filled blisters (much like chickenpox) will erupt in one area on one side of the body. The pain that accompanies the condition ranges from mild to intense.

Additional shingles symptoms include:

• Red rash
• Burning or tingling sensations
• Extreme sensitivity in certain parts of the body
• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Stomach pains

Shingles Natural Cures

Shingles certainly isn’t a fun condition and the last thing you want to do is fall victim to the irritating symptoms that comes with it, which is why becoming familiar with the following natural cures can help speed up your recovery:

a) Oatmeal:

Slip into a comfortable, cool bath with added uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oatmeal).

b) Yoga:

Some individuals can reduce the incidence and severity of shingles by lowering their stress levels. A good approach is to embrace meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga poses.

c) Vitamin E and Vitamin B12:

According to the Archives of Dermatology, you can reduce the pain of shingles by taking vitamin E right before your meals on a daily basis. A study published in the Journal Geriatrics suggests that vitamin B12 injections can lessen shingles pain.

d) Vitamin C:

At the first sight of shingles, take 1,000 mg of vitamin C.

e) Capsaicin Cream:

As an active ingredient in chili peppers, doctors have learned how to harness capsaicin to treat medical problems. Available at pharmacies and health food stores, capsaicin cream can bring relief to patients battling shingle pain.

f) Echinacea:

Create a tincture using echinacea and drink ½ teaspoon with water for two to three times per day [3]. You may also take tablets or capsules on a daily basis.

g) Garlic, Ginger, and Lemon Combination:

To treat shingles internally, eat 1 to 2 cloves of garlic and 1 to 2 slices of fresh ginger per day. An external remedy for shingles includes applying fresh ginger (or ½ clove of garlic or lemon juice) to shingles up to six times per day.

h) Lemon Balm:

Lotions made with lemon balm are created by infusing 1 ½ tablespoons of fresh or 3 teaspoons of dried leaves in one cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain the concoction and dab onto shingles for about three to five times per day.

i) Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:

Jumpstart your recovery from shingles by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet. This will help boost your immune system in order to fight an outbreak.

j) White Vinegar:

To relieve pain and itch, apply cool, wet compresses to blisters using a mixture of one ounce of vinegar and 32 ounces of water. Apply compresses three times a day.

Resources

[1] http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/shingles/shingles.htm
[2] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/shingles/DS00098/DSECTION=symptoms
[3] The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Chevallier; pg. 304

Shingles is a much better-sounding name that the virus it is associated with – herpes zoster. However, you will encounter an outbreak of rashes or blisters that appear on the skin all the same. Did you know that the same virus (the varicella-zoster virus) that brings chickenpox to schoolchildren causes shingles? You probably didn’t know that if you’ve ever had chickenpox, then you are at risk for developing this condition [1]. You might want to brush up on your natural cures for shingles…

Causes and Symptoms

A second eruption of the varicella-zoster virus, which is a member of the same group of viruses that causes herpes, causes shingles to emerge. Many people believe that the aftermath of chickenpox stops at childhood, but many years later – the virus can inactively hide within the nervous system for years before deciding to make a reappearance in the form of shingles.

Oftentimes, burning or tingling pain are the first signs of this condition. A patient may experience numbness or itchy skin that affects one specific location on only one side of the body. After several days or one week has passed, a rash consisting of fluid-filled blisters (much like chickenpox) will erupt in one area on one side of the body. The pain that accompanies the condition ranges from mild to intense.

Additional shingles symptoms include:

• Red rash
• Burning or tingling sensations
• Extreme sensitivity in certain parts of the body
• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Stomach pains

Shingles Natural Cures

Shingles certainly isn’t a fun condition and the last thing you want to do is fall victim to the irritating symptoms that comes with it, which is why becoming familiar with the following natural cures can help speed up your recovery:

a) Oatmeal:

Slip into a comfortable, cool bath with added uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oatmeal).

b) Yoga:

Some individuals can reduce the incidence and severity of shingles by lowering their stress levels. A good approach is to embrace meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga poses.

c) Vitamin E and Vitamin B12:

According to the Archives of Dermatology, you can reduce the pain of shingles by taking vitamin E right before your meals on a daily basis. A study published in the Journal Geriatrics suggests that vitamin B12 injections can lessen shingles pain.

d) Vitamin C:

At the first sight of shingles, take 1,000 mg of vitamin C.

e) Capsaicin Cream:

As an active ingredient in chili peppers, doctors have learned how to harness capsaicin to treat medical problems. Available at pharmacies and health food stores, capsaicin cream can bring relief to patients battling shingle pain.

f) Echinacea:

Create a tincture using echinacea and drink ½ teaspoon with water for two to three times per day [3]. You may also take tablets or capsules on a daily basis.

g) Garlic, Ginger, and Lemon Combination:

To treat shingles internally, eat 1 to 2 cloves of garlic and 1 to 2 slices of fresh ginger per day. An external remedy for shingles includes applying fresh ginger (or ½ clove of garlic or lemon juice) to shingles up to six times per day.

h) Lemon Balm:

Lotions made with lemon balm are created by infusing 1 ½ tablespoons of fresh or 3 teaspoons of dried leaves in one cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain the concoction and dab onto shingles for about three to five times per day.

i) Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:

Jumpstart your recovery from shingles by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet. This will help boost your immune system in order to fight an outbreak.

j) White Vinegar:

To relieve pain and itch, apply cool, wet compresses to blisters using a mixture of one ounce of vinegar and 32 ounces of water. Apply compresses three times a day.

Resources

[1] http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/shingles/shingles.htm
[2] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/shingles/DS00098/DSECTION=symptoms
[3] The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Chevallier; pg. 304

Shingles is a much better-sounding name that the virus it is associated with – herpes zoster. However, you will encounter an outbreak of rashes or blisters that appear on the skin all the same. Did you know that the same virus (the varicella-zoster virus) that brings chickenpox to schoolchildren causes shingles? You probably didn’t know that if you’ve ever had chickenpox, then you are at risk for developing this condition [1]. You might want to brush up on your natural cures for shingles…

Causes and Symptoms

A second eruption of the varicella-zoster virus, which is a member of the same group of viruses that causes herpes, causes shingles to emerge. Many people believe that the aftermath of chickenpox stops at childhood, but many years later – the virus can inactively hide within the nervous system for years before deciding to make a reappearance in the form of shingles.

Oftentimes, burning or tingling pain are the first signs of this condition. A patient may experience numbness or itchy skin that affects one specific location on only one side of the body. After several days or one week has passed, a rash consisting of fluid-filled blisters (much like chickenpox) will erupt in one area on one side of the body. The pain that accompanies the condition ranges from mild to intense.

Additional shingles symptoms include:

• Red rash
• Burning or tingling sensations
• Extreme sensitivity in certain parts of the body
• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Stomach pains

Shingles Natural Cures

Shingles certainly isn’t a fun condition and the last thing you want to do is fall victim to the irritating symptoms that comes with it, which is why becoming familiar with the following natural cures can help speed up your recovery:

a) Oatmeal:

Slip into a comfortable, cool bath with added uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oatmeal).

b) Yoga:

Some individuals can reduce the incidence and severity of shingles by lowering their stress levels. A good approach is to embrace meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga poses.

c) Vitamin E and Vitamin B12:

According to the Archives of Dermatology, you can reduce the pain of shingles by taking vitamin E right before your meals on a daily basis. A study published in the Journal Geriatrics suggests that vitamin B12 injections can lessen shingles pain.

d) Vitamin C:

At the first sight of shingles, take 1,000 mg of vitamin C.

e) Capsaicin Cream:

As an active ingredient in chili peppers, doctors have learned how to harness capsaicin to treat medical problems. Available at pharmacies and health food stores, capsaicin cream can bring relief to patients battling shingle pain.

f) Echinacea:

Create a tincture using echinacea and drink ½ teaspoon with water for two to three times per day [3]. You may also take tablets or capsules on a daily basis.

g) Garlic, Ginger, and Lemon Combination:

To treat shingles internally, eat 1 to 2 cloves of garlic and 1 to 2 slices of fresh ginger per day. An external remedy for shingles includes applying fresh ginger (or ½ clove of garlic or lemon juice) to shingles up to six times per day.

h) Lemon Balm:

Lotions made with lemon balm are created by infusing 1 ½ tablespoons of fresh or 3 teaspoons of dried leaves in one cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain the concoction and dab onto shingles for about three to five times per day.

i) Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:

Jumpstart your recovery from shingles by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet. This will help boost your immune system in order to fight an outbreak.

j) White Vinegar:

To relieve pain and itch, apply cool, wet compresses to blisters using a mixture of one ounce of vinegar and 32 ounces of water. Apply compresses three times a day.

Resources

[1] http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/shingles/shingles.htm
[2] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/shingles/DS00098/DSECTION=symptoms
[3] The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Chevallier; pg. 304