Natural Cures For Shingles

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