Remedies For Shingles and PHN
(Alternative, Natural, Herbal, etc):
This page lists several varieties of natural treatments available for shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. Treatment sections are divided into the following (click one to skip ahead):
-Topical Treatments & Home Remedies
-PHN Nerve Repair & Pain Control
-Herbs
Introduction:
It is always crucial to being treatment of shingles early to ensure a minimal amount of nerve damage. Also keep in mind that a shingles outbreak is always indicative of a weakened or compromised immune system because the virus was being held dormant by the immune system all the time prior to the outbreak.
Many PHN sufferers have seen dermatologists, pain doctors, neurologists and tried several different drugs and have yet to be relieved of their severely restricting and painful neuralgia. By the time most sufferers find an effective treatment, their nerves have already been severely damaged.
Although there are a number of proven methods to cure and prevent shingles and PHN, a good starting point for any illness is a diet full of fresh, raw foods, vegetables and fruits. Increasing your clean water intake will increase your blood circulation (adding some unprocessed sea salt helps too). Limit or eliminate processed foods and refined sugars and salts. Temporarily avoid chocolate as it may be irritating to shingles outbreaks.
Get lots of sleep so you heal faster. Resting in bed is recommended until any fever has resolved. Reduce your daily stress as much as possible because stress is a major factor with shingles outbreaks. Keeping your mind focused on being healthy and keeping your environment clean will reduce stress. Stay away from heat and too much sun and avoid wearing irritating fabrics.
Keep the affected area clean, dry and exposed to air. If moving air causes pain then covering it with soft, breathable fabric is okay. Refrain from scratching the blisters and certainly do not burst them.
Cool wet compresses can be used to reduce pain. Take a washcloth or towel, dip it in cold water, squeeze it out and apply it to the affected area. In some cases, people may be too sensitive even for a cool washcloth.
Since herpes zoster is contagious during the blister phase, be sure to dispose of materials properly and to disinfect any other items before reuse. The person may need to be isolated during this phase to prevent infection of others (especially pregnant women).
It has been noted by some that shingles pain is worst on days when the barometric pressure is low.
Natural Topical Treatments & Home Remedies:
-Apple cider vinegar is a natural shingles remedy that provides rapid relief from pain, discomfort, itching and burning, and helps heal the blisters much faster. It may be directly applied to the affected area by lightly dabbing it with a clean soft cloth. Let it dry and repeat as often as needed. ~1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water.
-Clay may be made into a poultice with apple cider vinegar. Keep it on the area with bandages and renew the poultice when dry or every morning and night. It is said to draw the shingles out.
-Licorice root can be made into a gel or poultice and applied 2-3 times a day to reduce the pain in 3-4 days. It is also suggested to drink licorice root tea (see herb section below).
-Aloe vera pulp (or gel) mixed with cayenne pepper is an anti-viral, anti-infection, pain-reducing combination which acts to attack the infection, absorb moisture, dry it out and reduce the amount of pain reception.
-Mix one tablespoon of aloe vera juice and the contents of one 1,000 I.U. capsule of natural vitamin E into zinc ointment. Apply this salve on the blisters for quick relief from pain. Zinc is another commonly used shingles remedy.
-Calamine lotion contains zinc oxide and iron oxide and is well known for its cooling relief from itching as well as being a good drying agent.
-Plain yogurt mixed with zinc oxide may be applied along the path of the nerve 2-3 times daily. This is said to completely clear the infection in 1-2 days if started at the first sign of the outbreak.
-Avocado mixed with golden seal powder and myrrh is another topical treatment helping to reduce infection and inflammation.
-Tea Tree Oil is anti-inflammatory and helps sooth and treat skin. It is useful for cleaning the rash as a soap or applied as a diluted essential oil (see herb section below).
-Cooked oatmeal may be applied directly to the rash. Oatmeal has antihistamine properties to reduce inflammation caused by shingles. If you really love oatmeal try taking a bath in it!
-Raw honey, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter and Fresh leek juice are also used to soothe and heal the rash.
Beneficial Supplements:
-Vitamin B-12 provides pain relief and helps rapid drying of the rash and is recommended in high doses for shingles. B-12 is frequently injected for shingles patients in order to increase its effectiveness.
-Vitamin C supports the nerve system and is also recommended in high doses. C is also injected for best results in shingles patients. Vitamin C relieves pain quickly and aids in drying the blisters.
-Lysine prevents the absorption of arginine which herpes zoster requires to stay active and can resolve shingles very rapidly. Take 1,000mg of lysine up to three times a day. The arginine in nuts and seeds acts against the L-lysine you may be taking. Do not take lysine with any milk products.
-Enzymes, found in certain foods such as pineapple (as bromelain) and papaya (as papain) decrease inflammation and regulate immune response to the virus. At least one enzyme product (brand name: Wobenzym N) has been shown to be more effective than the commonly used antiviral prescription Valtrex in overcoming severe herpes zoster infection. You should not take proteolytic enzymes with warfarin, aspirin, coumadin, heparin or other blood-thinning medications and is not advised for people allergic to these tropical fruits.
-BHT disrupts the lipid membranes of certain viruses, removes binding proteins that some viruses use to penetrate human cells, and acts as a powerful antioxidant to neutralize free radicals that are generated by certain viruses. There is some controversy regarding the use of BHT. A book entitled "Wipe Out Herpes with BHT" (1983) by John A Mann may provide you with more detailed information.
-MSM is a source of biological sulfur which is a major component of the body's proteins, tissues, hormones and enzymes. MSM can inhibit pain impulses, promote blood flow, and reduce inflammation of tissues.
-Colloidal Silver is an excellent anti-viral and is very helpful with herpes. It is recommended to those at risk of post-herpetic neuralgia.
-Pears and pear juice are rich in antiviral caffeic acid which is effective against herpes zoster.
-Coconut oil, taken three times a day, also gives relief to shingles outbreaks.
-Eating fresh garlic also has antiseptic qualities and is another natural shingles treatment.
-Eating hot peppers may also help.
-Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a nutritious herb used in China for treating herpes.
Natural Remedies for PHN:
As previously mentioned, PHN may be avoided if shingles treatments are applied at the first signs of an outbreak. In cases where treatment was delayed or the shingles was very severe, the resulting pain from nerve damage may continue for years.
Acquiring a practical healing agent for post-herpetic neuralgia has been difficult but I did manage to find one. The other options I have come across have shown effectiveness mostly in temporary pain control. Treating the nerve damage should be the primary goal with PHN.
PHN Nerve Repair Remedies:
-An oil extract blend applied directly on the site of PHN pain is said to completely restore the nerves of the damage resulting from shingles. The oils are of plant extracts which are proven antiviral agents against herpes-zoster. The same oil for PHN is also used to treat shingles therefore could be used as a PHN preventative during a shingles treatment. The oil blend is made with Rheum officinale, Aloe barbadensis, Rhamnus frangula, Rhamnus purshianus, and Cassia angustifolia and is available click here: Amoils Shingles & PHN Treatment. We have seen this product work wonders.
-St. John’s-wort along with:
-Lavender made into a tea and/or hot compress may aid in PHN nerve restoration.
PHN Pain Control Remedies:
-Red pepper (Capsicum, various species). Capsaicin blocks pain signals from the nerves and is an effective pain-reliever over long term use. FDA approved topical creams such as Zostrix and Capzasin-P contain capsaicin. Using capsaicin on any open skin or blisters can cause an increase in burning sensation. Refer to the Topical section for capsaicin/pepper remedies.
"On June 9, 2009, The FDA approved orphan drug designation for a high-concentration capsaicin dermal patch (Qutenza [formerly NGX-4010], NeurogesX, Inc) for the treatment of pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Relief of pain is possible up to 3 months with no to minimal side effects."
-Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a mild tranquilizer which may help ease some pain associated with PHN and shingles. Although its effects are mild, a tea combined with other herbs may synergistically help reduce pain.
-Geranium oil is said to be an effective pain reliever for PHN. 100% geranium oil works best.
(See Bodywork section for more information on the following:)
-Tai Chi may help restore range of motion and damaged nerves caused by PHN
-Reiki may be used to restore and repair damaged nerves and energy channels
-Accupuncture provides temporary pain relief from PHN
Herbal Remedies for Shingles:
-Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a highly rated herb producing an oil that has anti-viral/anti-herpes activity for topical use as well as for internal use. Lemon balm can overcome herpes infection in cells that have become resistant to prescription antivirals. It is especially good at preventing the internal spread of the virus. Drink a lemon balm tea & apply the cooled tea bag directly to the shingles (add other herbs as discussed below). For a topical, mix 700 milligrams of lemon balm leaf extract per gram of cream-based ointment and apply 3 or more times daily.
-Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains several antiviral and immune-boosting compounds, renders the herpes virus inactive and comes highly rated as a synergistic complement to any other beneficial herb. By itself you may drink a tea and apply the tea bag directly to the rash as with the lemon balm. Licorice herb is generally intended for short term use and not advised for use by people with high blood pressure or heart disease, or use diuretics, digitalis or who are pregnant. As a side note, both high and low blood pressure disorders have been show to return to normal by changing your refined salt intake to a natural, full-spectrum sea-salt (like celtic sea salt).
-Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a mild tranquilizer which may help ease some pain associated with PHN and shingles. Although its effects are mild, a tea combined with lemon balm and licorice is highly recommended as a general shingles tonic.
-Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) and other herbs from the mint family can be powerfully anti-herpes. Combine some mix of lemon balm, hyssop, oregano, rosemary, sage, spearmint, thyme and licorice for a super-therapeutic tea. And again, apply the cooled off tea directly to the rash.
-Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) is reported to act against several types of herpes infections as well as against HIV and many other viruses. Creosote bush is available in a lotion for topical application, a spray and in capsule for internal use. People are reporting shingles and PHN relief after using products like Virox lotion and/or spray. There is a book related to the antiviral ability of this plant, Treating Herpes Naturally with Larrea Tridentata by Dennis Clark, Ph.D.
-St. John’s-wort contains hypericum and is an effective herb against the herpes viruses as well as many other viruses. Make a strong tea & apply cooled tea to infection. A tea or hot compress may also be made from saint johns wort and lavender to aid in PHN nerve restoration. A warm lotion made from the flowers and leaves may also relieve the burning of the shingles blisters.
-Echinacea is another highly rated herbal remedy for shingles. It is an antiviral & immune enhancer. ½ tsp extract, 3x daily
-Goldenseal is another great antimicrobial, immune enhancing herb.
-Goldenrod (Solidago Virgaurea) is another immune strengthener.
-Tea Tree Oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties and helps sooth and treat skin. It is a good choice for washing your shingles with a natural soap. There are soaps made specifically for shingles infections as well.
-African Potato/Star Grass (Hypoxis Rooperi) contains immune-boosting phytosterols and sterolins. Studies have suggested significant increases in the number of T-cells when using this plant.
-Buchu (Agathosma Betulina)
-Viscum album (mistletoe) acts as a natural diuretic & immune enhancer.
-Schizandra sinesis or chinensis appears to treat many health conditions and is another effective natural remedies for shingles. It may assist in preventing nerve damage associated with shingles.
-Mullein compresses have been shown to kill herpes viruses.
-Chinese angelica (Angelica sinensis, "dong quai") as powdered root has successfully treated shingles. It can be used in tea or tincture. (Do not take this herb if you are pregnant).
-Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis). Another antiviral, the root of this plant, powdered and mixed with water has been used as a treatment for shingles.
-Elderberry
-Propolis
-Bilberry extract
-Olive Leaf Extract
-Oregano Extract
Essential Oils:
Essential oils can be irritating to the skin in pure form Dilute them by adding several drops to a couple tablespoons of olive oil and apply directly to painful areas. (Do not ingest essential oils, any amount can be toxic). The following are used for shingles and PHN:
-Bergamot
-Camomile
-Eucalyptus
-Geranium
-Lavender
-Lemon
-Tea Tree
-There are oil products currently available to rapidly treat shingles zoster infections, cure the rash, and heal PHN. Shingles & PHN oil blends.
Homeopathic Shingles Remedies:
-Arsenicum album
-Apis mellifica
-Clematix
-Iris versicolor
-Mezereum
-Ranunculus bulbosus
-Rhus toxicodendron
Alternative Bodywork & Exercises:
-Tai Chi is a gentle martial art which can greatly increase the strength of the immune system in all people and especially in adults age 60 and over. The motions and movements are so gentle that anyone may perform them. It may help restore range of motion and repair damaged nerves.
-Meditation is a common method of controlling your breathing cycle and relaxing your focus. It greatly reduces many forms of stress and muscle tension. If properly performed, meditation is effective for controlling pain.
-Reiki is a form of energy healing. The energy fields and streams of the body may be repaired and adjusted to balance and improve many aspects of the body (especially the immune system). It may be possible to revert nerve damage using these methods.
-Acupuncture may be used during and after a shingles outbreak to control pain and lessen symptoms. It is effective for relieving PHN pain however the relief is temporary.
Other Alternative Treatments:
-Dimethyl sulfoxide is another shingles remedy that helps stop the growth of the virus by penetrating to the center of the infection. It may dispel the rash in three days if applied to the affected areas twice daily. More information on this treatment option should be presented as it is at least somewhat controversial.
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*PLEASE NOTE: I am NOT a doctor, professional or specialist! This site is here to aid you in discovering natural and alternative treatment options. Any information you find on this website is not to be assumed as totally safe or accurate. The FDA of the united states may never get around to testing or approving natural remedies because they're so busy approving synthetic drugs. To get the most out of this site and any other, use your best judgment, be discerning and investigate the information further.