Effective Relief and Natural Remedies for Shingles

Shingles is an extremely painful infection triggered by the same herpes virus – herpes zoster -- that causes chicken pox. Once we have chicken pox the virus remains in our nervous system in a dormant state. The virus can reactivate and cause shingles when our immune system is compromised, causing pain and blistering that ranges from a dull ache to a sharp burning sensation. While shingles lasts 2-4 weeks, severe pain in the affected nerve(s) can last months, and sometimes even years. And while most people seek help from their doctor, many find that prescription or over-the-counter medications simply don’t work or cause painful or even dangerous side effects.

If you’re suffering from shingles pain, here are five natural ways to find fast, safe and effective relief from shingles symptoms that won’t cause side effects:

Remedies for Shingles

1. Try the Homeopathic and Herbal Approach - Clear Cold Sores, Shingles & U.T.I.’s is an all natural formula containing a unique proprietary blend of 11 Chinese herbs formulated to work in combination with active homeopathic ingredients that has provided safe and effective relief from shingles symptoms for many.

2. Ease Blister and Rash Pain- Shingles blisters can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. While you want to keep the affected area clean and dry, there are a number of natural topical remedies that help relieve shingles blister pain. Experiment with the following to see what works best for you:

a. Cold, wet compresses effectively numb the affected area;

b. Olive leaf extract and colloidal silver topicals are both powerful natural antibiotics;

c. Peppermint and eucalyptus oils have both been reported to relieve shingles pain and discomfort;

d. Creams with capsaicin (found in cayenne peppers) can help relieve pain as well.

3. Mind Your Amino Acids – The amino acid arginine can exacerbate shingles symptoms, while the amino acid lysine helps relieve shingles symptoms.

a. Avoid foods high in arginine such as chocolate, nuts, seeds, tomatoes, foods containing flour, and oats.

b. Eat foods high in lysine such as most fruits and vegetables (except peas) and proteins including fish, chicken, beef, milk, cheese and beans.

4. Supplement Your Diet:

a. Lysine – the amino acid mentioned above that helps relieve shingles pain.

b. Vitamin C.- Assists the body in fighting and preventing infection

c. Proteolytic enzymes - Found in papaya and pineapple as well as in supplement form, these enzymes when taken at the onset of shingles have provided effective pain relief and skin improvement for many.

d. Olive leaf extract – This powerful natural antibiotic has been used safely and effectively in supplement form for thousands of years, and today many use it for relief shingles symptoms relief. 

5. Rest and Relax – Stress can trigger shingles and worsen shingles symptoms, so one of the best ways to find shingles relief is to rest and relax as much as possible.



Best in Health!


About the author:
Dr. Stas' Ozog III, Ph.D.(A.M.), L.Ac., Dipl. A & C.H.(NCCAOM), MTOM