Herbs, an Effective Treatment for Shingles

There has been a larger than normal percentage of shingles cases this year where we live. Shingles, usually a localized rash and nerve irritation, is a member of the same genus as herpes simplex, chicken pox and others in the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) family. The VZV virus never completely leaves the body and can be reactivated as shingles.

According to standard medical practice, shingles is the result of an unknown reason for the reactivation of the VZV virus. The immune system becomes less efficient as we age but the exact reason why the virus begins to start reproducing is unknown. Shingles is more often a problem for older people and those with compromised immune systems.

Some believe stress factors can precipitate outbreaks of shingles. According to meta physicists, shingles is reactivated by bitterness, stress, fear and tension. Studies show persons experiencing significant psychological stress, etc., are more prone to all types of infections, bacterial and viral. Stress, tension, fear and bitterness weaken the immune system.

According to research published online June 7 in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, shingles can nearly quadruple the risk of developing multiple sclerosis sometime within the following twelve months. The research, which was conducted in China using 315,550 adults with herpes zoster and 946,650 healthy control subjects and tracking them for a year, found "the group with herpes were 3.96 times more likely to develop MS than the control group." The MS development was, on average, within 100 days following the shingles outbreak.

My wife recently attended a retreat where she talked with one of the participants whose husband had contracted shingles a few months prior. He had the rash on his face and temple area, it migrated to his brain, he was in ICU for three weeks and almost died. It is possible to be vaccinated for shingles, with the cost reportedly being $250.00. There appear to be various side effects connected with the vaccinations, some of which can be beyond just nuisance and can become serious. Nature provides and usually without side effects.

According to Heinnerman's Encyclopedia of Fruits and Vegetables, raw honey or garlic honey dressings applied three times daily have excellent results. An old Chinese medical journal stated the formula as, 20% Vaseline and 80% honey. The mixture is warmed and stirred then applied to the affected area as a thick ointment. According to the information, the formula worked for herpes, shingles, lesions, bedsores and other related problems such as skin ulcers.

A mixture of four teaspoons of sweet almond oil and the juice of a lemon or lime has been used as a lotion for treating herpes, shingles, dry skin, dishpan hands, psoriasis and diaper rash. Vinegar applied directly from the bottle as needed to the affected area is said to relieve the itching and help heal the rash more quickly. Vinegar can also make your hair soft and manageable after shampooing.

A Canadian study used a capsaicinoid based cream (cayenne) applied to shingles and other rashes. The pain was reduced significantly. Cayenne taken internally helps reduce various types of aches and pain.

The herb lemon balm is a specific for shingles and the VZV genus. A lemon balm tea, made from two teaspoons of dried leaf per cup of boiling water and applied with a cotton ball directly to the rash several times daily is said to be as effective as prescription drugs and ointments. Lemon balm grows quite easily in most climates. If I had shingles here's what I'd do. I'd go to the garden (or health food store if you don't garden) and get some fresh lemon balm leaf. I'd crush the leaves, add a small amount of almond or olive oil and apply directly to the affected area as needed. Taken internally as a tea, lemon balm and other members of the mint family have anti-viral properties.