Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.
Once this virus enters the body and you've had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in nerve ganglia and the spinal cord. In some people, the virus stays dormant forever. In others, the virus may reactivate, usually by a weakening immune system. The varicella-zoster infection spreads to skin nerves ends and causes shingles.
Shingles can onset anywhere on the body, but usually occur on the skin of the abdomen, underneath the ribs, the inside of the mouth, and the vaginal tissues. Sometimes the shingles rash occurs around one eye or on one side of the neck or face.
Anyone who has ever had chickenpox can develop shingles, and it is possible to get it more than once. Shingles need a few weeks to achieve their cycle but in severe cases may last longer.
Most prone to this disease are people over 50 years, people with a weakened immune system due to stress, or spinal cord injuries, people with AIDS or cancer, and people who are taking some medications such as those that are made to prevent rejection of transplanted organs.
Early treatment can help shorten a shingles infection and lessen the chance of complications which may include
Herb |
Form |
Benefits |
Alfalfa |
Tablets, tincture |
Promotes healing |
Astragalus root |
Capsules |
Boosts immune function |
Bergamot essential oil |
Some drops diluted in a carrier oil |
Antiviral properties |
Bi Phaya yaw |
Cream |
Shortens the time it takes to recover from shingles |
Burdock |
Tincture, extract |
Cleanses the bloodstream and the lymph nodes |
Cayenne |
Patch, cream, capsules |
Contains capsaicin that relieves pain. Helps to heal |
Chamomile |
Compress |
Promotes healing |
Calophyllum essential oil |
Some drops diluted in a carrier oil |
Antiviral properties |
Dandelion |
Extract, tincture |
Promotes healing. Detoxifies the liver |
Echinacea |
Extract, tincture |
Boosts immune function |
Eucalyptus essential oil |
Some drops diluted in a carrier oil |
Antiviral properties |
Geranium essential oil |
Some drops diluted in a carrier oil |
Antiviral properties |
Goldenseal |
Cream |
Antibiotic properties |
Golden seal essential oil |
Some drops diluted in a carrier oil |
Antiviral properties |
Green tea |
Tea |
Antiviral properties |
Lemon essential oil |
Some drops diluted in a carrier oil |
Antiviral properties |
Licorice |
Extract |
Treats shingles and postherpetic neuralgia |
Milk thistle |
Tablets, capsules |
Protects the liver |
Olive leaf |
Extract |
Antiviral properties |
Red clover |
Capsules |
Cleanses the bloodstream and the lymph nodes |
Rose hips |
Tincture, tablets |
Prevents infections |
Valerian root |
Tablets, capsules |
Calms the nervous system |