7 Natural Remedies for Shingles

May 20th, 2013 by Loretta Lanphier, NP, BCTN, CN, CH, HHP

7 Natural Remedies for Shingles

Shingles are one of those maladies that can make life very miserable for its victims. Generally, shingles are not considered serious conditions and will usually run their course without any significant complications. That is…providing you are an otherwise healthy person. This kind of chickenpox can lead to more critical concerns for certain people and become much more than just a painful inconvenience that hassles you for a few weeks. And if you contracted chickenpox as a child, you are certainly at risk for developing shingles later on in life. It’s good to know that many natural remedies for shingles are often more or just as effective as prescription drugs.

Shingles, officially called herpes zoster, is a disease caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox. The virus is known as varicella-zoster virus (VSV). It is actually an encore infection of the nerves triggered by leftover antigens from a previous chickenpox infection that has lain dormant in the body. VSV is a member of the same family of viruses that causes genital herpes and cold sores. Shingles may appear years after the original chickenpox attack. The virus usually travels via the nerves to the skin and can cause nerve inflammation, damage, and extreme pain. Shingles typically affect areas of the face and trunk in a pattern very similar to chickenpox.

Chickenpox is also a herpes virus that never completely goes away. As stated above, it hides out (lays dormant) in nerve cells, waiting for the body terrain to be ripe for its appearance as shingles. Statistics tell us that approximately 20% of adults who contracted chickenpox as a child will develop shingles later in life. Most of these individuals are relatively healthy people. Still, people with compromised immune systems due to diabetes or HIV, chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments, treatment with immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids, organ transplant recipients, and emotional and chronic stress are at an increased risk for developing shingles.

Why Are Shingles at Epidemic Proportions?

Even though shingles generally affect people in the age group of 50+, since the mass use of the chickenpox vaccine began, many practitioners now believe a shingles epidemic is underway.

If you look at conventional medicine research, it’s easy to conclude that contracting and recovering from chickenpox makes you more predisposed to shingles. Surprisingly, it actually works the other way around.

In the majority of children, chickenpox presents as a very mild disease without complications. About 3.7 million cases were reported in the United States before 1995, with only an average of 100 casualties – 50 children and 50 adults, most of which already had weakened immune systems. Half of the chickenpox cases occur in children ages five to nine, almost all recover without any complications.

Yet, not many understand that recovery from chickenpox leaves you with long-lasting natural immunity. After experiencing chickenpox, as you get older, contact with those who carry the virus asymptomatically fortifies your natural immunity against the infection and, consequently, shingles. In other words, exposure to the chickenpox virus is like getting a natural vaccine shot against shingles. Sadly, the emergence of the varicella vaccine has interfered with this natural process. Although cases of chickenpox have significantly declined, shingles rates have actually increased.

But that’s not all...

A team at Britain’s Public Health Service (PHLS) called for a review of the mass chickenpox vaccination policy in the United States and other nations implementing mass vaccination. Although chickenpox is often harmful to those with weakened immune systems, the PHLS found that lack of exposure to the virus can make seniors (the elderly) more likely to get shingles, whose complications can prove fatal.

The varicella-zoster virus has threatened the natural “herd” immunity obtained from exposure, and both children and adults are becoming less protected against chickenpox and shingles. This has activated a shingles epidemic to occur, as indicated by the following facts.

  • The frequency of adult shingles has climbed by 90 percent from 1998 to 2003, following the acceptance of the mass vaccination policy.
  • Before the introduction of the chickenpox vaccine, doctors only saw shingles in adults. However, cases in children are growing, as shown by school nurse reports since 2000.
  • Shingles have caused five times as many hospitalizations and three times as many deaths as chickenpox. Shingles is also behind 75 percent of all medical costs related to the varicella-zoster virus.

In an effort to ease the flaws of the chickenpox vaccine and control the ever-growing shingles epidemic, the CDC, along with Merck, developed a shingles vaccine. The pharmaceutical company came together with the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and created The Shingles Prevention Study, which soon led to the introduction of the shingles vaccine Zostavax. We should have known that was coming.

The Chickenpox and Shingles Vaccine

Let’s talk about the shingles vaccine and chickenpox vaccine available and will certainly be offered to you and your children by mainstream medicine. As is the case with any vaccine, I highly suggest caution in allowing yourself or your children to be subjected to these injections. The dangers of these vaccines are alarmingly significant, despite what their manufacturers and the FDA claim. They also have not been around long enough to read any unknown long-term effects accurately. Research done by Gary S. Goldman, Ph.D., who served for eight years as a Research Analyst with the Varicella Active Surveillance Project in Los Angeles County with funding from the CDC, revealed higher rates of shingles in Americans since the government’s 1995 recommendation that all children receive chickenpox vaccine. The truth of the matter is that the vast majority of both shingles and chickenpox cases are uneventful and resolve themselves in short order without any major complications.

The federal Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) received 6,574 reports of side effects after the chickenpox vaccination was implemented between March 1995 and July 1998. Four percent of the reported complications after immunization include shock, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and thrombocytopenia (a blood disorder). Fourteen of those adverse reactions ended in death.

Because of the reported complications, an additional 17 warnings for reactions were added to the vaccine’s product label. Some of these reactions include cellulitis, transverse myelitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and shingles – even after the vaccine was used on a mass basis. When combined with other vaccines such as MMR, the chickenpox vaccine puts patients at a higher risk for other health issues.

Barbara Loe Fisher of NVIC said: “We have been getting reports from parents that their children are suffering high fevers, chickenpox lesions, shingles, brain damage, and dying after chickenpox vaccination, especially when the vaccine is given at the same time with MMR and other vaccines.”

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7 Natural Remedies for Shingles

As has been previously said, cases of shingles usually clear up independently without much intervention unless the person has a weakened immune system. However, the sooner you catch shingles and take steps to deal with the symptoms, the better the chance of avoiding complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia and secondary or prolonged infections.
NOTEOccurrences of shingles around the eyes or on the forehead can cause blindness.  Consult an eye doctor immediately if such outbreaks occur.

There are many effective natural remedies for shingles you may want to consider while the shingles infection runs its course. These include:

Warm Baths

Warm Baths are helpful to many people. Try one with colloidal oatmeal to soothe the skin and promote healing. Don’t continue the baths for any longer than necessary because too much bathing can contribute to dry skin which is often a concern for shingles patients, especially after the blisters have dried up. Make sure the bath water is filtered. A tablespoon of Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) powder in your bath water will neutralize Chloramine. Add one teaspoon to your bath water about three to five minutes before you get in the bath, so it has time to work.

Apple Cider Vinegar Compresses

Apple Cider Vinegar Compresses can also be useful to relieve pain and irritation. A great homemade recipe uses 1/2 cup of raw apple cider vinegar in two cups of tepid (lukewarm) filtered water. Apply the compress to affected areas for about ten minutes 2-4 times daily. This will help to dry up the blisters. Discontinue once the blisters are gone. The application of raw honey may also help with symptoms as well as prescription medications.

Proactively Dealing with Stress

Dealing with stress is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your overall health. Stress reduces your immune system’s ability to fight off viruses such as shingles. Many outbreaks of shingles, especially among seniors, happen during or after an occurrence of stressful situations.

Chiropractic

A visit to a chiropractor may prove helpful. The shingles virus dwells in the spinal column, where the virus can remain dormant for decades. Spinal misalignment is a strong contributing factor in outbreaks and their duration. Chiropractic adjustments may dramatically speed the recovery process.

Supplements

Supplementing with vitamins B12 Methylcobalamin, a potent dose of L-lysine, B complex, Vitality C, Vitamin A (as retinyl acetate), Zinc Orotate (best taken at the first sign of a shingles infection), Olive Leaf Extract, and Vitamin D3 can also give the immune system a boost. Another supplement to research is Lauricidin. Always use a good probiotic such as Floratrex. Capsaicin skin ointment may help to reduce the pain of shingles. Some have found that Grapefruit Seed Extract applied to the shingles area and by mouth to be effective (grapefruit seed extract should ALWAYS be diluted with distilled water before using internally and/or topically). Caution: If you are on medication that restricts the intake of grapefruit, do not use Grapefruit Seed Extract.

Lithium Orotate

Dr. Hans Nieper (German doctor) states: “One substance that I have found to be surprisingly effective for shingles is lithium orotate (low dose of the mineral lithium – not synthetic lithium). Three to four capsules per day have been reported to reduce disabling pains dramatically. Lithium orotate seems to greatly reduce the pain and itching of post-herpetic neuralgia, which can linger for months and years after the lesions of shingles have resolved. Lithium has profound antiviral properties against herpes infections and may significantly reduce the frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks. Overall, lithium treatment resulted in a consistent reduction in the mean number of episodes per month, the average duration of each episode, the total number of infection days per month, and the maximum severity of symptoms.”

Enzymes

Use a proteolytic enzyme that contains bromelain, amylase, protease, and lipase to reduce inflammation and help ease the pain. In a German study (1), 96 people with shingles took proteolytic enzymes (taken between meals) for 14 days, and another 96 people with shingles took acyclovir, a standard antiviral medication. Both groups experienced similar pain relief and skin improvement. The group taking proteolytic enzymes had significantly fewer side effects. Similar results were experienced in another double-blind study(2) in which 90 people were given either an injection of acyclovir or enzymes, followed by a course of oral medication for 7 days. For proteolytic enzymes, I recommend the use of Veganzyme. (Take between meals on an empty stomach)

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BONUS: More Natural Remedies for Shingles

Essential Oils for Shingles

Topical applications of such essential oils as Lemon Balm, Peppermint, Oregano, and Ravensara aromatica (Ravensara) can also help reduce pain and encourage healing. Always be sure to mix high-quality organic essential oils with an appropriate carrier oil.

  • Blend: 10 drops sandalwood–5 drops blue cypress–4 drops peppermint–2 drops ravensara. Dilute 50:50 with massage oil and apply 6 – 10 drops on the affected area, back of the neck, and down the spine 1 – 3 times daily. (from Essential Desk Reference)
  • Aromatherapy expert, and author of “Medical Aromatherapy,” Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, says, “Our greatest success in the treatment of shingles is by applying a blend of 50% ravensara and 50% Calophyllum inophyllum (oil of tamanu). Drastic improvements and complete remissions occur within seven days”.
  • A case study was done with six hospice patients who had shingles. The case study suggests that three essential oils combined and placed in distilled water and used as a spritz improved the symptoms of shingles. The three oils used were: ravensara, bergamot, and niaouli. Aromatherapist Noel Gilligan conducted this study. Mr. Gilligan reported that after 48 hours, “there was a significant reduction in the pain from the shingles–scabbing and healing of the pustules took place and in one instance there was a disappearance of the pustules.”(3)

Healthy Diet & Immune System

Those with low vitamin, mineral, fruit and vegetable consumption are much more likely to get shingles. Keep your immune system strong and healthy by consuming lots of brightly colored organic fruits and vegetables, healthy fats (nuts, seeds, and fish), and fermented foods (raw sauerkraut, organic yogurt). If fermented foods are not something you enjoy, a good probiotic and prebiotic formula is a good choice. I recommend Floratrex. Drink lots of purified water every day. In addition to eating healthy, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the immune strengthening effects of vitamins C and D for shingles prevention. For ongoing, general immune support, take 2,000 IU per day of vitamin D3 (or more, depending on blood levels of 25-OH-vitamin D; aim for a level of at least 80 nmol/L [32 ng/mL]) and at least 400 – 1000 mg per day of vitamin C. To further support your immune system, it is essential to get enough restful sleep.

Gentiana scabra

Researchers now find that Gentiana scabra, a blue or purple flower that grows throughout North America, has a favorable effect on pain relief in shingles and decreases the possibility of postherpetic neuralgia.

By reducing inflammation in the skin, Gentiana scabra lessens pain and encourages healing. A well-respected Chinese medicine practitioner can prepare the herbal formula by boiling the plant in water. Some companies offer Gentiana scabra in supplement form. People can then take the remedy orally.

Cleansing

Perform a cleanse using ACS200 Extra Strength and ACZnano Extra Strength. Use according to the higher-dose directions on the bottle. Use ACS200 Gel Extra Strength on shingles sores.

In Summary

When it comes to any health concern, always check with a knowledgeable practitioner who knows your health history. If you decide you want to use natural remedies for shingles, begin by looking at your overall health and lifestyle. What needs to change? Are you willing to make the changes needed? As mentioned above, a healthy diet is always foundational to ensure that your body is getting all the required nutrients. And remember that because we are all unique individuals, what works for one may not work for another. Natural remedies also need time to support the body in its natural healing mechanisms. Always give yourself and your body time to heal.

REFERENCES

(1)  Billigmann VP. Enzyme therapy—an alternative in treatment of herpes zoster. A controlled study of 192 patients [translated from German]. Fortschr Med. 1995;113:43-48.

(2)  Kleine MW, Stauder GM, Beese EW. The intestinal absorption of orally administered hydrolytic enzymes and their effects in the treatment of acute herpes zoster as compared with those of oral acyclovir therapy. Phytomedicine. 1995;2:7-15.

(3) Varicella Virus in Hospice Patients. http://www.naha.org/articles/varicella_virus_in_hospice_patients.htm

(4) NVIC, NVIC Challenges VAERS Data of Chickenpox Vaccine Adverse Events, September 13, 2000

(5) National Health Federation, January 18, 2007

(6) PRWeb, October 2, 2003

(7) NVIC, Herpes Zoster (Shingles) & Shingles Vaccine

(8) 16 Ways to Naturally Improve Your Immune System by Loretta Lanphier, NP.

(9) Linus Pauling Institute. Micronutrient Info Ctr. Nutrition and Immunity.

(10) Wang JY, Wu YH, Liu SJ, Lin YS, Lu PH. Vitamin B12 for herpetic neuralgia: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2018 Dec;41:277-282. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.10.014. Epub 2018 Oct 21. PMID: 30477853.

(11) Wang K, Coyle ME, Mansu S, Zhang AL, Xue CC. Gentiana scabra Bunge. Formula for Herpes Zoster: Biological Actions of Key Herbs and Systematic Review of Efficacy and Safety. Phytother Res. 2017 Mar;31(3):375-386. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5769. Epub 2017 Jan 12. PMID: 28078812.

Loretta Lanphier is a Naturopathic Practitioner (Traditional), Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner, and Certified Clinical Herbalist as well as the CEO / Founder of Oasis Advanced Wellness in The Woodlands TX. She studies and performs extensive research in health science, natural hormone balancing, anti-aging techniques, nutrition, natural medicine, weight loss, herbal remedies, non-toxic cancer support, and actively researching new natural health protocols and products. A 20-year stage 3 colon cancer survivor, Loretta can relate to both sides-of-the-health-coin as patient and practitioner regarding health and wellness. “My passion is counseling others about what it takes to keep the whole body healthy using natural and non-toxic methods.” Read Loretta’s health testimony Cancer: The Path to Healing. Loretta is a Contributor and Editor of the worldwide E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace your doctor’s advice. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.

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