Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Shingles

Herbal Medicine for Shingles

Several herbs and herbal combinations are useful in the treatment of shingles.

Lemon Balm for Shingles

Lemon balm has been proven to have some effect on viruses of the herpes family.

How To Use: Make a tea with two teaspoons of dried leaf per cup of boiling water. Apply the tea directly to the rash with a cotton pad several times daily.

Dr. Duke, author of "Green Pharmacy," suggests trying a mixed mint tea made with lots of lemon balm, a little licorice plus any other mints that you have on hand such as:

Hyssop
Oregano
Peppermint
Rosemary
Sage
Spearmint
Thyme

This beverage is loaded with antiviral, anti-herpetic compounds. It may be taken orally as a tea. Or, apply it directly to the rash.

Red pepper for Shingles

Red pepper contains an ingredient called capsaicin that is a viable remedy for postherpetic neuralgia. Capsaicin brings relief by blocking pain signals from nerves just under the skin. Commercial creams such as Zostrix and Capzasin-P, contain capsaicin.

How To Use:

Mix powdered red pepper into any white skin lotion until it turns pinkish. Dab it on the rash. Wash your hands thoroughly after use. Pay particular attention to make sure that the pepper won't get in your eyes or on other sensitive areas. We suggest that you first test it on a small area of skin. Discontinue if it causes irritation.

Licorice for Shingles

Licorice contains several antiviral and immune-boosting compounds.

How To Use:

Other Useful Herbs for Shingles

	St. John's wort and horsetail juice help rebuild nerves. Take 1 tbsp. of juice daily.
	Cabbage leaf poultices help absorb toxins and speed heating.
	Drink goldenrod and rose hip tea three times daily to stimulate the kidneys.
	Echinacea in high dosages is useful for pain control. Take 1 tsp. of the tincture hourly or more often as required.
	St. John's wort is very good for the treatment of any viral infection and depression.
	Colloidal oatmeal powder, when dusted on the affected part, reduces the pain from contact with clothes by acting as a dry lubricant.

Herbal Combinations for Shingles

Combine equal parts of oat straw, St. John's Wort, and skullcap tinctures. Take one teaspoonful of this mixture four times a day.

Take 1 tbsp. of black walnut, comfrey, kelp and lady's slipper along with aloe vera juice daily. These herbs cleanse the intestinal tract and helps remove toxins which irritate the skin.

Chinese Herbs for Shingles

Pueraria combination: For initial stage and vesicle eruptions or for prodromal stage with feverish symptoms.

Minor Bupleurum Combination: Within one or two weeks of onset and vesicle eruption.

Major Bupleurum Combination: For strong people.