Shingles comes from a viral disease in the chicken pox family, also called herpes zoster. It affects the nerves and follows nerve pathways commonly in the abdominal or face areas. Sores can be painful and may blister and pop. Later the nerve pains may persist.
It is proposed that shingles may be brought on by stress. Shingles are commonly found in older people, which suggests that there may be nutritional deficiencies.
Modern medicine treats it using anti-viral medications which may take up to several days for relief, and remember, all drugs have some kind of side effects.
From the natural perspective, we see it as nerve stress from immune weakness. It is usually easy to deal with using natural things. First, reduce your stress, and remember to stay away from tobacco, alcohol, coffee and soda pop.
Topically, you can use Dr. Christopher’s Cayenne Ointment. It may seem hot, but stops the pain. Lysine cream helps in getting rid of the virus and soothes the skin.
Herbs for Shingles
Herbs are plants valued for their specific strengthening/ tonifying properties.
Herb combinations:
Dave’s Mood Formula designed to help nourish and strengthen the nervous system. Formula: lemon balm, hops, mistletoe, bitter orange, peppermint, valerian.
Herb singles:
Chaparral is one of my favorite, to go with Mood formula, as it is ant-iviral and an immune system booster.
St. John’s wort is specific for nerve pain.
Olive Leaf extract is anti-viral.
Cell Salts to Help Shingles
To make a cell salt solution, put up to 10 tablets of each cell salt in a 16- to 24-ounce bottle; fill with water and swirl to dissolve tablets. Sip throughout the day.
#5 Kali mur 6X – congestion, inflammation
#9 Nat mur 6X – clear blisters, feels like you’ve been kicked in that area
#12 Silicea 6X – coldness, infected blisters
Shingles Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic natural medicines safe for everyone including infants and pregnant or nursing women. You may use 6X, 30X, 6C or 30C potencies.
Apis mellifica – burning, stinging, swelling, water-filled blisters. Wants cold. Skin may be swollen, puffy eyelids.
Arsenicum album – burning pains better from heat packs. Restlessness. For those who are over-achievers and desire super cleanliness.
Cantharis – painful, burning, cutting, rib nerve pains. Restlessness and excruciating pain. Breathing causes person to scream in pain. As if on fire.
Mezereum – itching leads to scratching then to burning. Blisters that are brown crusting. Post-shingle neuralgia – severe sharp burning pains.
Ranunculus bulb – dark bluish blisters in clusters that merge together, with severe rib pains. Worse from breathing in. sensitive to touch with burning thin fluid.
Rhus tox – especially on the face. Ribs feel as if wrapped up or bound up. Stiff neck, numb feeling, burning, itching, raised scabs. Symptoms worse from cold dampness, better from heat. Stiffness of joints, especially in the morning. In the elderly – shingles around the eyes.
Sulphur – burning and itching. Worse from heat of bed and bathing, with severe itching.
Source: Dave’s Healing Notes
