Herpes zoster--commonly referred to as shingles--is a viral infection derivative from chicken pox. There is no known cure for shingles and the underlying cause of the virus can lie dormant for years before an actual outbreak. The American Academy of Dermatology define shingles as a condition affecting primarily adults over the age of 50--with cases in children being quite rare but possible. While most physicians prescribe medications for the virus and accompanying pain--there are many non-pharmacological treatments that can complement them. Patients should consult a licensed health professional before embarking on any new treatments or attempting to self-medicate.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are used with a carrier--water, oil, cream, lotion--such as Bergamot, calophyllum, eucalyptus, geranium, goldenseal and lemon have all shown to be favorable when used topically for shingles. These oils should be purchased of the highest quality--graded from about 97 to 100 percent pure. According to "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide" they have antiviral properties that--when applied topically--can treat, dry out and make lesions disappear within a week. The essential oils should also be mixed with a quality grade carrier oil, like almond, peanut or olive.
Supplementation
Those with shingles may also benefit from the use of supplements. "The Prescription for Nutritional Healing" recommends L-Lysine in 500 mg and vitamin C at 2,000 mg daily can boost the immune system, expedite the healing process and fight the underlying viral infection. Cayenne and vitamin B complex at 100 mg per day can help ease the pain of neuralgia--the nerve ending pain that makes the skin tender, inflamed and sensitive. Other supplements such as calcium, magnesium, garlic, vitamin D, vitamin E and a multivitamin and mineral complex in the recommended doses on the package can also help the tissues heal, prevent scarring and create balance.
Diet and Lifestyle
The "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" authors suggest a raw food diet that includes diet Brewer's yeast, brown rice, garlic, whole grains, and the avoidance of acetaminophen products such as Tylenol and Datril as they are known for prolonging the illness. Lifestyle factors include a significant reduction in stress, which can increase outbreaks. The University of Michigan Health System further recommends an avoidance of nuts, peanuts and chocolate products due to their high arginine to lysine ratios. Other options they recommend include acupuncture and hypnosis for stress reduction purposes.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology; Herpes Zoster; 2010
- "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide (2nd ed)"; Trivieri Jr, L & Anderson, J (Eds); 2002
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Second Edition"; Balch, J MD & Balch, P CNC; 1997
- University of Michigan Health System; Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia; 2010
