Shingles is a condition caused by the herpes zoster virus, which also causes chicken pox, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." In shingles, the herpes zoster virus infects your nerve endings, causing them to send pain signals to your brain. Shingles is characterized by small, painful blisters on your skin that are sensitive to touch. Other symptoms include fever, chills, headache, numbness and muscle pain. Although there is no known cure for shingles, certain herbs may help prevent attacks. Talk to your doctor before using any herb to treat shingles.
Step 1
Take a supplement containing 250 mg of skullcap once per day. Skullcap may help reduce itching associated with shingles, according to Balch. It may also aid in the healing of nerve endings, which may help prevent recurring viral attacks.
Step 2
Boil 2 tsp. echinacea root in 1 cup of water, then simmer for 15 minutes. Take 1 tsp. of the liquid three times per day. Echinacea is a natural immune system enhancer and may help your body ward off the herpes virus, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs."
Step 3
Add fresh dandelion leaves to salads, soups and stews. Dandelion may promote proper pH levels in your bloodstream, which may help prevent shingles. It may also detoxify your liver, allowing this organ to clear herpes zoster virus cells from your bloodstream, according to Balch.
Step 4
Steep 1 tsp. powdered goldenseal root in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Drink two cups of the resulting tea per day. Berberine, the active chemical compound in goldenseal, may help prevent the spread of the herpes zoster virus. Berberine may also stimulate the production of white blood cells that attack this virus, according to Castleman.
Tips and Warnings
- Add cayenne pepper to entrees, side dishes, sauces and salsas. Capsaicin, the chemical that gives cayenne peppers their heat, may reduce the intense pain associated with shingles. Add honey or agave nectar to goldenseal tea to offset the bitter taste.
Things You'll Need
- Skullcap
- Echinacea
- Dandelion leaves
- Goldenseal
- Cayenne pepper
- Honey
- Agave nectar
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
