Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a painful illness that affects your nerves and skin. If you had chickenpox as a child, you may be at risk for shingles, since the varicella-zoster virus causes both diseases. After a bout of chickenpox, the virus lies dormant for years until something triggers it. Doctors don't know exactly why the virus becomes active again, but stress, aging and a weakened immune system may play a role. Natural herbs may help relieve the pain, blisters and itching of shingles. Consult your health care practitioner before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbal nerve tonics and relaxants may help nourish damaged nerve tissue and relieve the pain, states herbalist David Hoffmann in his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine." Herbs with anti-inflammatory action may help reduce the blisters and rash, and antimicrobial herbs can help your immune system fight the virus.
Saint John's Wort
Saint John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is a traditional remedy for nerve pain and inflamed wounds. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster recommend applying compresses of cool Saint John's wort tea several times each day to relieve itching and reduce pain. They caution not to apply products made with oil to blistered or crusted skin. You can also take a tincture or capsules internally to fight the viral infection, since Saint John's wort has antimicrobial properties. This herb may increase your sensitivity to sunshine, so cover your skin if you go outdoors.
Cayenne
Cayenne peppers, or Capsicum spp., are hot, spicy peppers with potent medicinal properties. Capsaicin and capsaicinoids are the active ingredients, and they work by depleting substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in pain and inflammation. White and Foster suggest adding cayenne powder to a non-oil based lotion or gel and applying it topically, or you can purchase a prepared cayenne cream for external use. Make sure to wash your hands after using cayenne, since it can irritate your eyes and other sensitive areas.
Echinacea
Echinacea, or Echinacea spp., is an herbal immune stimulant that herbalists use to treat upper respiratory infections, wounds, skin inflammations and urinary tract infections. The active ingredients include polysaccharides, amides and caffeic acid, and the plant has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Herbalist David Hoffmann recommends it to support your immune system during a bout of shingles. You can use echinacea capsules or tinctures or drink several cups of echinacea tea each day. Do not use echinacea if you have an autoimmune disorder.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
