Shingles, which can occur at any age, is caused by a virus that targets a nerve and the surrounding skin. This condition, notes the National Health Service of the United Kingdom, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and typically affects just one area on either side of your body. Herbs are a time-honored treatment approach for shingles, although some herbs may not have undergone rigorous scientific testing. Talk with your doctor about herb-related health issues, including risks and side effects.
Shingles Virus
One of the most commonly experienced shingles-related symptoms is a painful and blistering rash, notes FamilyDoctor.org. Other symptoms that frequently accompany shingles include problems urinating, diarrhea, chills, fever and nausea. In most cases, the blisters that characterize this condition disappear after one week, although a scar or skin discoloration in the affected area may remain for an extended period of time. The shingles virus is not contagious, although a person who has never had chickenpox may catch chickenpox from a person with shingles.
Appropriate Herbs
Appropriate herbs for shingles help reduce shingles-related pain and help treat skin blisters. Naturopathic physician and herbalist Sharol Tlgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that appropriate herbs in treating shingles may include gumweed, bloodroot, St. John's wort and valerian. Cayenne may help treat your pain and assist skin healing, while skullcap may decrease stress and itching. Olive leaf extract is a powerful anti-viral agent, as is green tea.
Featured Remedy: Licorice
Licorice extract may be particularly helpful in treating your shingles, although few scientific research studies have examined the effectiveness of this herb for this condition. Nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," notes that licorice extract has historically been applied topically to help treat shingles and postherpetic neuralgia -- a painful shingles complication. Licorice extract may also disrupt the virus's growth. Avoid using this herbal remedy until you have talked with your doctor.
Considerations
Because not all herbs have been subjected to rigorous clinical studies, you should use great caution when ingesting or applying herbs to help treat your shingles. A health care professional specializing in botanical, or herbal, medicine can counsel you on the herbs that are safest and most appropriate for your condition as well as instructing you on the proper and most beneficial way to use herbs to treat your ailment. Some herbs may cause negative health side effects, especially if used improperly.
References
- National Health Service: Shingles
- FamilyDoctor.org: Shingles
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
