Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful and chronic infection of the nerve endings that appears as an eruption of tiny blisters on the body. It occurs when the latent chicken pox virus (varicella-zoster) becomes active and attacks nerve cells in the skin. The virus can be triggered by stress, illness or a weakened immune system. Herbal actions for shingles require anti-inflammatories, nervines, anti-microbials, anodynes, sedatives and immune system stimulants.
Echinacea
Fight shingles and enhance your immune system with echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida). Echinacea constituents work to reduce inflammation in nerve endings. Often, shingles blisters become infected with bacteria. Echinacea is effective against bacterial and viral infections. Echinacea can also benefit your immune system. According to research reported in "Immunomodulatory Agents from Plants," the polysaccharides in echinacea are potent immune system stimulants.
Jamaican Dogwood
Jamaican dogwood (Piscidia erythrina) is a potent nerve sedative and anodyne that relieves neuralgia caused by the viral attack on nerve endings. Take only the recommended dose of Jamaican dogwood; in toxic doses it can cause respiratory paralysis. Do not take this herb if you are pregnant, and avoid giving it to children.
Oats
Oatstraw (Avena sativa) is a nerve tonic used to reduce stress and fortify the nervous system. Stress management is important in controlling the severity and number of outbreaks of shingles. Oatstraw can be used long-term .
Passion Flower
Use passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) as a nerve tonic to restore damaged nerves and relieve nerve pain caused by inflammation. The flavonoids in passion flower--kaempferol, apigenin and luteolin--have strong anti-inflammatory and antiviral actions.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) treats several aspects of shingles. It's a nerve tonic used specifically to relieve the pain of inflamed and damaged nerves. It also has antiviral activity and is a popular treatment for depression and stress. Avoid exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light when taking St. John's wort.
Valerian
Reduce stress and anxiety with Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Valerian is an herbal sedative with a mild effect against nerve pain.
Lemon Balm
Use lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) to fight viral infection and for the nerve pain of shingles. Lemon balm is an antimicrobial, effective against different forms of the herpes virus, and can be used internally and externally. According to a 2008 study in "Phytomedicine," lemon balm oil may be a useful topical treatment for herpes infections.
Cayenne
Use cayenne (Capsicum annuum) as a topical ointment to treat postherpetic neuralgia--nerve pain that continues after the shingles blisters heal. According to herbalist David Hoffmann, the capsaicin in cayenne blocks nerves from sending pain sensations to the brain. Cayenne ointment can also relieve the itching of shingles blisters.
References
- "Immunomodulatory Agents from Plants"; Hildebert Wagner; 1999.
- "Phytomedicine"; Melissa officinalis oil affects infectivity of enveloped herpesviruses; Schnitzler P, Schuhmacher A, Astani A, Reichling J; September 2008.
- "Medical Herbalism"; David Hoffmann; 2003.
