Shingles, cause of this commonly known herpes zoster virus is a late manifestation of the chicken pox virus known as varicella zoster.
Although shingles affects millions of adults by the time they reach 80, it is not uncommon for younger people to develop the virus.
Symptoms of shingles?
Symptoms include pain, itching, or a tingling sensation prior to the appearance of a severely painful skin rash of red, fluid-filled blisters that later crust over. The rash is typically located on the trunk or face and only affects one side of the body. Pain may resolve rapidly or persist in the area of the rash for months to years after the rash disappears.
Herbel remedies for shingles
Red pepper for Shingles-Red pepper contains an ingredient called capsaicin that is a herbal remedy for postherpetic neuralgia. Capsaicin brings relief by blocking pain signals from nerves just under the skin. Commercial creams such as Zostrix and Capzasin-P, contain capsaicin.
leaves Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis). The root of this plant, powdered and mixed with water, was used as a folk treatment for shingles in China. It has known antiviral activity, so I think this is worth a try.
leaves Chinese angelica (Angelica sinensis). Also known as dang-quai, this herb is revered in Asia as the best herb for menstrual problems and other women's health concerns. In addition, the Chinese have used the powdered root successfully to treat shingles. It can be used in tea or tincture. (Do not take this herb if you are pregnant, however.)
Starch Bath:-Put a handful of starch into your bathwater and soak around 20 minutes. This is ideal before going to sleep to lessen the pain caused by blisters.
Chickweed-Chickweed has been known to be effective in relieving the itch caused by shingles. You can get creams that contain chickweed at your local health food store.
Broader Context of Treatment :-Good nutrition and support of general health are crucial. Pain relief medication containing acetaminophen, e.g. Tylenol, may prolong the illness.
Pharmacological research suggests that capsaic in, from Capsicum minimum, may be helpful as a pain reliever, and thus capsules of cayenne may be helpful.
Prognosis-Generally, the prognosis for persons with shingles is good. Shingles is almost never a life-threatening disease in otherwise healthy patients, and usually resolves without treatment in a few weeks. However, postherpetic neuralgia, which occurs more often in elderly patients, can be disabling and difficult to treat.
Apis mellifica 30c: Apis mellifica may be helpful if there is burning, stinging pain with intense itching and people are very sensitive to touch. Any form of heat severely aggravates the symptoms. Individuals are much relieved by cool air and cold applications. Apis mellifica 30c can be taken three to four times daily until improvement is noted.
Rhus toxicodendron 6c: Rhus toxicodendron may be indicated if there is a red, itchy rash with vesicle formation. The scalp may also be involved. Warmth helps in this situation. Individuals are unhappy resting in bed and feel better walking about. There is little relief from scratching. Rhus toxicodendron 6c can be taken three to four times daily until improvement is noted.
Take bayberry, cinnamon, ginger, lobelia, and valerian root to aid the healing process.
Drink pennyroyal tea frequently.
Avoid heat as well as tight clothes and itchy fabrics like wool.
Calamine lotion may relieve the pain and help dry the lesions.
