Shingles is caused by the herpes virus. Shingles produces a rash that is similar to chicken pox except that it often occurs on only one side of the body. It is often quite painful, because the virus causes nerve fibers to become swollen and inflamed. If you think you may have shingles, see your health care provider as soon as possible. Herbal treatment for shingles includes some topical and internal remedies that may offer some relief from the pain and inflammation.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
According to herbal botanist Dr. James A. Duke, lemon balm has been proven effective in the treatment of herpes, the same virus that causes shingles. Make a tea using 2 tsp. of dried leaf per cup of boiling water. Allow to steep 5 to 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 5 cups per day. Using a cotton ball, apply the tea directly to the rash several times per day. Dr. Duke says, "Lemon balm is safer than coffee in my book."
Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum minimum and Other Species)
To help relieve the pain of postshingles neuralgia, use red peppers. In addition to being a circulatory stimulant, capsaicin, a compound in hot red peppers, helps to block pain signals from the nerves that lie just beneath the skin. Try mixing red pepper powder with any white skin lotion until it turns pinkish. Dab it onto the affected areas, excluding the area around the eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after application to keep lotion out of eyes and other sensitive areas.
Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
Skullcap has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can help clear up the rash and relieve postshingles pain. Mix 3 gm of crushed root with enough water to make a paste. Apply to rash one to three times per day. Avoid using skullcap during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Chinese angelica (Angelica sinensis)
Also known as dang-quai, Chinese angelica is most commonly used to help menstrual problems. It is also believed to enhance circulation and to have antiseptic properties helpful to healing shingles. Make a tea or tincture using 1 to 3 tsp. of powdered angelica root. Check with your health care provider before taking Chinese angelica if you are pregnant or have diarrhea. Note: Chinese angelica has different properties than other varieties of angelica. Make sure you are using Angelica sinensis.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice root contains anti-inflammatory components, immune-boosting properties and eight antiviral compounds, all of which help relieve pain and lessen the severity of the shingles virus. Use 1 tsp. of dried root per cup of boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes. Drink 1 to 3 cups per day. Make a stronger version to apply directly to the affected areas. Contact your health care provider before taking licorice if you have liver disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure or are pregnant.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
The passionflower is native to tropical and semitropical areas of North, Central and South America. In addition to acting as a mild tranquilizer, passionflower is also an analgesic, or pain reliever, and can help alleviate pain from postshingles neuralgia. A daily dosage of 4 to 8 gm of herb (1 to 3 tsp. dried) per day is recommended. Drink passionflower tea made with the herb or tincture. Note: Do not exceed recommended dose; larger amounts may cause depression.
Warning
Always check with your health care provider before trying herbal remedies.
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