Shingles are also known as herpes zoster. This is an infection which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. There was one study done by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) in which was estimated that one million people who are affected with shingles are in the United States of America and they are happening every year [1]. This virus, varicella-zoster, is the same virus that causes chickenpox. When someone gets chickenpox, then this virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues of the body even after someone has used a treatment. When this virus gets reactivated, then shingles are happening. It is not known the reason what the cause for this virus to reactivate. Every single person who had chickenpox can get shingles. It is a known fact that elderly people and people who had chickenpox before one year of age are having a higher risk of developing shingles. Also, people who have a weak immune system and people who suffer from health conditions like leukemia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), lymphoma, and cancer are having a higher risk of developing it. A red skin rash with pain and burning sensation are the main characteristics of shingles.
The rash is usually on one side of the body and it happens in small patches mostly on the buttocks, trunk, or face. This rash can be very itchy and it can develop into blisters. Also, there are other symptoms of shingles such as sensitivity to light, fatigue, body pain, fever, and headache. Shingles can clear on their own in a period of 3 – 4 weeks. There are many antiviral medications which are very effective for the treatment of shingles. Also, you can use some of the below-mentioned home remedies to ease the discomfort of shingles and speed up the healing process. Talk with your doctor if you suffer from shingles. He or she will tell you which the best natural treatment for you is. [2]
10 Home remedies for shingles
Contents
Garlic
This home remedy is one of the strongest antiviral foods which are available [3]. It is a very effective home remedy for shingles. You should make a paste of 5 garlic cloves and apply them to the affected area. Let it stay there for 5 minutes. Then, wash it off using warm water. You should do this natural treatment on daily basis for a period of 1 or 2 weeks. Also, you can eat 3 to 4 cloves of raw garlic on daily basis. Also, you can take 2 * 1000 mg capsules two times per day for a period of one week. Talk with your doctor about the recommended dosage of garlic capsules.
Licorice
This home remedy has several immune-boosting and antiviral compounds which can help in the treatment of shingles [4]. You should add a little water to 1 teaspoon of licorice powder to make a paste. You should apply this paste to the affected area. Let it dry on its own. Then, rinse it off using warm water. You should follow this home remedy 2 or 3 times per day for a period of one or 2 weeks. Also, you can brew a strong tea from licorice and allow it to cool. Then, dab it on the blisters using cotton balls. You should do this natural treatment 3 or 4 times per day until you see improvements in your condition.
Aloe Vera
This home remedy has soothing and cooling properties which are making it one of the best home remedies for shingles. It can speed up the healing process, reduce pain and itching and soothe the affected skin [5]. You should apply freshly extracted Aloe Vera gel to the affected area. Rub it gently in a circular motion. You should let it stay there on its own for about thirty minutes. Then, wash it off using cold water. Also, you can take a cold bath. You should follow this home remedy 2 or 3 times per day for a period of one week.
Apple cider vinegar
This is also a very effective home remedy for shingles. It can help to dry out the sores and it can stop the itching. It is a natural disinfectant and it has antiviral properties which can help to speed up the recovery process. You should mix together equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water. You should soak a cotton cloth in this home remedy and then place it on the affected area. You should let it stay there until it dries on its own. You should repeat this natural treatment several times per day until the shingles heal completely. Also, you can add one teaspoon of honey and apple cider vinegar to one glass of warm water. You should drink this home remedy 3 times per day with meals for a period of 1 – 2 weeks.
Oatmeal
This home remedy has soothing and anti-irritating properties which can give you relief from pain, irritation, and constant itchiness that are associated with shingles. You should add 2 cups of finely powdered oatmeal to a bathtub filled with lukewarm water. You should soak in this bath water for ten to fifteen minutes. You should take this soothing bath 2 or 3 times per day until there is improvement in your condition. There is another option which you can make and that is to make a paste of one tablespoon of coarsely powdered oatmeal and water. You should apply this paste to the affected area. Allow it to dry on its own. Then, wash it off using warm water. You should repeat this natural treatment several times per day for a period of one week.
Cold water
Cold water will help to control the pain from blisters. It can ease irritation and itching. You should soak a towel in cold water. Wring out the excess water. Gently, place it on the blisters. You should let it stay there for twenty minutes. Then, remove it. You should repeat this natural treatment until the pain decreases. Also, you can take a cool bath to ease the pain. You should soak in cool water for several minutes. Then, pat dries your skin completely. You should not use ice packs or water which is too cold. Also, you should be sure to wash any used towels to prevent the spreading of this virus.
Virgin coconut oil
Pure virgin coconut oil has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties which can help to treat the shingles [6]. You should lightly warm some virgin coconut oil. You should apply this oil to the affected skin and cover it with gauze. You should change every few hours. You should continue using this home remedy until you notice improvements in your condition. Also, you can try to include 2 or 3 tablespoons of coconut oil in your daily diet. You should start by taking one tablespoon per day and you should increase the amount. This is one of the best ways in which you can help your body to heal quickly.
Honey
This is a very effective home remedy which you can use to treat blisters that are associated with shingles. Honey has healing and skin–reviving properties which can help to clear up the blisters and it can give relief from irritation and pain. You should apply honey to a bandage and put it on the affected area. You should use as many bandages as needed to cover the area. You should replace it with fresh honey every few hours. You should continue using this home remedy until your condition improves. Also, you should eat one tablespoon of honey on a daily basis because this can boost your immune system to have a faster recovery. [7]
Sea salt
This home remedy has antiseptic properties and this is a reason why you can use it as your natural treatment for shingles. This home remedy can help dry up the blisters quickly to get a faster recovery. You should mix one tablespoon of sea salt with ½ cup of water. You should use a cotton ball to apply this home remedy to the affected area. You should do this natural treatment 3 or 4 times per day for a period of one week because it can help you to heal the blisters. Also, you can add ½ to one cup of sea salt to your bath water and you should soak your body in it for a period of thirty minutes. Do this natural treatment on a daily basis. You should keep the blisters exposed to air as much as possible.
Lemon balm
It is a known fact that the lemon balm has polyphenols which are giving this herb antiviral properties. It can help to rid of the discomfort and pain from rashes and blisters. You should make a lemon balm tea by steeping 2 to 4 teaspoons of this herb in one cup of boiling water for 5 – 10 minutes. You should let this tea cool. Soak a cotton ball in this tea. Apply this home remedy to the affected area. Let it stay there until it dries completely. You should repeat this home remedy at least 4 times per day until you get relief. You should keep the inflamed skin dry and clean. You should not pick at the blisters. You should not share any flannels, towels, or clothes with others. [4]
References:
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overview: Shingles (herpes zoster). 2018. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/overview.html.
[2] Kawai K, Gebremeskel BG, Acosta CJ. Systematic review of incidence and complications of herpes zoster: towards a global perspective. BMJ Open. 2014;4(6).
[3] Gebreyohannes G, Tedla M. Medicinal values of garlic: A review. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences. 2013;5(9):401-408.
[4] Yarnell E, Abascal K. Herbs for treating herpes zoster infections. Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 2005;11(3):131-134.
[5] Shireen F, Manipal S, Prabu D. Anti-fungal activity of Aloe vera: In vitro study. SRM Journal of Research in Dental Sciences. 2015;6(2):92-95.
[6] Lieberman S, Enig MG, Preuss HG. A review of monolaurin and lauric Acid – Natural virucidal and bactericidal agents. Alternative & Complementary Therapies. 2006.310-314.
[7] Shahzad A, Cohrs RJ. In vitro antiviral activity of honey against varicella zoster virus (VZV): A translational medicine study for potential remedy for shingles. Translational Biomedicine. 2012;3(2):2.
