How to Use Herbs to Treat Shingles

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the Varicella zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox when we are children. The virus never leaves the body completely and immune deficiency or emotional stress can reactivate the virus, causing shingles. There are several herbs that can help soothe the irritation and inflammation that accompany shingles.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tsp. dried mullein flowers and leaves
• Clean cotton cloth
• 2 cups aloe vera gel
• ¼ cup dried lemon balm leaves
• ¼ cup dried St. John's Wort flowers
• 1/8 cup dried cut licorice root
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 2 quart-sized jars
• Cheesecloth
• 8 drops lemon or lavender essential oil

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Instructions

• 1

  Steep dried mullein leaves and flowers in one cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain the herbs and allow the tea to cool completely.

• 2

  Soak the clean cotton cloth in the cooled mullein tea. Apply the compress directly to the rash. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes and repeat as needed.

• 3

  Blend aloe vera gel, herbs, licorice root and cayenne in the quart-sized jar. Allow the mixture to sit for 24 hours at room temperature.

• 4

  Strain through cheesecloth into a clean jar. Add essential oil and cap the jar tightly. Store the solution in the refrigerator.

• 5

  Apply the solution to a normal patch of skin as a test before using it profusely. Add more aloe vera gel if it burns on contact. If it doesn't burn at all, add more cayenne pepper.

• 6

  Apply to affected skin three to five times daily, as needed, until your shingles go away. Wash your hands with soap after application to avoid spreading the burning compounds.