Holistic Therapy for Shingles

Shingles, medically known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection. The most evident symptom of shingles is a painful rash and blisters on one side of a person's body, normally in a strip formation. Although shingles occurs in people of many ages, the disease presents itself most often in those over 65. There are a variety of treatments available for people suffering from this affliction, including holistic therapy.

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture treatments can help combat shingles. The Eastern practice of acupuncture is gaining wider use in the Western world, including in the United States. Acupuncture is utilized to combat a number of different conditions, diseases and disorders, including shingles.

  Acupuncture practitioners treating shingles maintain that it is important to start this course of treatment immediately. In some cases, if shingles are not treated when the skin outbreak occurs, the disease potentially causes serious impairment of the nerves. This condition is known as postherpetic neuralgia.

Herbal Remedy

• There are a number of herbal medicines that are used to treat and relieve the symptoms of shingles. These remedies are used alone or in combination with other treatments.

  Lemon balm is used to resolve shingles. A tea is made using two teaspoons of dried lemon leaf for each cup of boiling water. Once steeped, the lemon balm tea is applied directly to the shingles rash several times. This procedure is repeated a few times each day until the rash subsides.

  Another herbal remedy for shingles uses red pepper. Red pepper contains a substance known as capsaicin. This remedy is used both to treat the skin rash associated with shingles and to deal with postherpetic neuralgia. The capsaicin in red pepper is said to block the pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia. The remedy is prepared by blending powdered red pepper into any white skin lotion until the mixture turns a light pink. The mixture is dabbed on a few times a day until the symptoms (rash or pain) resolve.

Warning

• Seek prompt professional attention if you believe you are suffering from shingles. The best chance of resolving shingles in a timely manner--and with the least amount of discomfort--is through immediate intervention.

  Although traditional medical providers prescribe medications to resolve shingles, holistic remedies have also proven effective in treating the condition. No matter which course you are most comfortable with, a proactive stance works best to help avoid the painful postherpetic neuralgia condition.