Alternative Medicine for Shingles

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. It manifests itself with a very painful rash that can appear anywhere on your body. It is most common as a band that covers one side of your midsection, according to The Mayo Clinic. If you have had chicken pox there is the risk of contracting shingles. Unfortunately there is no cure for shingles, but many alternative remedies will bring relief and reduce inflammation.

Symptoms of Shingles

• Some of the physical symptoms of shingles include pain, burning, itching and tingling. A red rash will appear several days after the onset of pain. The blisters will often open and then crust over. Occasionally you will have symptoms such as fever and chills, headaches, fatigue and chronic itchiness.

Lemon Balm

• According to Holisticonline.com, lemon balm can offer some relief for the symptoms of shingles. You can make a drinkable tea with the dried leaves of lemon balm or apply the tea with a cotton ball to the infected area several times a day.

Mint Tea

• Dr. James Duke, author of "Green Pharmacy," suggests making a tea with licorice, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, spearmint, sage and thyme to relieve the burning and itching. You can drink this tea or apply it to the infected rash area.

Red pepper

• Capsaisin, a property found in the red chili pepper, has shown some promise in alleviating pain symptoms of shingles. In addition, it has been used to treat pain for other conditions such as neuropathy and arthritis. When applied, it may cause a burning and itching sensation, but that soon dissipates.

Miscellaneous

• There are several other alternative remedies to experiment with. Echinacea, taken in high doses, has been known to help control the pain caused by shingles. St. John's Wart, an herbal antiviral commonly used for depression, is also helpful in alleviating some of the painful symptoms of shingles.