11 Best Home Remedies for Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

1. Mint Tea
2. Aloe Vera
3. Cayenne Pepper
4. St. John’s Wort Oil
5. Plantain Leaf Lotion
6. All Spice Paste
7. Celery
8. Juniper Berry
9. Lemon / Lemon Balm
10. Lavender Oil
11. Lysine

Root Causes, Common Symptoms of Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles is also known as Herpes Zoster (Scientific), dad chajan (Hindi/Urdu), nagin (Marathi), Akki cinnammai (Tamil), Dai zhuang pao zhen (Chinese), Infección de herpes (Spanish), herpes zoster (Portuguese), Harapisa zoster (Bengali), Opoyasyvayushchiy gerpes (Russian). Herpes zoster or zona. The first sign of shingles is sensitivity in the area to be affected, then pain, fever or sickness. A rash of small blisters develops on the fourth or fifth day; these turn yellow within a few days, form scabs, then drop off, sometimes leaving scars. Shingles is an extremely painful disease caused by the herpes zoster virus (which is also the chickenpox virus). Following an attack of chickenpox the virus remains dormant in the body. Many years later a drop in the efficiency of the immune system may cause reactivation of the virus, this time in the form of shingles, causing acute inflammation in the ganglia near the spinal cord. The pain, which can be disabling, may continue for a few months after the blisters heal.

Shingles – Herpes Zoster Home Remedies

Mint Tea

Try using a mixed mint tea. Use lots of Lemon Balm plus any other mints you would like: Hyssop, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Self Heal, Spearmint or Thyme. Add a little Licorice as well. Drink it and also try applying it directly to the rash.

Aloe Vera

Fresh aloe vera gel or lotion can be applied to sore and inflamed skin, and may be used for conditions such as herpes sores and shingles. Wash the leaf and cut lengthwise. Slice each piece in half, to expose the largest amount of gel. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and tape. Store into refrigerator. To use remove plastic and apply the gel side of the leaf to the skin; smear over the affected area, or hold in place with a bandage.

Cayenne Pepper

Creams containing cayenne are frequently used in the treatment of shingles. As it has great antimicrobial qualities and can help in regeneration of damaged cells in the body. A salve composed of 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel, 1 tablespoon organic coconut oil and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper can applied to the infected area 3 – 4 times per day. Cayenne can be taken in capsule form, added to food, and applied as cream.

St. John’s Wort Oil

St. John’s wort tincture can be used for shingles, cold sores, and herpes. It is a traditional folk remedy. Here is DIY home recipe. To make St. John’s wort oil pick the flowering tops on a dry, sunny morning. Put into a pestle, add a small amount of a pure, light vegetable oil such as sunflower oil. Pour just enough to cover, then pound together to crush, bruise, and start releasing the oil. Put into a large clear glass jar. Cover with more oil so that all of the herb is well covered. Shake well. Then add another inch of oil. Leave outside in direct sunlight for 20 days. The oil will turn red when it is ready. Use it for skin healing and for nerve damage. This oil is best as a base for massage oils, or as a salve.

Plantain Leaf Lotion

Plantain leaf lotion can soothes neuralgic pains and shingles rash. To make lotion, finely chop sufficient fresh plantain leaves to fill a small jar. Add sufficient glycerin to cover the leaves. Stand for 2 weeks, stirring from time to time. Strain and store in a dark bottle. Makes a soothing and healing lotion for weeping and itchy rashes and insect bites too.

All Spice Paste

For treating the spots which develop, apply all spice paste. Grind cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a pestle and mortar. Add water to make a thick paste. Apply to spots to numb the pain. You can also buy all spices in ready made ground powder.

Celery

Celery juice or celery tea can alleviate the pain and help to tone up the nervous system.

Juniper Berry

Apply bruised juniper berries to the spots for effective pain relief.

Lemon / Lemon Balm

Fresh lemon can be cut and applied to the affected areas to relieve the pain. Lemon balm is also useful on chicken pox and shingles. Both chicken pox and shingles are the same virus as herpes. Used topically, lemon balm will help heal the sores of chicken pox and shingles much quicker than on their own.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil can be applied to the skin in almost any situation involving pain. Massage the oil onto herpes or shingles sores.

Lysine

Lysine is considered a natural remedy for cold, sores, shingles and genital herpes. Try to include food in diet which are high in lysine such as tofu, meat, fish, green peas, navy beans.