Ways to relieve the symptoms prevent relapse of shingles

Shingles is not fun and can become a far more serious condition than chicken pox. The good news is that from our Bodywise Herbal Dispensary, there are ways to relieve the symptoms of the effects of the virus, fatigue and pain, and prevent the relapse of shingles with herbal medicine and nutritional supplements. Our naturopaths prescribe antiviral, immune boosting herbal medicines and supplements, and a great pain relieving cream. However treating stress, it’s a debilitating viral infection, is also essential.

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster (chickenpox) , and usually lies dormant for decades without causing any symptoms in those who had chicken pox earlier in life.  However the underlying cause for the activation of the virus may be strongly associated with a lack of fresh fruit and veges, acute stress and loss of sleep, resulting in lowered immunity and fatigue. The conditions allow for the reactivation of the virus  which passes along nerves appearing appearing anywhere on the skin as a painful rash and blisters lasting for two to four weeks. Early intervention with conventional medicine can be very successful, but for many that brief window of approximately 48 hours is missed. The usual conventional medicines offered include very strong pain medication, which for some clouds their thinking and at worst creates uncomfortable side effects.

A natural approach to treating shingles and herpes cold sores are similar as both thrive in a body with a weakened immune system. The herpes family of viruses are particularly effected by a person’s L-arginine to L-lysine ratio. These are amino acids found inside the human body and from protein containing foods. There must be a greater level of arginine in the body for herpes viruses to thrive.

Lysine is found in proteins, dairy, and most vegetables. Arginine is found in nuts, chocolate, and tomatoes. Ensuring that the diet is higher in lysine foods, until the outbreak passes if very important. 2,000 to 3,000 mg of vitamin C along with adequate supplementation with Zinc,  and Selenium and for those living and working indoors most of the day light hours, Vitamin D3.

Capsaicin is a very useful application for Postherpetic neuralgia is a complication of shingles, that can last long after the initial rash and blisters disappear. A double-blind study of 32 elderly patients with chronic postherpetic neuralgia were treated with either capsaicin cream or a placebo.  After six weeks almost 80 percent of capsaicin-treated patients had relief from postherpetic neuralgia.  Hypericum and peppermint also make the pain less unbearable.

Herbal medicines to prevent shingles and to relieve the symptoms can really help? As stated earlier, a naturopath can put all the essential herbs that are have anti-viral properties, stimulate the immune system, reduce fatigue, enhance liver function and provide pain relief. Initially usual pain relief is required. Treatment will need to be used for several weeks along side moderating any lifestyle habits that hinder healing.