Shingles

What you need to know

This uncomfortable condition affects up to 20 per cent of adults at some time and it can be excruciatingly painful. Happily, however, alongside conventional pain-relieving drugs, there are several things you can do to help yourself.

The most useful Herbs:

Although there are no well researched supplements to help this condition, it maybe useful to keep the immune system nourished by taking a good hi-potency multivitamin and mineral supplement in addition to a well balanced diet. In addition you can follow the advice given in immunodeficiency.

L-Lysine	1gm to 5gm per day, decreased as condition improves
Vitamin C	3-5 grams per day
Vitamin B-complex	Hi-potency product 1-2 times daily
Vitamin E	Applied to the skin twice daily

The most useful Herbs:

Echinacea	500mg 3 times per day
Lemon balm	500mg 3 times per day
Liquorice	500mg 3 times per day
St Johns Wort	500mg 3 times per day - but check with your doctor if you are taking blood thinning drugs or anti-depressants or the mini pill
Wild lettuce	500mg 3 times per day

Homoeopathy

The following homeopathic remedies may also help.

Byronia
Mezzereum
Ranunculus bulb
Rhus toxicodendron

Aromatherapy

The following properly diluted Aromatherapy oils could also help. Get someone to massage them down the sides of the spine - or, if that’s too painful, gently paint or spray them on.

Bergamot
Lavender
Chamomile
Tea Tree

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

Avoid chocolate and nuts while the infection is active as they are high in the amino acid Arginine, which can feed the virus. Also avoid Arginine supplements.

Other useful advice:

Traditional Acupressure is one of the few therapies that could help post-herpetic neuralgia.

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The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.