Shingles

Natural Support for Shingles – Herbal, Homeopathic, and Nutritional Remedies

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is caused by the reactivation of the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After an initial childhood infection, the virus can lie dormant in the body’s nerve cells for decades. A weakened immune system—due to aging, stress, illness, or immune-suppressive medications—may trigger its reactivation, leading to painful blisters, nerve inflammation, and skin irritation.

Although shingles is not typically contagious, it can transmit the chickenpox virus through open lesions to individuals who have never had it.

An Integrated Approach to Shingles

An effective care plan for shingles focuses on:

• Reducing acute symptoms

• Soothing the skin

• Supporting nerve recovery

• Strengthening immune function

• Managing post-herpetic neuralgia (lingering nerve pain)

This holistic approach combines internal herbal and nutritional supplementation with topical applications and homeopathic remedies.

Topical Herbal Applications for Soothing Skin

• Aloe Vera Gel & Vitamin E Oil: Soothe inflamed skin, relieve itching, and promote healing.

• Melissa (Lemon Balm): Has antiviral properties and is calming when applied to blisters.

• Licorice Root Extract: Acts as an anti-inflammatory and supports skin regeneration.

• St. John's Wort (Hypericum): Used topically, it helps reduce nerve pain and improve healing.

• Calendula Cream: A gentle, healing herbal base for inflamed or damaged skin.

Internal Herbal and Nutritional Support

• Echinacea & Goldenseal: Enhance immune response and offer natural antimicrobial protection during acute episodes.
  Recommended dose: 125 mg Goldenseal and 200 mg Echinacea, four times daily during active shingles outbreaks.

• Flaxseed Oil: Rich in essential fatty acids, flaxseed oil supports nerve tissue and reduces inflammation.
  Dose: 1 tablespoon daily during flare-ups.

• L-Lysine: An amino acid that may help inhibit viral replication and reduce the duration of outbreaks.
  Dose: 1,000 mg three times daily during acute stages.

• Vitamin A: Antiviral and skin-repairing properties.
  Dose: 25,000 IU twice daily for up to 10 days (not suitable during pregnancy).

• Vitamin C & Flavonoids: Strengthen the immune system and protect cells from viral damage.
  Dose: 1,000 mg vitamin C + 500 mg flavonoids, three times daily.

• Selenium: A powerful antioxidant that assists the immune response during viral infections.
  Dose: 600 mcg daily during the acute phase only.

• Vitamin E: Helps reduce post-herpetic nerve pain and supports tissue repair.
  Dose: 400 IU twice daily (internally); Vitamin E oil may also be applied topically during flare-ups.

• Vitamin B12 & Folic Acid: Nourish the nervous system and help repair the myelin sheath around nerves.
  Dose: 1,000 mcg B12 and 400 mcg folic acid daily.

Homeopathic Remedies for Shingles Relief

Homeopathic remedies offer gentle support during an outbreak and in recovery. Selection is based on the specific symptom picture:

• Arsenicum album: For burning, restless pain relieved by warmth; worsens at night; patient may feel anxious or exhausted.

• Apis mellifica: For burning, stinging blisters that improve with cold applications and worsen with heat; patient may be irritable and touch-sensitive.

• Iris versicolor: For shingles with digestive symptoms, nausea, and painful eruptions typically on the right side of the abdomen.

• Rhus toxicodendron: For itchy, red, fluid-filled blisters relieved by hot baths or compresses; patient may be restless and constantly moving.

Note: Shingles near the eyes requires immediate medical attention. Homeopathy is not a substitute for urgent care in these cases.

Additional Self-Care Measures

• Do not scratch or burst blisters. Clean and dry the affected area gently to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

• Apply cool compresses or calamine lotion to reduce inflammation and itching.

• Avoid stress and prioritize rest to support immune function and recovery.

Other Beneficial Herbs and Botanicals

• St. John's Wort – Nervine and antiviral.

• Passionflower – Calms the nervous system.

• Oats (Avena sativa) – Soothes skin and nerves.

• Reishi Mushroom – Immune-modulating adaptogen.

• Benzoin Gum – Soothing and antiseptic.

• Camu Camu – Natural source of vitamin C.

Professional Support from Newtons Pharmacy

Newtons Compounding Pharmacy offers a range of custom herbal creams, homeopathic remedies, and immune support formulations to assist in the integrated care of shingles. We can prepare tailored blends of internal supplements and topical applications to suit your individual needs, including compounded nerve pain creams with herbal and nutritional actives.

For personalised recommendations, speak with our qualified naturopaths or compounding pharmacists.