Shingles
Natural Remedies

Exploring Natural Remedies and Supportive Care for Shingles

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Eucalyptus Oil

9 User Reviews
5 star (7) 
  78%
4 star (1) 
  11%
(1) 
  11%

Posted by Jo (Southampton, Hampshire, Uk) on 01/31/2012
★★★★★

Last night my whole leg was covered in painful red rash and blisters. I was at my wits end until I discovered this site. After purchasing aloe vera gel today and liberally applying it with eucalyptus oil I simply cannot believe the difference. The blisters have dried, the redness has significantly decreased and the pain has all but gone. I did try the ACV but found that it stung a lot and irritated the blisters. I did take it internally though. Last night I was writhing in pain unable to speak, today the pain is manageable and significantly better.


Eucalyptus Oil
Posted by Ruark (Sydney, Nsw Australia) on 11/10/2011
★★★★☆

I have been experiencing shingles for the first time. On the face which is excrutiating. Read a post here on using eucalyptus oil, so I just applied some and it certainly quelled the pain. As soon as I can get someone to help apply it to my scalp I reckon it will knock down the degree of pain too. Wow shingles is horrendous, any relief and a good night's sleep please.

Replied by Sarah B
(Jefferson Twp., Pa)
05/27/2012

I used an essential oil mix that has provided so much relief in only a day and a half. Tried bc it was all I had that had Eucalyptus oil in it and turned out to be amazing.


Eucalyptus Oil
Posted by Pmstar (San Diego, CA) on 06/29/2009
★★★★★

Australian Euculyptus Oil and Aloe Vera gel for Shingles

I've struggled with painful shingles for years now and used Calamine Lotion, Betadine, Alchol (ouch ) and everything imagineable. I discovered Aloe Vera gel to soothe and it works great but it only helps the pain and does nothing to cure. I often use pure ___ Eucylyptus Oil (___) for aches and pains. It works wonders by the way, just rub it in and joint and muscle pain is gone. Anyway I had a backache so hubby rubbed some on my back and I begged him please, please dont get it on the Shingles thinking it would hurt. Well, as he got in the areas near them and not even touching I could feel the pain go away. Could it be ? So I very carefully put it on a tiny spot. NO PAIN. AND I SWEAR IT ERASED THEM. We tried just one area the first night and really massaged it in because it didnt hurt at all to touch them once the AEO was on there. They simply disappeared in that spot. I couldn't wait to put it everywhere the next day. All thats left is a couple very small stubborn spots but with the oil they dont hurt at all ! It does smell strong - like Vicks so during the day I use the Aloe Vera gel to soothe any new breakouts but as soon as I get home from work I rub the ____ on it and massage it in and you can watch them disappear. It's amazing ! I hope there's no side effects. Been doing it for a week now. I'll post if there is any downside.


Folic Acid, Lysine, Vitamin C

4 User Reviews
5 star (4) 
  100%

Posted by Kristin (Oklahoma City, OK) on 07/23/2007
★★★★★

I get shingles a few times a year. My wonderful pharmacist told me of a 'cocktail' that works even better than prescriptions. If I feel an outbreak coming I take 800mg of Folic Acid, 1500mg of Lysine and 2000mg (minimum) of Vitamin C. Over the past three years I haven't had any bouts that ended with blisters. The important thing to remember is to take it the second you feel it coming, but even if you don't it doesn't last as long.

Replied by Capowrs5
(Davenport, Fl)
10/08/2010
★★★★★

This 'cocktail' absolutely works! It's amazing.. The minute I felt an outbreak start, I took it and it was better the next day... No rash at all.

Replied by Debbie
(Syracuse, Ny)
10/02/2015
★★★★★

I used a supplements too, and it has pretty much eliminated my shingles rash. 2000 mg daily of lysine for 3 days, then 500 mg in the a.m. and p.m. daily, Liposomal vitamin C 2000 mg ever 2 hours for the first 2 weeks, natural vitamin E 400 mg 2x daily, B-12 twice daily, moducare 2 caps three x daily for 1 week, then one capsule twice daily, vitamin D 5000 mg daily. I used bentonite clay on the blisters and they had drained in 2 days, then started using Emuaid max salve 2 x daily to heal the rash. They are looking real good, but still have to take pain meds for the underlying pain. I hope this pain goes away soon.

Replied by Monika
(Poland)
07/17/2016
★★★★★

"800mg of Folic Acid, 1500mg of Lysine and 2000mg (minimum) of Vitamin C"

WOW! This workes so well! Thank you very much.


Garlic

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Gloria (Florida) on 04/17/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Garlic was the only cure for my shingle's problem. I got sick in 2013. When I got the pain in the right side of my face, I thought it was a tooth problem. I took pain killers and went to the dentist on Friday. The dentist fixed a cavity, but the pain kept getting worse. It was a holiday weekend and the dentist couldn't see me. I couldn't eat, the pain was terrible. I went to see the doctor and he thought it was a trigeminal neuralgia and prescribed me an anti-inflammatory steroid with antibiotic. It was worse and I went to see the dentist again. My face was very swallowed and the dentist didn't find anything wrong, then he sent me again to the doctor. My daughter had to take me there, I was in very bad condition. At this time I already had some blisters in my face. The doctor prescribed me the acyclovir. By the time we left the doctor's office, the pain was impossible to manage. I was taking Tylenol 800. My daughter took me to the ER and they had to put me IV Acyclovir and Antibiotic . They gave me morphine and it didn't work.

Because the case was very severe, it almost took my eye and ear. The nerves were severely damaged and after that I got the shingles all the time. I never recover completely and I had to be in acyclovir most of the time. I tried every remedy possible but it didn't help. In Oct 2016 I stated taking (about) 8,000 milligrams. of fresh garlic a day. As few as 2 weeks I stopped the Acyclovir. I changed my diet. After a severe shingle's episode the nerve system gets deteriorated. You have to restore it. NO sugar. No alcohol. No spices. At least 8 glasses of water. I tried fruits and vegetables one at a time.

Remember the garlic lowers the blood pressure; start it in small amounts and see how your system reacts. The blueberries were great but effects me in the eyes. The sugar in pineapple helps to lower the levels of sugar in the blood. It's good for me. Out meal, olive oil and bananas work fine, but you can gain weight. In the morning I have a banana, I eat at least 2 eggs a day and one or two cucumbers (peeled) with lunch. I control the rice, bread and potatoes so I don't gain weight. I take two tablespoons of oatmeal with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in half glass or regular milk a day before bedtime. It helps me sleep. I eat sea food once a week.

At this time I am trying to substitute the fresh garlic for the odorless tablets. Sometimes is uncomfortable, but hey! I feel great and I Thank God for this new life that I have.

I PRAY THAT THIS INFORMATION WILL HELP YOU!


Garlic
Posted by Matt (Attleboro, Ma. USA) on 02/26/2009
★★★★★

Shingles relief: To get rid of the itch as soon as possible rub a garlic clove over the area. It works even better in the shower because the heat draws it in better. This will work and you can do it a few times a day like before work and after work in the shower and before bed . I also use bag balm after to prevent scaring. But the garlic is the best solution


Geranium Oil

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Sue (South) on 11/20/2018
★★★★★

I think the ACV may work to some degree, but is overrated. The best is geranium essential oil on the spots, and L-Lysine with C taken heavily internally.


Geranium Oil
Posted by Seanjk (Norcal, Usa) on 03/03/2014
★★★★★

I was looking for an internal solution to the Shingles problems for my older mother.

I very quickly cured the external shingles with geranium oil after reading some scientific papers about geranium oil. It worked far better than anything I tried, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, etc so I thought I would pass that along. Geranium oil appears to be the magic bullet for shingles externally if my mother's case is typical.

As far as reducing the stress on the internal organs, body due the virus, I tried common antiviral organics on her after the doctors prescription antivirals failed to do anything, externally or internally, and he refused to prescribe anymore for her, even though she has an expensive private plan. The 'kind' physicians told her to go home and die more or less. He must get a bonus for not prescribing

I have her on...

  • 2000 mg day of neem leaf extract -very, very safe strong antiviral , antibacterial, useful to fight cancer as well
  • 2000 mg a day of olive leaf extract, strong antiviral
  • 2000 mg a day of elderberry extract, strong antiviral, safe
  • 6000 mg equivalent of garlic oil, strong antiviral, safe
  • 6000 mg a day of time released buffered vitamin c,
  • also vitamin e, d, b-complex
  • and Cayenne extract

That provided some significant improvement to the stress on her, but I think I need to dose her higher on the cayenne extract. I was not watching her carefully enough on the Cayenne and she was not dosing her high enough.

There are other antivirals out there that are strong like licorice root but they can't be taken for a long time at higher doses. I had her on 2000 mg a day of licorice root for about a month.

Replied by Koolteach
(NC, USA)
01/11/2015

How old is your mother? You may actually be harming her, rather than helping her. I currently have Shingles. I am taking Lysine, Vit C, B Complex, Olive Leaf extract, and more recently starting taking Royal Jelly with Propolis and Pollen in it. I can't tell you how much difference this has made in just two days.

I tried all the essential oil "recipes" for Shingles and the only one that came close to helping maybe 10 mins. at a time was Tea Tree mixed with a quality Olive Oil. I have since abandoned that and am depending on the supplements listed above. The Bee product is fabulous. I highly recommend it. I was told last week that I have the post pain and that I can expect to be a "long-time patient" while my doctor tries various combos of narcotics to fight the pain. But, the Bee stuff works great and I finally think I will get out of this hell of the virus and finally get my life back. I hope this helps you and your mom, but back off a bit, won't you? If she is older, she does not need a bunch of stuff. Just find what works for the majority of us here and go for that.


Herbs

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Susanfrommontreal (Montreal, Canada) on 03/17/2012
★★★★★

Shingles: My husband had a severe case of shingles 3 years ago all over his upper body that lasted 3 months. The only way he could sleep was to wrap ice in a towel. We finally found a Dr who recommended a 9 step treatment at the hospital (injections in the spine) that finally worked along with a cream compound (xylotaine)

The shingles are back again (no more cream) but on his face this time. I had an herbal infusion made at a local shop that I read about with oak bark, sage, lady's mantle, oats, sweet clover& chamomile that I boilled, let cool and he used it as a compress. Itching gone. So far, so good.


Herbs
Posted by Dan (Bisbee, Arizona) on 07/04/2011
★★★★★

Hello, I want to suggest goldenseal tincture as a remedy for shingles. It tends to sting a bit but really helps to alieviate my symptoms. Also works on mouth sores and funky gums. I aply it topically and in the case of mouth problems I swish it around as long as I can then swallow it. One dropper is enough.


Herpetic Neuralgia Remedies

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Tessa (Nyc) on 03/05/2015
★★★★★

I contracted herpes in my 30s about 18 years ago and have suffered from postherpetic neuralgia ever since. I found that meds - such a Lyrica or gabapentin - are a nightmare (the horrific side effects outweigh any benefits). I have reduced my pain (arms and legs), which was once severely acute and constant, to either nonexistent or occasional and mild simply by doing the following:

(1) I avoid foods that are high in arginine (nuts, seeds, chocolate, especially), which can lead to excruciating bouts for me. Dairy is helpful (high in lysine). I remain aware of lysine versus arginine ratios in my diet, tipping the scale toward more lysine. I eat lots of vegetables, leafy greens, and some meat (lamb is high in lysine) -I keep it organic/free range.

(2) The real miracle cure for me: I take spirulina every morning (1000 mg).

(3) I do as much yoga as I can (yin yoga is especially great during bouts - something about stretching and breathing). I get acupuncture (but never during a bout because that will make it more acute).

(4) Try not to get too stressed out. Avoid an abundance of sun. Avoid getting overtired or overexerted (e.g., pushing myself beyond an athletic limit - as in running too long).

It's taken me a long time to figure it all out, so I wanted to pass it along. :)


Herpetic Neuralgia Remedies
Posted by Donna (Susanville, California, Usa) on 09/28/2011

Two months ago I began having extremely strange symptoms in the clitoral area. Every day for the past 8 weeks I have had feelings of sensitivity, aching, pressure, stabbing pains, tingling, numbness and pinching in this area. Four weeks after these sympoms started, I developed several lesions or sores on the outer labia. My gynocologist took a culture of them and put me on Acyclover to treat herpes... Which I didn't know I had! Within 48 hours my symptoms lessened. I have almost completed the two week treatment and the sores have healed.

My doctor says that the other symptoms which I still have to a lesser degree are called "herpetic neuralgia" but didn't tell me if there was anything that could be done to help them go away. He wants me to stay on the Acyclovir for another 2-3 months. Is there anyone out there who has experienced the same thing and has some advice to help my body heal? I would really appreciate it, because this has literally turned my life upside-down!

Replied by Tessa
(Nyc)
03/05/2015

I contracted herpes in my 30s about 18 years ago and have suffered from postherpetic neuralgia ever since. I found that meds - such a Lyrica or gabapentin - are a nightmare (the horrific side effects outweigh any benefits). I have reduced my pain (arms and legs), which was once severely acute and constant, to either nonexistent or occasional and mild simply by doing the following:

(1) I avoid foods that are high in arginine (nuts, seeds, chocolate, especially), which can lead to excruciating bouts for me. Dairy is helpful (high in lisine). I remain aware of lisine versus arginine ratios in my diet, tipping the scale toward more lisine. I eat lots of vegetables, leafy greens, and some meat (lamb is high in lisine) -I keep it organic/free range.

(2) The real miracle cure for me: I take spirulina every morning (1000 mg).

(3) I do as much yoga as I can (yin yoga is especially great during bouts - something about stretching and breathing). I get acupuncture (but never during a bout because that will make it more acute).

(4) Try not to get too stressed out. Avoid an abundance of sun. Avoid getting overtired or overexerted (e.g., pushing myself beyond an athletic limit - as in running too long).

It's taken me a long time to figure it all out, so I wanted to pass it along. :)

Replied by Prioris
(Fl)
03/05/2015

Recently I just realized my occipital headache which I come to realize is really postherpetic neuralgia. This is related to the shingles zoster virus.

Before you can treat your herpes, you must know what kind of herpes virus you are fighting.

Red Marine Algae of the Gigartina skottsbergii species variety is suppose to be effective against herpes zoster.


Homeopathy

6 User Reviews
5 star (4) 
  67%
4 star (1) 
  17%
(1) 
  17%

Posted by Zach (Rockport, Ma) on 01/09/2016
★★★★★

Remedy for Shingles: ranunculus bulbosus 30x. Took it two times two hours apart. Then every 6 hrs. At least 15 min before or after eating. I avoid any of the mints (including in toothpaste), garlic and coffee to not neutralize the remedy.

Relief end of first day.
Gone next day.

When starting to get some mild tingling a week later repeated remedy with good effect.

Shingles can re-occur so I make sure I have remedy in house. Will have to get remedy special order-not one that is regularly stocked at health food store. I used a 30x. Perhaps a 30c will also work. Other homeopathic remedies that are noted on the web as being helpful include; rhus tox, mezereum and arsenicum among others. I,

Of course, try to limit stress-its not worth it.

Good luck.


Homeopathy
Posted by Pam (Kent, Wa) on 01/19/2015
★★★★☆

I have shingles with no rash, although it feels like I have one because of the severe nerve pain. The left side of my neck from front to back is involved. I use the homeopathic remedy Hypericum for the pain, I use both the 30c and the 200c potency. I take a dose of 30c, if I don't get relief I take again in 20 minutes or so and that usually kills the pain for several hours and repeat as necessary or I take a dose of 200c and that seems to hold throughout the day. It has not cured the shingles, I've had it for about 10 days now, but it makes the pain very tolerable. Hypericum is for any nerve pain.


Homeopathy
Posted by Eva (San Jose, Ca) on 05/03/2011
★★★★★

Homeopathic Rhus tox C30 stops the pain of shingles. I used it years ago, and now a friend of mine got shingles and he healed within a day.



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