61 User Reviews
★★★★★
I wanted to write this post because I'm pretty sure this is the best remedy there is for Shingles. I tried almost everything including aciclovir antivirals, but it was apple cider vinegar (ACV) that cured it at the end. I had no idea what the outbreak of itchy blisters where when I got it about 6 months ago.. It took quite long for my to figure out it needed proper treatment and it had time to spread all over the body and with extreme itchiness and burning. After taking aciclovir for some weeks I thought the shingles was gone, but it actually came back again not as bad, but still very itchy and burning on various places. I think I can say that alcohol and coffee (although I don't drink much of either) seemed to make it worse, as well as chocolate, and fats such as butter and olive oil.. I definitely noticed worsening of the symptoms after eating big lunches. So since I then thought it had something to do with the gut and the antibacterials/virals didn't seem to work I started supplement with prebiotics instead such as kefir and yogurts, which seemed to work a bit, but it wasn't until I tried ACV that I started notice a real change! This was probably after 3-4months since first getting it. I took about 1-2 tablespoons diluted in a glas of carbonated water with breakfast, and another tablespoon at supper time. If I could, I would have taken it at work as well for lunch, but a bit messy bringing a bottle along, so I didn't do that. It probably didn't take more than a few days before I started seeing results, and after a few weeks it pretty much all disapeared, although I have continued taking ACV afterwards as well at least once a day. Lately I have seen that you can actually buy ACV in pill form as well, so that's a good option to have in the bag when out and about. I wish everyone to stay healthy with this little marvel which is ACV!
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
1. I put paste of ACV and baking soda on the lesions. They dried in one day.
2. Then started dealing with nerve pain, my regiment was: 16 units of Vit E, Maca for nerve pain, Liposomal Vit C 6000-10000 daily for 1 month, B12 microlingual 5000 morning and night. Magnesium increased for 2 weeks, increase folic acid for 3 weeks. Increase Vit D to 4-5000 daily, as I was really low on that.
When I researched the cause of Shingles, I realized the foods that were high in arginine. I was eating chocolate, grapes, nuts, all in one week and was low in lysine at the same time. Once I found out the correlation between arginine and lysine, it was very important that Lysine keeps the shingles at bay from reoccurring.
I also started, acupuncture and chiropractic visits, that also helped with pain. I never had any itching, as I caught the lesions early and dried them up. The acupuncture visits also provided herbal medicines that helped with pain. It's also very important to continue to stretch and walk if at all possible. Even simple short yoga workouts help with pain. I was sleeping on the hard floor for 10 days because the pain was so exhausting, until my acupuncturist helped relieve most of the stinging pain in my leg.
Thank you EC for being a source of knowledge.
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★☆
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
On a recent Friday, my wife's personal support worker noticed a small rash on her waist, nothing to worry about. On Saturday, she thought it might be shingles.
Having no experience with or knowledge about shingles I started to look into it. The only thing I knew was that my wife's father and mother had it, and it was very painful. Her brother had fairly recently had it, and said it was excruciating, the most painful experience, that just lasted and lasted. So I expected a grim experience ahead.
After my initial inquiries as to the nature of shingles, I of course came to EARTHCLINIC. The most interesting results were with ACV. People who did not receive pain relief from their pain meds then tried ACV, with some success at pain relief.
But those results were after the shingles had matured. I decided to be proactive. On Sunday, I started treating the rash with ACV.
On Monday, the doctor confirmed it was shingles, but said it was too late to do anything to prevent it (because it was over the weekend we couldn't get in earlier). She did give her an anti-viral. The next day, we went to the Naturopath, but she couldn't offer anything else, but gave her another anti-viral to take as well. Whether or not these did any good I can't say, but I'm sure these would have been given to everyone else, so I doubt that they had any significant effect. Both the doctor and Naturopath expected the shingles to become worse and painful.
I used an atomizer bottle to spray the ACV directly on the rash 3 or 4 times a day. It was covered so there was no rubbing. I also gave her a tablespoon of ACV orally once or twice a day. I used organic ACV.
My wife took no pain medication.
She had absolutely no pain and only an occasional slight itch. Only a couple of the lesions burst. The rest just shriveled. The shingles were finished in 1-1/2 weeks.
I have no further experience to confirm this, but it certainly seems that ACV did the job.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Well, just a couple days ago, I began to notice the beginning stages of shingles, and absolutely refused to deal w the same situation. As I've read on several testimonials on this site going to the hospital would be absolutely pointless, plus I'm pregnant and don't want to put anything harmful in my baby's system. I also saw where people almost swear by Apple Cider Vinegar, and I had read where one gentleman suggested making a baking powder paste... What could it hurt right?? Lol So I told my husband about it, and he grabbed some ACV, baking powder, and honey. I took 2 tablespoon orally, and chased it w a spoonful of honey for taste because it's absolutely disgusting!! Soaked a large cotton ball in the ACV, and taped it to my butt (it came back in the same spot) and let me tell ya, it burns like hell!! We're gonna leave it on for a little while longer, and then apply the baking powder paste.......... I'll be back to tell you my results!! Keep your fingers crossed!! Lol And thank you all for your suggestions!!
(Ky)
10/30/2015
Dear Mrs. Muldrow,
I have heard of using baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as a paste for a variety of ails, but not baking powder.
Also, if you try baking soda with the apple cider vinegar instead of baking powder, I don't think it will taste as badly. Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar are a common combination.
Elaine
(Uk)
01/06/2016
I've got shingles on my face and I have just started using cider vinegar and drinking it! If my rash doesn't scab over bur just heals am I contagious still??
(TX)
12/14/2024
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★☆☆
WORKED TEMPORARILY
(Portland, Or, Usa)
08/04/2015
Hi, I hope you have read the above posts. But simply put the most helpful of responses seem to be..
1 ACV topically applied to a clean damp cold cotton cloth to clean and dry sores several times per day. Or dab on "ACV on ice" with a cotton swab.
2 Drink a TLBS of ACV in glass of water, 1 to 3 x day. Before meals helps with digestion anyway.
3 Aloe vera gel into small bowl, sprinkle to cover, with cayenne pepper powder. Then just sprinkle to cover, either corn or oat flour and mix.
4 Spread all over sores...This will soothe and help you to rest.
5 Also you could add either a few drops of Peppermint oil, Tea tree oil , Oregano oil or Eucalyptus oil to the mixture to help with nerve pain and are antiviral.
6 Options: Licorice extract paste to cover sores, alternating with the paste, or just the licorice after the ACV wash.
7 Internally: Take (amino acid)L-Lysine capsules: 2000mg 2-3 x day on empty stomach. This will help to balance out the potentially high (amino acid) L-Arginine levels, which is high in choc., nuts, corn, etc.
8 Reduce Stress, Get Rest
9 Avoid sugar which lowers the immune system function in the body.
10 Drink plenty of water and take Vitamin C: 500mg 2-3 x day
11 Eat small, simple healthy meals
12 Be in bed by 9pm end enjoy your dream states. Maybe they have something to tell you.
(Mississippi)
09/14/2017
Try taking lysine max of 2000mg a day and also grapefruit seed extract. This seems to shorten my heal time. Ice cold baths and ice packs also help with the pain. Hope you heal soon.
(SD, CA)
05/29/2022
Wash face with oatmeal soap with cool water blot dry apply Aloe Vera gel let dry then calamine lotion let dry on top all pain gone in 10-20 minutes all day. If pain comes back add more calamine lotion. Repeat next day or as needed.
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Anyway I used the apple cider vinegar suggestions and the compresses described thanks to my sister who read all this when I was too sick to know anything . They helped a lot and put the sores into retreat within 48 hours and comforted the burhung nerve lines. Sores now settled after 5 days bur neuralgic pain still strong . Got up today for 2 hours but needed to rest all afternoon.Apple Cider Vinegar compress helps me at night when pain disturbs. Think this may take some time to get free of this viral impacts but luckily no eye damage and face recovering . What an experience! What out for codeine constipation- avoid at all costs maybe only use codeine for first 4 days of pain relief then switch to panedol. Serious constipation seems to be inevitable if you use codeine for long and it creates its own pain and slows down recovery. With thanks to all advice.
(Bay Shore, New York)
05/17/2015
Next month I will be going into my 2nd. year Post Herpetic Neuralgia, I stopped taking a Statin my Dr. had me on ( Weakens Immune System ) increased daily Fiber 30 grams daily, Vitamin B, it is the V1 nerve of Trigeminal, I place a small Lidocaine patch ( 1x1 inch ) behind ear, it helps me to sleep better, try it. It is ever so slowly leaving ( Myelin Sheath getting better I assume ). I threw Lyrica into the garbage, that didn't agree with me, made things worse.
(Pielach)
11/24/2015
I get it. Apple Cider Vinegar is what works best for the shingles out break but what about long term nerve pain and tingling in my right thigh, groin, and spine. It's been almost a year sense my out break and my back pain is still the same as during the out break. My doctor has me on oxy and gabapenten for the pain but that's not for me. Is there any help for me?
(Tennessee)
11/24/2015
Dear Frank,
So sorry to hear that you continue to be in pain!
I would try some Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Start with 1 Tablespoon internally and work up to 3 Tablespoons a day if it suits you. Try at least a few weeks.
I would also try baking soda baths. 1 cup of baking soda in a warm/hot bath 3 nights a week.
I would also try applying the coconut oil topically to the pained areas.
I hope these help and that you feel better soon!
~Mama to Many~
Frank,
If you can tolerate aspirin with no problems, you can try topical aspirin. Mix the aspirin in vaseline intensive care lotion and apply to painful areas.
Here is a study that did just that to good effect for herpetic neuralgia relief.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11703529
I've used a combination of ibuprofen and aspirin for myself and it is helpful for me. Both have antiviral properties though no studies specifically for herpes zoster, but ibuprofen shows potential toward Ebola virus!
Art
Frank,
If you can tolerate aspirin with no problems, you can try topical aspirin. Mix the aspirin in vaseline intensive care lotion and apply to painful areas.
Here is a study that did just that to good effect for herpetic neuralgia relief.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11703529
I've used a combination of ibuprofen and aspirin for myself and it is helpful for me. Both have antiviral properties though no studies specifically for herpes zoster, but ibuprofen shows potential toward Ebola virus!
Art
Frank,
I did find an abstract that suggests that the topical aspirin may have an impact on the varicella zoster virus as well as CMV , HIV and flu virus.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9812322
Art
(Bc)
06/04/2018
Aspirin is antiviral, but it only lasts for 45 minutes to an hour....Because it takes longer to kill flu virus than 45 minutes you may have to to take 500 mg every 50 minutes for up to 4 times..and you must grind it into fine powder and dissolve into 8 oz good water. Thank you for this post and stirring up an old memory.....I might add that taking a cracker or a piece of bread 20 minutes before trying this will prevent stomache upset.....For Flu, I would do this routine just before bed....Once I started to feel better I would stop taking it.ad go to bed.......The flu nowadays has a habit of returning up to 3 times, so sometimes I would have to do it again. I wonder how this would work on shingles....hmmmmm
Apple Cider Vinegar
(Usa)
02/11/2015
Get a bottle of licorice extract ($8.95 in any health food store)and put it over the rash...In one day it will heal 50%..The second day it will heal 75%...On the third day it will heal 100%..
If you get it when it first surfaces you will heal yourself the same day...Put licorice all over you rash and wrap it in saran wrap and take a nap...It will dissappear the first day...However if you have this for a while it will take 3 days...
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
We applied cotton ball dipped in Apple Cider Vinegar 3-4 times per day, especially before bed. For the first two days we used the coconut oil/cayenne/turmeric salve also. I had him take Echinacea immune boosters, and turmeric supplement (because we had on-hand). After the first day/night, the blisters were beginning to dry up, no more spreading. Area was still painful on second day, so I massaged with arnica gel (which worked, pain mostly gone next day, and he slept that night). By day three, we were overjoyed because the area was thoroughly dried out and obviously shrinking, only slightly painful, thanks to the arnica I think. Within a week, the rash was gone. WOW!
Note: My son said the ACV burned and tingled, but not unbearably. He was desperate to find relief, and said this was far less painful than the rash. He is fine now - that was 3 weeks ago.
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
(Mi)
02/05/2015
Glad you found relief! I was just wondering why the doctor gave you antibiotics? Shingles is a virus.
(Pearland, Texas)
02/20/2015
Just tried ACV and it's helping ease the itching and pain. My advice to all who've had chicken pox to get the shingles shot. I've had shingles twice...first time before getting the shot and the pain was tremendous. I have shingles again and because I'd had the shot the pain and itching is minimal but still troublesome. It appeared on back of my head and neck so after showering I poured ACV through my hair and it's helping to ease the problems. Didn't dry hair or comb...just towel dried it letting it go where it may. Thanks to all who have added their comments here...been a tremendous help for me.
(Seattle, WA)
04/21/2015
Doctors say the shot is only 50% effective. And who knows if it's even that much. Most vaccines arent 100% effective anyways, and they are shooting you with a live or dead virus. Many even shed the virus. So by getting the shot not only do you still have the chance of getting it due to inefficiency, it can even activate it. If your immune system is weakened, your body may not be able to fight off off what the shot puts into you. Also may depend on factors like your body's ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals. As well as your arginine/lysine levels, arginine can raise your chances. you want to have more lysine, just like with the herpes viruses.
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
(Lawrenceville, Georgia)
06/23/2013
★★★★★
YEA!!! Thank you all so much. This remedy has worked absolute wonders. The first night I experienced an other-wordly burning sensation was the only night. The next morning I drank and applied the ACV and that night, I felt like a new man. Thank you.
