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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dani (Melbourne, Australia) on 08/06/2007
★★★★★
My Bf got shingles almost 1 and a half weeks ago now. he went to the doctors and got anti viral tablets, and i spent almost a full day in between answering phone calls at work reading up on natural remedies,as i fuss over him, and wanted him to get better quick! im a quick fix type of person. i went out and brought him everything i had read about, ACV, tea tree oil, broccoli, fish, which i cooked with lemon grass, parsley, a killer amount of garlic and rosmary,to ensure he got a good does of all the good stuff, along with all these other things. he didnt want to drink the vinegar or have it on his body! "it stinked" according to him, and he didnt see how it'd help, so i maintained feeding him heaps of broccoli..with all of his meals and applied tea tree oil twice a day after his showers. this helped it maintained the rash and kept blistering to a minimal, but it was not a quick fix. last night i talked him into trying the vinegar as while the sores were slowly clearing he was starting to get sharp pains, and i told him it was either try everything natural to help otherwise acupunture, so the chicken decided we'll try the vinegar. i soaked cotton wool, i brough in strips from the supermarket in ACV placed it on his sores and wrapped him in cling wrap for a good 2 hours or so! he still had a few sharp stbbing pains for the first half an hour, but then the pain stopped and when we took the plastic and cotton off, the infected area had completely cleared up with the exception of a few little blisters. he woke up this morning, the affected area still looks great and the pain is minimal. a few more days of the ACV treatment and he should be 100% and would have dodged acupuncture completely.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sue (Charleston, SC) on 09/28/2006
★★★★★
I cut strips, sufficent to cover areas affected with Shingles, from a brown paper bag and soaked them in ACV. I placed them onto those areas and covered the entire area with cling wrap which kept the paper from drying. I was amazed at the results--immediate comfort, drying of small blisters, and my first night of painless sleep since they first appeared.
Note: I do not leave the treatment on overnight. I do use it at least twice a day for short periods. Thanks for the help your website provides.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Phoebe (Zebulon, NC) on 03/22/2006
★★★★★
I read about the ACV on this website. About 2 weeks ago I began adding 2Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in a quart of good water and sipping on it throughout the day. I immediately noticed more energy, excellent bowel function,better kidney function and about a 1/2 pound a day weight loss. I noticed an outbreak of shingles starting, but after only a day, the process reversed and disappeared. This has never happened before. I have no other explanation other than the ACV.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Brenda (Bear, DE)
★★★★★
I have lost 23 lbs. in 2 months. Apple Cider Vinegar Also helped me through a bout of shingles in a very short time. I use 2 Tablespoons. of vinegar in 6 oz. water twice a day. I find it helps me more to take it right after lunch and supper. I don't feel so bloated after my vinegar drinks and swear this has took the weight off and makes me feel better overall.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anonymous (USA)
★★★★★
Yes, I tried vinegar, not orally, but rubbed it on the spot in my back that has given me horrific pain for 6 years, I have used Zonalon ($85 per tube, Empi ($45 per oz) and Capsascin, even athletes foot medicine, Aspercream, and this is so far, the most relief I have had. My shingles never blistered, but I was left with Posthepetic neuralgia which has been terrible. Worth a try, and you have it in your kitchen. I wonder how does it work, is it the acid?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Katherine (Asheville, Nc) on 05/10/2011
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar for Shingles.
Thanks to this site, used Apple Cider Vinegar very successfully. Cold compresses for 1/2 hour at a time, 1 part ACV to 2-3 parts water. Leave the ACV on for about an hour after, then rinse and then used an oil from my Chinese acupuncture clinic (not as effective as ACV, but good for soothing and healing). Do this as 4-5 times a day. Also used acupuncture and homeopathic remedies included arnica, belladonna and rhus tox. I worked with a homeopath who helped me figure out what I needed when. I also took the antiviral Acly (whatever it's called... Finished it and threw out the bottle... normally hate meds and only go natural but worked with everything I could to alleviate this condition).
Also took Lysine, vitamins and herbs... everything I could to strengthen my immune system.
Also, muscle tightness in my back (outbreak was on my chest and back) was intense. Did lots of breathing and stretching exercises to keep the energy moving, even when it was painful. Carefully worked thru the pain.
Got thru what my acupuncturist said was a pretty severe reaction pretty quickly... Again, thanks primarily to ACV and this site. Really grateful.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ursula (Barrington, IL)
★★★★★
ACV has helped me with a recent bout of shingles. Instead of drinking the vinegar, I applied a solution of 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup of water with some cotton balls. I also made a foot-bath with 1/4 cup of ACV and 1 gallon of warm water, twice a day for three days. The sores were healed within a few days and gone was the pain.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Donna (Aspen, CO)
★☆☆☆☆
My sister has shingles, she has tried ACV per your listed suggestions to no avail. After 5 days she is giving up and she is on the drug.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Maria (San Antonio, Texas) on 05/24/2017
Has anyone had shingles in the ear?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bigeasybunny (Houston, Texas) on 10/13/2011
Suffering with shingles for the first time, went to doctor who prescribed anti-viral and pain meds, weeks later, still suffering internal pain and external itching/burning (thought the blisters have cleared). Found this site and started the ACV 3 T a day, drinking it using a shot glass, and follow up with tsp of honey.
Instant relief from the deep internal pain after the first dose and has not returned! Able to sleep soundly and even turn over and lie on my back and side where the shingles are! Dabbing the area with mix of ACV and sprinkle of cayenne pepper 3-4 times a day also helps with the external itching/burning, and in between, also use pure aloe vera gel and hydrocortisone cream.
As recommended on this site, I also started taking Lysine 1, 000 mg 3 times a day, and cayenne pepper pills 40,000 HU (processed to be cool in the stomach) 3 times a day, both with food. Am so grateful to be almost completely pain free and able to sleep soundly (though I wake up itching and apply hydrocortisone and get instant relief and right back asleep). I also recommend boosting your immune system with Vit C and diet.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Om (Hope Bc Canada) on 10/26/2014
Hello, Jean --- EC has a special section on shingles treatment, please look it up. It must be painful.
Namaste, Om
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Oscar (Syracuse, New York) on 10/27/2014
Dear Jean, Shingles is one of many viral diseases that respond extremely well to BHT for at least some people. There was a recent testimonial about BHT used to treat shingles in this forum. The BHT worked and fast to treat this condition. A matter of weeks on the BHT and all symptoms were resolved.
The doses of BHT most currently being discussed are 250mg to 500mg of BHT per day with water only on an empty stomach for average size people. This BHT works amazingly well for at least some people and costs very little....Oscar
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nmitchell (Jackson, Ky) on 05/27/2015
I have found that the apple cider vinegar stings if the liquid is room temperture so I keep the bottle in the frig. Being cold lessens the sting a great deal.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carmen (Ottawa, Ontario) on 10/05/2011
Was looking for relief. Tried your remedy. Thanks a bunch:)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bvemu (Kent, Uk) on 05/06/2011
★★★★★
I've just put this on my shingles on my face, it burned a little for 10 minutes and then the spots went white- PAIN GONE!!! I have suffered shingles on and off for 20 years with huge gaps of 5 years but I will absolutely be looking at the great qualities of this ACV for other ailments... My husbands athletes foot. Will let you know how I got on. A BIG THANK YOU for sharing your advice... It has really worked. Kind regards BV
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jamie (Indianapolis, Indiana) on 11/05/2009
★★★★★
Shingles: I tried the ACV after reading testimonials. It relieved the pain and the rash is clearing. I did go to the doctor and am on medication but the ACV really does help. Thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by H (Bixby, Oklahoma) on 10/28/2009
★★★★☆
Developed my first case of the shingles after minor surgery! Ouch! They're worse than surgery! And itchy!!! After going several days just using the Famciclovir the dr gave me and calamine lotion on the rash (about 3-4 nickel-quarter size 'bumps' which never formed blisters)... I remembered Earth Clinic. The info provided here helped me with other conditions too!
Last night, this morning and this evening I drank 1 Tblspoon ACV in water with honey (heated up).. not exactly tasty, but I'll do what it takes. I also rubbed cotton balls soaked in ACV on the bumps several times. I'm still getting the shooting "pains" apparently associated with these shingles, but the bumps have already started to fade. It's already doing better than rubbing calamine 3-5 times a day! I also purchased L-Lysine which I've taken 2 tablets, B-12, one tablet, and I'm taking 4-6 tablets of Vitamin C. So far the ACV is helping with the rash. Time will tell! Thanks Earth Clinic.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Eva (Muncie, Indiana) on 08/03/2012
I have been dealing with shingles for 9months now. My problem is not rash but flu like symptoms. I have been so sick that I cant get up somedays. I have lost 25 lbs due to lack of appetite. I have been to ER twice and on antiviral twice. Nothing works. Still on percoset 2 to 4 times a day. (pain is constant) Somedays cant move legs or arms-its in my spine. I had breast cancer in 1998. I am so scared that I may never recover. I cannot function to even work. Please is there any cure for shingles so that I may go on with my life?? Thank You, Eva.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Psyched (Flying Hills, Pa) on 08/11/2012
Evelyn, I am so sorry for your chronic pain & I empathize with your pain. My own 1st time bout of shingles brought me to this website, and I've read a lot of the postings. My suggestion after reading several is to try apple cider vinegar (1T. in water or juice 3x a day to drink & also dab directly on lesions), aloe Vera gel, l-lysine (for energy), oil of eucalyptus or peppermint for pain, & olive leaf extract (natural anti-viral recommended by a retired pharmacist on this site), cayenne capsules, and cold pressed coconut oil and raw honey rubbed on for their anti-viral & germ fighting properties & to keep from scarring. Personally, I used raw honey on a bad burn on the back of my hand and have NO scarring. Much success to you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Peter (Oakland Park, FL) on 01/23/2006
★☆☆☆☆
apple cider vinegar did nothing for me. i tried aluminum acetate diluted in water applied via a compress, which dried the area and had a soothing effect. however, i must say that acyclovir, and zovarax cream seemed to do the best. for pain good luck,tylenol helps, as some rx's the docs can supply you with. i am 16 days into this and can not wait for it to be over. PAINFUL.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Virgil (Houston, Texas) on 06/05/2005
★★★★☆
Can't say I am cured but applying the vinegar sure gave me pain relief. I apply when the posthepetic neuralgia pain kicks up and befroe bedtime. Started using the ACV last Tuesday, just 6 days ago. This is the best treatment so far. I had acupunture initially and it reduced the most severe pain by a lot however 6 treatments could not erase the remaining pain.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ja8877 (Burlington, Vt) on 12/23/2011
I am nearly positive this is shingles now but the symptoms etc are confusing. I've had very little pain, the little pain I get is usually in the evening and I have the urge to scratch. On a pain or discomfort level it is a 2 out of 10. It's on both of my forearms which is strange. I've called a few Dr's and they are all too busy and tell me to go to the Hospital Emergency. That shingles are very serious and I need immediate medical attention. Really no help there.
I have 2 full days of ACV now and the jury is not in yet. I use it diluted, but strong as a half hour compress which does help and feels much better. After the half hour compress I daub with cotton ball full strength. I do this 2 or 3 times per day and I drink about 4 oz per day diluted with water. I've also used calamine lotion on some areas as a test to see if it does help. And yes calamine lotion does help.
I can definitely say the ACV does help, to what extent I am not sure, but I think fairly significant. I'm sure I'd be in worse shape without it. I've also increased my vitamins, like C and B Complex and take an oral anti-histamine daily.
Since it's a virus I'm just going to let it run it's course and manage it. If I feel pain or if it spreads to my face I'll find a Dr who is not too busy. I did have shingles about 18 years ago--but I knew what it was as soon as I saw it and it was extremely painful--this is mild--so far.
