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.
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.
Oats
Posted by Breizhbabe (Woodley, Reading, Berkshire, Uk) on 05/30/2011
★★★★★
Hi, When our children had chicken pox, which is the same virus as shingles - to ease the pain of the blisters we were advised to put some oats in a muslin cloth, tie it and place it in the bath. This produces a milk which bathes the sores and soothes. I tried this last year when I had shingles for the first time and it was very soothing. I also put calamine lotion onto the spots (you can also use this for sunburn). I currently have shingles and I think they have affected my scalp. When I wash my hair I put one drop of tea tree oil into the final rinse water and this has soothed the scalp. I wonder whether peppermint might also help. Now I have read the article on apple cider vinegar will try that. You can buy organic apple cider that isn't that much more expensive.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Lysine
Posted by Schuyler (Mullins, Sc) on 10/11/2012
I started with shingles Dec. 2012. Have had ongoing problems since then. It was hard to diagnose because it never came out as a rash, but stayed "inside. " It's in the left side of neck, left upper roof gum area, temple, top left side of head, partially down left neck and left shoulder. Been on antivirals & steroids 3 times. Now, back on antivirals alone. BUT... This time, I'm having an actual outbreak on the inside of the lower lid of my left eye. It's very uncomfortable. I've just taken the ACV for the first time after reading all the comments, but can anyone suggest what I might possibly be able to use for my eye to help with the bad discomfort? I know I can't put vinegar in there--UGH! Thanks for any help.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Lysine
Posted by Connie (Slc, Utah, Usa) on 10/11/2012
Hi Schuyler; I would recommend high dose B12, even injections for shingles. B12 has antiviral properties, and it used to be used to treat them before the advent of antivirals. Shingles near the eyes may even cause blindness, so I can't help but ask you to hurry. B12 will also treat post herpetic neuralgia, which can be debilitating.
Homeopathy
Posted by Marina (Miami) on 08/16/2023
Arsenicum album 200ck for shingles/viral rash
Side effects alert. I only took it 5 times in 2 days and started feeling extremely unwell, feeling sort like of one leg in a grave. I stopped it immediately, after concluding it must be arsenicum album, and today is the second day after I stopped, but not feeling any better. My detoxification is compromised to start with, due to MTHFR polymorphisms and low BP, and the dose is probably too high. This homeopathic remedy is suggested here on EC. If blood flow to the liver decreases as much as thirty percent, and this can happen in hypotension, plasma levels of hepatically cleared drugs are largely dependent on blood pressure and posture, this can cause toxicity buildup and even cause seizures. I should've been more careful. I was also taking L-Lysine, zinc-15mg, ascorbic acid and Lauricidin. But I started feeling unwell after adding the homeopathic remedy.
Electro Muscle Stimulus
Posted by D. Ron (Madison, Wi, Usa) on 03/14/2011
★★★★★
A patient came to my office with painful shingles on her arm and back. Ran my electro muscle stim over the area for about 10 minutes. She came in a week later and told me the shingles cleared with in 48 hours.
Cola Nut
Posted by Nanabea (Accra, Ghana) on 01/13/2011
★★★★★
My Grandma had a really bad episode of shingles. It weakened her and put her in agonisin pain. I came to this site to find something to stop the excruciating pain. I tried the ice pack and the acetone and aspirin concoctions they all worked relatively well. The cola nut however did the trick, although it itches unberably it took the pain away and cured the redness. The blisters vanished and she was up and doing the next day. It was such a relief to see her well again.
Lye Soap
Posted by Benito (Rome, Ny) on 11/01/2009
★★★★★
Lye soap works on shingles I had them at 22 yrs old very painful I lathered lye soap on them and let it sit for agood 20 minutes and they dried up the next day.
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Guest (Georgia) on 07/31/2017
She used capsaicin cream (that's the correct spelling), and it made her husband's skin burn like crazy. I've tried it for arthritis and muscle strain and it burned like crazy on me, too, so there's no way I'm putting on my shingles lesions. It works as she said, in a counter-irritation way.
Obviously, it works well for some of you, but if you haven't tried it yet: Don't apply without a glove or your fingers will burn for hours. It's really difficult to wash off (if you need to because it makes your pain worse), and you'd better throw the wash cloth away.
Essential Oils
Posted by Jenesse (Mesa, Az, USA) on 11/27/2012
★★★★★
Yes, the recommendation for Ravensara (Ravintsara) and Callophylum / Tamanu nut oil is from Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt's "Advanced Aromatherapy". You can use a 50-50 concentration. No additional carrier oil needed. I added a few drops of geranium which is also a great anti-viral oil. This blend smells earthy and sweet - it's great!
I currently have the VERY characteristic "shingles pain" , no blisters yet. The pain is already MUCH better and I'm praying it only gets better not worse. I additionally took a few oregano capsules, lots of L-Lysine and got a chiropractic adjustment - just be to be sure. I HATE the shingles!!
Zostavax Vaccine
Posted by Tony (Chantilly, Va) on 12/03/2008
Some of you may know,but for those who don't...There's a vacine for the cure of shingles called (Zostavax) no perscription is needed as it is given just like the flue shoot at most local clinics,walgreen's & cvs drug stores. The average cost is $225 and can only be given befor yon contract the virus or once you're over it. Hope this helps to rid everyone of Shingles.
Zostavax Vaccine
Posted by Tom (Elgin, Il) on 03/15/2010
Pharmacies charge just $25 for the vaccine, I just called after my doctor wanted $225.
Zostavax Vaccine
Posted by Colleen (Whitewater, Wi) on 11/30/2011
Before anyone runs out to get a zostavax shot, please do your research. As with all vaccines, there are risks and unproven efficacy, and only "work" if your immune system is strong enough to build the antibodies... So goes the idea. Problem for those with shingles is that their immune system is obviously not up to snuff, since shingles is caused by an opportunistic virus, rearing its ugly head when one is under stress, suffered trauma or generally immune deficient. That said, why in the world would you subject yourself with a different strain of herpes zoster (live attenuated) virus if your immune system is not up to the task?
To kick off your research...
Chickenpox Vaccine Linked with Shingles Epidemic
"New research published in the International Journal of Toxicology (IJT) by Gary S. Goldman, Ph. D. , reveals high rates of shingles (herpes zoster) in Americans since the government's 1995 recommendation that all children receive chicken pox vaccine. Goldman's research supports that shingles, which results in three times as many deaths and five times the number of hospitalizations as chicken pox, is suppressed naturally by occasional contact with chicken pox."
[....]
"Using a shingles vaccine to control shingles epidemics in adults would likely fail because adult vaccination programs have rarely proved successful, " said Goldman. "There appears to be no way to avoid a mass epidemic of shingles lasting as long as several generations among adults."
Reading through these remedies I'm truly shocked at the number of middle age adults and younger who are afflicted with this disease which "primarily afflicts the elderly"... No surprise that the diagnosis was missed repeatedly in many of EC's forum posters, and it seems to lend credence to Dr. Goldman's research and findings, that the chickenpox vaccine (zostavax) can be linked to a shingles epidemic.
I've never had shingles, only know people who have suffered this, and can only imagine the desperation one feels, so much that they'll try anything to avoid recurrence of shingles. Just be cautious and well-informed before trying something which may do more harm than good.
Bottom line... Mother (nature) knows best!
Zostavax Vaccine
Posted by Marsh (Colorado) on 04/09/2024
My husband is wanting us to get the shingles vaccine. After some research, I read the Zostavas vaccine is no longer available in the US (it had approximately a 50% success rate). The article recommended not getting the vaccine if you've never had chickenpox (a blood test can check your immunity); if the blood test is negative, the varicella vaccine is recommended instead. Those with a weakened immune system that compromises the immune system should avoid it.
Still, I'm vascillating (I've had a compromised immune system and am GF). I never had pox as a child (was a baby when 2 older siblings bro ut it home from school). Thoughts from contributors and readers?
Black Salve
Posted by Kat (Drummond, Montana) on 10/20/2008
I just learned of black salve from a friend of mine who used it on a growth on her breast that looked like it had spider veins coming from it when xrayed. In 6 months time, when they re-xrayed that growth it was completely gone! I have psoriosis and am wondering if anyone has any info on me maybe trying this black salve on it
Aloe Vera
Posted by Waltraud (Arkansas ( Usa )) on 09/30/2016
Corn flour or oatmeal flour? There is a difference between the two, yet I have found that some people use both to mix with aloe vera and cayenne powder!!!!!! Can you comment please? Thank you Waltraud
How To Avoid Shingles
Posted by Marsh (Colorado) on 03/06/2024
★★★★★
Our young daughter-in-law just came down with painful shingles. I've forwarded your recommendations (prayers she puts some to use). I've been hesitant to have the shingles shot due to low immunity. Are there any suggestions to KEEP FROM getting shingles? My mom said that as an infant, my older sister and brother brought chicken pox home from school, but I never had any symptoms/rash/blisters. She even took me to the doctor to make sure!
How To Avoid Shingles
Posted by Marsh (Colorado) on 04/29/2024
Thanks "Mama". Your recommendations on board! What's your thought on this: My girlfriend awoke with shingles 3 weeks ago. It's been brutal - excruciting pain along her Trigeminal nerve, 3 ER visits (she's been there since 6am today), Gabapentin, botox injected into her scalp, a host of other scary drugs that have helped for a day or two. I'm wondering if the fillers and botox she injects herself with frequently could be part of the problem, or one of her 3 facelifts. Her painful episodes are enough to almost sign up for Shingrex.
L-Lysine
Posted by Joseph (Stockton, CA) on 09/26/2021 73 posts
So you used lysine to help shingles, however there is not a Dosage that I can see. Please let me know of dosage. My 53 yr old contracted shingles 10days ago, however 3 days ago we learn they were shingles, he is a vet and is currently taking the ointment (Bactroban) Valtrex and Monohydrate (monodox). His current problems are: itchiness at site of rash (right side of face) pain at side of rash, right ear pain intermittently. If you need anti-itch cream when do you apply when he uses the ointment 2X daily? Will the basic little tube be uused enough or will he need more ointment? Any other info would be greatly appreciated since he has OCD & Schizoaffective.
Eucalyptus Oil
Posted by Debby (Monroe) on 09/15/2021
Hi, I am 63 and medication isn't stopping the spread. How much eucalyptus and how much hemp oil. Can I use jojoba oil instead. Thanks Debby
DMSO and Magnesium Oil
Posted by Roxie (Grand Rapids, Michigan) on 07/19/2022
I just read that dmso with oran (urine) works better than dmso alone. Still have to look into it, but Amanda Vollmer, who wrote a book about dmso, mentioned it in a thread on Facebook.
Worth checking out, I guess if it helps.
BHT
Posted by Deborah (LA) on 01/21/2025
Good for you! Did you take it on an empty stomach?
BHT
Posted by Deborah (LA) on 02/02/2025
How are you now? I just started BHT. Any tips?
Coconut Oil, Carrots
Posted by Trish (Juda, Wi ) on 04/13/2018
I was diagnosed with shingles on Monday this week. I have had the rash for a week now, no blisters yet. It stretches from my spine under my shoulder blade to my sternum like a belt all the way around. Very uncomfortable. I have toughed it out for a while, but the past few days the pain is so terrible. Deep muscle pain like I was severely bruised from arm pit to hip, front, back all the way round. Terrible pain. I am taking the prescribed anti virals and nerve blocking pain meds, but the exhaustion and pain is keeping me from everything. I am also concerned about spreading this to myself on other parts of my body and also my kids and husband. I also read to mix baby aspirin and bag balm together and apply to the rash, their rash healed in three days, what do you think? I am also going to try eating the coconut oil as I use this quite a bit, so do I eat 2 tablespoons at one time? What other things do you recommend?
Lysine, Olive Leaf
Posted by Hisjewel (America, New York) on 10/08/2016
Hi Angee,
If you have not yet tried lemon water, that is a whole lemon juiced in about two cups of water, give it a try. When I added this the tingly feeling left.
I had the shingles rash on my leg. I used the same helps you did and maybe a few more. Like a baking soda and water paste to get rid of the initial pain and itch. I also used Castor Oil which was very soothing for my leg. When the pain finally made it exit between supplements and all the Lemon water chased the tingly feeling. A
I still had a few threatening bumps and when I would eat the wrong food or supplement the bumps would start to itch again. Not as painful as at first so did not take anymore lysine.
What I got was a stronger Olive Leaf than I had, this one with 20% Oleuropen. I also put some Hydrogen Peroxide in a spray bottle. I sprayed rash with Hydrogen Peroxide morning and evening. Then I would spread on the Caster Oil. The rash is not to be seen at all. That took about two week to get rid of remaining bumps. And I still drink my lemon water.
HisJewel
Monolaurin, Vitamin C
Posted by Michael (Mobile, Ala) on 08/17/2015
★★★★★
Several years ago on a Thursday morning, my left forehead developed some bumps and started itching.as the day wore on, the itching not only got worse but started weeping ooze.
Then came the pain. Not very good with all three happening at the same time. Next morning doctor says shingles with a prescription of lower tabs. Saturday called up local health food store. Owner says sure no problem come on down.
Wife went down, picked up a supplement called monolaurin and some vit c. Took vit c every half hour (over half dozen) and three monolaurin every hour.
Monday morning got off the lower tabs because pain was gone. By Thursday weeping had stopped. Monday went back to doc who stated I could go back to work. Itching gone. Next was the creepy crawlers, that took longer. About a month. Just kept taking both products until both bottles gone. No more creepy crawlers.
Monolaurin, Vitamin C
Posted by HisJewel (America, New York) on 02/05/2017
Hi Donna,
I think its a tingly feeling from being acidic.
As I finished my first bout with Shingles, which I fought mainly with Hydrogen Peroxide, Castor oil and Olive Leaf capsules, I had a similar experience as Michael of Mobile Ala. I thought of it as a tingly feeling, what ever it was, I used a borax hair wash to calm my scab.
The interesting thing I drank a lemon drink, my fake smoothie, a whole lemon with a glass of water in blender skin and all. and the tingly feeling left never to return. Well I did start drinking that lemon drink most days.
I wondered if perhaps I was to acidic, and if that was the cause of the tingly feeling. Whatever the reason the Lemon water was the answer for me.
HisJewel
Rubbing Alcohol, Iodine
Posted by Tammy (Texas) on 12/05/2014
★★★★★
Country Girl's Home Remedy for Shingles:
I am on my 3rd week of the battle w/Shingles & excited they are healing & leaving! I am 43 yrs. old, mother of 3, & was told stress induced my Shingles. My 1st week I was put on the Anti Viral Medication. Told my Dr.my theory on drying them out, protecting the skin. He told me if I could endure it, it would probably work.....
After the doctor's appt., I went home & put rubbing alcohol on the rash (oh it burns as it's attacking the virus, & then it stops, so does the pain/itching/burning.It can be extremely painful where the virus is strong). After the alcohol dried, using a Q-tip I poured Betadine (iodine) on it, then putting it on all the rash. Betadine seemed to seal the rash from traveling. About the rash..It looked awful, my husband stated it looked like someone spilled hot grease all over my lower side. It was not a small bout w/Shingles. My rash was from my lower back all the way to the front... but with my home remedy on 2 blisters ever fested up & crusted over. The nerve pain was different & I had to use Ibroprofen. This is my 3rd week, I've worked on building my immune system up & now I am almost healed from the rash & pain. For me this home remedy helped & I am sharing in hopes if it can help someone else. God Bless.
Magnets
Posted by Aj (Florida, Usa) on 10/07/2014
★★★★☆
I'm on my second week fighting the Shingles and am on meds now. Used the recipe for putting on the rash and did help some, but switched to Calamine lotion to dry out the pimples and that worked. Now the pain started, but I put a super magnet the size of a penny on it and the pain disappeared. Thanks for the good tips! Magnets work for me.
Magnets
Posted by Candy (Kansas, US) on 01/09/2015
How long did you leave the magnet on?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Anna (Ny) on 04/25/2015
I thought anti-biotics did not help as shingles is viral. Why are you taking them? Want to know, cause I am trying to make a plan also. Thanks
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 09/29/2015
My husband was prescribed an antibiotic because he had pus oozing out of his nose area. It's a sign of infection.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Laurie (Poplar Bluff, Mo) on 06/24/2014
★☆☆☆☆
I am 53 years old and have shingles 5 times. The Dr convinced me to have the vaccine which I did 4 months ago. I did not break out with the rash this time just fever blisters around and in mouth, but have had EXTREME nerve burning pain that is nearly debilitating at times. I have tried acupuncture, lysine, coconut capsules, ACV, so far NO relief.The Pain IS horrible in the middle of my back clear around to front of ribs, my naturopath says it is my gallbladder channel (which I had my gallbladder removed 3 years ago) ANY suggestions would be appreciated.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 06/24/2014
To Laurie,
From Poplar Springs,
Re shingles.
Of course caused by a virus...and the things you are taking have some anti viral value. But for shingles I have successfully taken colloidal silver and added in DMSO and applied topically. Three applications using the combo as a poultice for 20 minutes on affected area. If condition is long term, there may be nerve damage and so even though the virus is killed, the damaged nerves continue; in which case I use Calcium AEP (google "nutrition review calcium aep")... Dr Robert Adkins' favorite go to for his MS patient's neuropathy and nerve rebuilding capacity. Acts on the cellular level.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Sam (Florida, US) on 06/25/2014
Agree. A friend of mine got diagnosed with Lymphoma after a severe case of shingle.The only problems with it that it adds fear, the cause of many body malfunctions itself.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Mary (Little Rock, Ar) on 10/15/2016
Lidocaine patches and creams that contains lidocaine should help ease the pain.
Clove Oil
Posted by Rebel (Somewhere Usa) on 05/14/2014
I should mention, I DID NOT have shingles. Just pain in spine and throat area.
Vitamin C
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 12/18/2013
Vitamin C
Posted by Mike 62 (Denver, Colorado) on 12/18/2013
Mark: Get Wonder Salve. Read the reviews.
Vitamin C
Posted by Hisjewel (America, New York) on 12/01/2016
Interesting because it seemed that vitamin C Caused my flare ups.
Before my first patch of pimples I had been taking 3 grams of vitamin C quite a while for one reason or another. I had no idea it was Shingles at the time. but after a while everytime I would take the Vitamin C, the patch would itch. So I stopped taking the large dose of C. I went down to a 500mg now and then with little or no problem.
Let me give an excerpt from my post on Shingles I sent to Tina in the Apple section back in August and put it in the Shingles Section.
Excerpt from the Apples Remedies Section:
I have been silently fighting shingles for several months. (mostly with Hydrogen Peroxide and Castor oil, Olive Leaf capsules, and Lysine). But the shingles seemed to have left a Tingly feeling. My scalp felt itchy (so I washed with backing soda the itch would leave a while), and even my face felt tingly. I have never experienced anything like it in my life.
A few details that was not mentioned in that post. Something triggered that batch of pimples on my leg to a painful point till they became blisters. Right here I want to give Baking Soda a shout out, Because it was the Baking Soda Paste made with a couple drops of cold water that initially took the pain away.
What happen on the first day that the blisters came out, I covered them with iodine. The wrong move was I really covered them. I put the iodine on it and wrapped it up pain and all. The next day when I removed the rolled gauze the blisters were flat and my skin was burnt.
When I checked with Earth Clinic and other sites, and found out about using ice cold water, or a Baking Soda paste, and a few other suggestions. I did the Baking Soda paste a couple of days as it was very calming. It took the itch away. When I would remove the baking Soda, I rubbed on Castor Oil. When the pain was gone. I used the Castor oil and Hydrogen Peroxide to finish the work. My skin healed nicely, I can't tell it was ever burnt. What may be important info for someone, is that he whole lemon juiced in water cured the tingling feeling. I did put a little baking soda in it. I guess a regular drink alkalizing drink of lemon and Baking Soda could do the same. Tina was talking of juicing a whole lemon in a smoothie, when I tried it the tingling feeling from the shingles went. Bam!
I have been done with the shingles a few months now, no pimples, no pain. However, when I started a heavy dose of C to chase a threatening cold. The cold was quickly averted. I have been taking the high does of C about Five days now. And, I can feel a burning where the patch of shingles once was.
Do anyone know if high doses of vitamin C can cause a Shingles flare up? Thanks for your time and shared knowledge.
HisJewel
Vitamin C
Posted by Hisjewel (America, New York) on 12/04/2016
Greetings TimH,
Would you happen to know if large dose of vitamin C causes Shingles flare ups? Thanks you in advance for your kindness, help and advice.
HisJewel
Vitamin C
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 12/06/2016 2042 posts
You are welcome HJ. Remember the old ND saying "Good health begins in the gut". Since most of our immune system or cells is in the gut, chronic infection like Shingles flareups, can be cured by improving the gut.
Also on the list for improving intestinal health is L-Glutamine and Probiotics, but be sure to start with my previous suggestion to insure the healing process, and not end up treating symptoms. Also for immune health and chronic infection is Zinc deficiency (very common), so consider supplementing a minimal Zinc/Copper.
Vitamin C
Posted by Hisjewel (America, New York) on 12/07/2016
Okay Timh
I will follow these instructions. And prayerfuly will flee Shingles altogether.
Sincere Thanks.
HisJewel
Vitamin C
Posted by Hisjewel (America, New York) on 01/27/2017
Happy, Healthy, Year, That's the Plan!
Greetings Timh, Mama To Many and Everyone,
Timh you ask me to let you know how it went concerning the vitamin C,
Well the good news is I'm back up to an occasional 2000 to 3000 vitamin C and shingles flare ups . Now I buffer the C with a bit of baking soda water. To add a little more info, the C that I was taking was an already buffered and powered C, however I have not gone back to that. But instead now I am taking the tablets and baking soda water.
At the time I had the last flare up I dropped anything else I though may have contributed to the shingles flare up. I am sure stress and revisitiation from child hood diseases had a lot to do with as Mama To Many mentioned.
My hope was that if I stayed away from the Chocolate and Nuts when I did not have the Lysine to balance the Arginine that shingles would not come looking for me.
Well the shingles still found me. Maybe I had arginine and did not realize it. Any way Shingles always seemed to flare when I had an extra dose of C. So in posing the question to EC this is what I was able to follow from Timh advice: I started working on my digestive system. Started back taking my probiotics, I bought and started taking Zinc, I already use BSM which has enough copper, I did not have oil of oregano, but put my olive leaf back to work. For L - Gultamine I started buying and eating raw purple Cabbage, which also made a great snack. I did not buy the Colloidal Silver but all seems to be much better concerning my fight with shingles.
So the blessing of extra C is back with me. I will continue to work on my gut by eating watchfully.
Thanks again EC, Mama To Many, Timh, and Everyone.
HisJewel
Vitamin C
Posted by Hisjewel (America, New York) on 01/31/2017
Thanks, Timh.
Licorice Extract
Posted by Grannyguru (Az, Usa) on 11/03/2013
★★★★☆
The licorice root extract did not get rid of the shingles blisters, though it did seem to help the areas of skin and muscle which only had tiny red spots.
There it made the area generally feel less swollen and more returned to "normal" tissue.
Prior to that what had worked best was calamine lotion. However my initial experience with calamine lotion made me search further:
The initial application of calamine lotion really helped, though it is VERY messy to apply to the calf and shin and ankle. Almost immediately, I got relief and the large ugly blisters stopped weeping and seemed to become inactive and dry up.
The next day the rash was nearly gone. So I spred the lotion over the area again. The result was that the (shingles) infection appeared all over the area covered with lotion, so I stopped using the calamine.
I don't think I knew it was shingles at that time.
I tried apple cider vinegar and various other "remedies" but nothing really helped.
I believe the calamine lotion only seemed to spread the shingles, but really the shingles were just in the middle of blasting my leg with the outbreak.
Since the calamine did dry up the blisters, I tried it again. It provided relief and dried up the blisters, but it also made the areas with only small blisters or sensitive to touch, dry beyond reason.
So while it allieviated the pain from the large blisters, walking made the rest of the area covered with calamine lotion feel as if the skin was being ripped off for a while each time I had to walk.
The licorice root extract does not do that. It made the areas with only tiny blisters or no blisters feel better, with no or little pain when touched. It seemed to make the tiniest of blisters there go away, but it did not get rid of small blisters or the large blisters.
I am now past the 3rd day of using the licorice root extract. I am going to go back to using the calamine lotion, at least on the large blisters.
Arrgghhhh!!!!!
Licorice Extract
Posted by Bob Loblaw (USA) on 11/03/2013
I hope you're applying the licorice 3 or 4 times a day...?
Apple Cider Vinegar, Cayenne
Posted by Bill (Ga) on 12/05/2017
how much Apple Cider Vinegar should I add to the bottle?
Licorice Extract
Posted by Kilee (Ontario, Canada) on 04/04/2014
Mr Ree from Usa Thank for your suggestion that I try licorice extract for shingles. I am over four months into this , left with the horrible scarring and the nerve pain that just goes on and on. Do you think the licorice extract will still work this late in? If you think so , I will definitely give it a try. thank you , Kilee
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Noell (Aiken, Sc) on 08/14/2013
★★★★★
For Shingles, I found that using tabasco rather than ground cayenne worked best for me. It is emulsified cayenne with vinegar and doesn't leave ground pepper all over where you dabbed it. I used it with the DMSO and my blisters were gone in two days, now I am just dealing with the little scabs drying up and shedding off, only 1 or two new single spots that are gone the next day, with no pain. Thank goodness mine were hidden in my hair, nasty stuff!!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Meghan (Mississippi/usa) on 06/18/2013
At 21, I was diagnosed with shingles yesterday for the 1st time ever and am devastated. I want it gone ASAP. I read almost all of these remedies. I just drank a shot of orange juice mixed with 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Followed by a mixture of green tea, with 2 tablespoons coconut oil and 2 tablespoons ACV. I threw up in the trash can before I even finished the cup. It was so disgusting and all that mixed did not settle well at all. I would not recommend drinking any of that and I doubt it helps much, if any. I think I'm just going to stick with applying it to the blistered area from now on!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Idalia (Kissimmiee, Fl/oceola) on 01/05/2013
★★★★★
I mixed organic coconut oil with vitamin E oil and palmer's olive butter formula since it was all the stuff I had at hand and I was desperate since I was itching really bad, I made the mixture and instantly I felt relief I am on acyclovir 800Mg tables
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Tabitha (Kennewick, Wa) on 11/18/2013
How long should I leave the cayenne paste on my rash? Please get back to me as soon as u can cuz im in a whole lot of pain.
Bleach
Posted by Josie (Columbia, Maryland) on 11/22/2012
★☆☆☆☆
I thought my case of shingles was poison oak and put cortisone cream on for two days as that had cleared up a case of poison oak (that I had for 2-3 months) in 3-4 days. But the cortisone was not working so I went to see my doctor and he said I had shingles. I had experienced more blistering from putting diluted clorox on my poison oaked areas and I smelled like clorox too all day long. This was a popular remedy I saw on the internet. So I was glad when I got the cortisone cream to heal my poison oak. Now I will have to be as persisitenet with this shingles. It's been the year of rashes for me.
The reason I mention the diluted clorox is that the dermatologist my doctor consulted with also on the shingles recommended a diluted clorox bath but I think it could spread the blisters like it did with the poison oak so I am not going to try this.
