According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shingles is a disease that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, this virus lies dormant in the body. Normally, the virus never develops into shingles, but in some cases it does. Shingles causes severe blistering on the skin and can be very painful. Some herbal remedies may help you deal with the symptoms of the disease.
Cayenne
Cayenne contains a compound called capsaicin, which may be helpful in the treatment of shingles. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, capsaicin cream can actually relieve pain when it is applied to the skin. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that capsaicin is primarily used for postherpetic neuralgia, which is the pain that lingers in shingles patients long after the blisters have healed. However, capsaicin can cause some burning when first applied to the skin, so it should be used very sparingly. An herbal ointment made from capsaicin can be purchased at your local health food store.
Chamomile
Chamomile is another herb that can be used to treat the symptoms of shingles. The University of Maryland Medical Center website reports that German chamomile was traditionally used to treat skin conditions such as chickenpox. Shingles is a very painful condition and can weigh on the nerves of the shingles sufferer. To remedy this, chamomile tea can be used as a sedative to calm the nerves of people who are suffering from shingles. However, more research needs to be done on the benefits of German chamomile for topically treating shingles.
Licorice
Licorice is an herb that many people think of as a candy flavoring. However, licorice also has benefits in treating some medical conditions including shingles. The website for the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that licorice gel should be applied to the skin of the shingles sufferer. However, licorice has also been found useful in treating the pain that occurs after the active infection has healed. Additionally, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that some research has shown that licorice, which contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, helps to stop the varicella-zoster virus from reproducing. But more research needs to be done to determine the full benefits of licorice for treating shingles.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm may be helpful in treating shingles. According to the Herbal Remedies World website, lemon balm can act as an antiviral and is especially helpful in preventing the internal spread of the virus. The Herbal Remedies World website suggests that you make an herbal tea containing lemon balm and drink a few cups a day. You can also apply diluted lemon balm essential oil on the wound itself, or you can purchase a lemon balm cream from your local health food store. However, applying diluted essential oil can be a little more pain than applying a cream because the direct essential oil is considered much stronger.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera can also be a helpful herb to use in the treatment of shingles. According to the website for Herbal Remedies World, aloe vera has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it an excellent choice in fighting shingles. You can purchase a gel made with aloe vera at major pharmacies, retail store and health food stores. However, some people prefer to use it directly by breaking off a limb of the plant and applying the gel it exudes directly to the shingles site.
About this Author
Kristie Jernigan is a health writer living in Charlotte, N.C. Her articles have been published on various websites including eHow and LIVESTRONG. She has gained valuable experience working in the health care arena for over 17 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from East Tennessee State and a Master of Science in health care administration/gerontology from the University of Phoenix.
