Domestic Remedies and Natural Healing Methods for Shingles
In the battle against shingles, a reactivated viral infection that causes painful rashes, a balanced diet and stress management play crucial roles. A healthy, varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and carotenoid-rich foods can boost immunity and help prevent the onset of shingles [1].
Stress, on the other hand, can lower a person's immune system, making them more susceptible to conditions such as shingles. Reducing stress levels through adequate sleep, regular exercise, maintaining a good support network, and other strategies can help protect against shingles and its associated negative effects [2].
For those already afflicted with shingles, several natural remedies can provide relief. Neem oil, with its antiviral and antibacterial properties, can help reduce pain and inflammation when applied directly to shingles lesions several times a day [1]. However, it should not be used long term if pregnancy is desired, as it acts as a spermicide with prolonged use.
St. John's Wort oil, when applied topically to the rash, may reduce redness and lighten the area within 30 minutes of application, providing quick relief from shingles skin symptoms [1]. Oatmeal baths may also relieve itching from the shingles rash, potentially due to their anti-inflammatory and barrier repairing properties [3].
Cool baths can help keep sores and blisters clean, reduce the risk of infection, and relieve sore and itchy spots associated with shingles. Cold compresses can help relieve itchiness and reduce inflammation from shingles by placing a cool, lightly soaked cotton cloth on sore areas [1].
Essential oils such as chamomile, eucalyptus, and tea tree may help with skin irritation and healing associated with shingles, but they should be diluted and used with caution due to potential allergic reactions. Witch hazel may also be able to manage symptoms related to shingles, including itchiness and skin barrier damage [1].
The vaccine Shingrix helps protect against shingles, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends it for adults over age 50 to reduce their risk [4]. Limiting trans fats, saturated fats, and avoiding added sugar and salt can also reduce inflammation and improve immune function [2].
However, it's important to remember that these remedies should not replace conventional medical treatment that includes antiviral medications and pain management prescribed by a doctor. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any herbal supplements, especially if pregnant, nursing, or on medications [1].
In addition, maintaining good hygiene and keeping the rash clean and dry is essential. Avoid scratching the rash to reduce the risk of infection, and if symptoms worsen, pain is severe, or if shingles affects the face or eyes, prompt medical treatment is essential [1].
References: [1] Healthline. (2021). Home Remedies for Shingles. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-shingles [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Shingles: Lifestyle and home remedies. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/in-depth/lifestyle-home-remedies/art-20048372 [3] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Shingles: Home Remedies. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15769-shingles/home-remedies [4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Shingles Vaccination. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/prevention.html
- Balanced diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and carotenoid-rich foods can boost immunity, helping to prevent the onset of shingles.
- Stress can lower a person's immune system, making them more susceptible to conditions such as shingles.
- Reducing stress levels through adequate sleep, regular exercise, maintaining a good support network, and other strategies can help protect against shingles.
- Neem oil, with its antiviral and antibacterial properties, can help reduce pain and inflammation when applied to shingles lesions.
- St. John's Wort oil, when applied topically to the shingles rash, may reduce redness and lighten the area.
- Oatmeal baths may relieve itching from the shingles rash due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cool baths and cold compresses can help clean sores and blisters, reduce the risk of infection, and relieve itchiness and inflammation from shingles.
- Essential oils such as chamomile, eucalyptus, tea tree, and witch hazel may help with skin irritation and healing associated with shingles, but they should be diluted and used with caution.
- The vaccine Shingrix, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for adults over age 50, helps protect against shingles.
- Limiting trans fats, saturated fats, and avoiding added sugar and salt can reduce inflammation and improve immune function.
- These remedies should not replace conventional medical treatment that includes antiviral medications and pain management prescribed by a doctor.
- Maintaining good hygiene and keeping the shingles rash clean and dry is essential to prevent infection.
- Avoiding scratching the rash is important to reduce the risk of infection.
- If symptoms worsen, pain is severe, or shingles affects the face or eyes, prompt medical treatment is essential.
- Healthcare providers should be consulted before starting any herbal supplements, especially if pregnant, nursing, or on medications.
- In the context of health-and-wellness, prevention is key, and immunizations/vaccines like Shingrix, as well as practices like nutrition, smoking cessation, and therapies-and-treatments, play a role in the management of conditions like shingles, diabetes, COPD, NSCLC, HIV, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, aq, obesity, macular degeneration, depression, and skin-care are all relevant factors in the overall picture of health and wellness.
