How To Ease The Pain and Discomfort of Shingles Naturally

We are having increasing numbers of customers with Shingles at the Natural Health Store. We understand the challenges and discomfort that comes with this condition and we are here to provide any support to help with recovery.

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus as chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues near the spinal cord and brain. However, it can reactive years later, causing shingles due to a lowered immune system. The reactivated virus travels along the nerves to the skin, leading to the development of a painful rash.

Shingles typically lasts from 2 to 4 weeks and it is important to get medical intervention as quickly as possible to help with the recovery period. The pain associated with shingles, known as neuralgia, can persist for months after the rash has healed.
 

What natural remedies can help?

It is important to support your body’s immune system and promote natural healing by getting plenty of rest, eating a well balanced diet and staying hydrated.

1. Vitamin D3 – take a high strength supplement to help reduce inflammation during shingle outbreak and to boost the immune system to keep the virus in remission once it has healed.

2. Vitamin C and zinc will also help put the virus in to remission and it is recommended to take at least 1,000 mg of Vitamin C and up to 22mg of zinc in a supplement form. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables for a natural source of Vitamin C.

3.  L-lysine is an amino acid and is typically known for helping with cold sore outbreaks. It can also be used to help manage shingles related pain and well as having wound healing properties. It is available as a supplement in 500mg or 1,000mg strength and can be used as part of a natural treatment plan.

4. High strength B Complex supplements will boost the nervous system and help with energy as well as supporting stress management during a shingles infection.

5. Probiotics will give healthy bacteria a boost to fight the virus and can be taken through supplements or foods including yoghurt, sauerkraut, kombucha and kefir.  
 

There are also some topical products that can help with the pain and discomfort of Shingles one of my favourites is an excellent healing cream, developed by Dr Dilis Clare in Galway, includes ingredients such as marigold, lavender, tea tree and sweet almond oil has provided many customers with relief once the shingles rash has started to clear. It is soothing and calming and absorbs easily into the skin.

If you are on any medication or have any other health conditions, it is advised to check with your pharmacist or doctor about introducing natural remedies or topical products.