Shingles

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Shingles

Shingles is chicken pox returned to haunt you.Like that most common of childhood illnesses, shingles is caused by the herpesvirus. After chicken pox clears up, the virus remains in the body, lying dormant in nerve cells. For reasons that remain a mystery, it can reemerge decades later as shingles.

Symptoms include a painful rash that usually appears on the torso or face. After a few days, chicken pox­like blisters form, then they crust over and eventually heal after two or three weeks. So far it sounds a lot like the childhood disease. In about half of those who develop shingles, however, the pain persists for months and sometimes years. This is called postherpetic neuralgia. Frequently, the pain is quite severe.

Shingles is especially common in people over 60 or those with poor immune function, such as people who are undergoing cancer chemotherapy. If you develop shingles, you should see your doctor immediately for treatment.

Green Pharmacy for Shingles

Nature has given us several herbs that can help treat viral illnesses. If I developed shingles, I would try any of these approaches.

lemon balm, or melissa, to treat herpes. There's good reason for this. lemon balm to treat viral infections.

Herpes lemon balm cream healed the sores substantially better than an inactive cream (a placebo).

One European anti-herpes product contains 700 milligrams of mint tea made with lots of hyssop, peppermint, sage, self-heal, spearmint or licorice in the tea as well. Such a beverage would contain quite a few antiviral, anti-herpetic compounds. I suggest drinking the tea as well as applying it directly to the rash.

 

 

 

 

 

Capsicum, various species). The fiery ingredient in red pepper, capsaicin, is the hottest thing going for postherpetic neuralgia. Capsaicin brings relief by blocking pain signals from nerves just under the skin. Studies of an ointment containing capsaicin showed such good results that a few years ago, the Food and Drug Administration approved commercial creams such as Zostrix and Capzasin-P, which contain this substance.

You can buy the commercial products if you want. But if you'd like to save money, simply mix powdered red pepper into any white skin lotion until it turns pinkish, then dab it on. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterward so that you don't get pepper in your eyes or on other sensitive areas. And test it on a small area of skin first; if it causes irritation, discontinue use.

Baikal Chinese angelica (Angelica sinensis). Also known as dang-quai, this herb is revered in Asia as the best herb for menstrual problems and other women's health concerns. In addition, the Chinese have used the powdered root successfully to treat shingles. It can be used in tea or tincture. (Do not take this herb if you are pregnant, however.)

licorice ointment on painful areas. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata). lemon balm­ lavender, lemon and teatree oil. Since some full-strength essential oils can be irritating to the skin, dilute them by adding several drops to a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil and apply them directly to painful areas. (Never ingest essential oils, as even a small amount can be toxic.)

Pear (Pyrus, various species). Pear juice is rich in antiviral caffeic acid. I'd drink it and eat lots of pears if I had shingles.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea). This herb has a folk reputation in China for treating herpes. It's a delicious vegetable that's great when steamed like spinach. It's worth a try.

Soybean (lysine three or four times a day might help relieve shingles symptoms.

If that's true, I'd suggest simply eating more watercress and soybeans. In my database, these are the foods highest in lysine, in descending order of potency, include black bean sprouts, carob, lentil sprouts, lentils, spinach, velvet beans, peas, pumpkin seeds, asparagus, butter beans, Chinese cabbage, fava beans,Lysine Soup. Use several of the high-fenugreek, papaya and lots of watercress.

 

 

 

taken from The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook by Dr. James Duke

 

 

 

Diana Gonzalez

 

 

 

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

-Unknown