Shingles, also known as Herpes zoster, is a disease of the skin. Both shingles and chicken pox are caused by the Varicella zoster virus, a herpes virus that is distinctly different from the genital herpes virus. Shingles is an inflammatory skin rash that breaks out in people who have previously suffered from chicken pox. Though this virus provides immunity to more chicken pox outbreaks, immune system compromise can cause the Varicella zoster virus to regain its virility. This is how shingles develops in a person. A natural treatment for shingles provides relief without debilitating side effects, and it promotes healing from within your body's immune system.
Considerations
Shingles is a very virulent and contagious skin disease. It causes chicken pox in people who have not had chicken pox, and this lingering infection can cause a shingles outbreak at a later time. It is not possible, however, to catch shingles directly as shingles, and the disease is only spreadable when the rash has fresh or moist blisters that have not yet healed.
Significance
Treating shingles with natural cures starts with the well-being of the whole body. Drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and eat a lot of fresh produce to naturally detoxify the body to give it rejuvenation and healing abilities. The increased quantities of nutrients and enzymes available in fresh produce have the medicinal properties that will help your body regain its natural internal balance that provides an unfavorable environment to foreign pathogens. It is also important to keep your mind and environment in a clean and happy state. Stay away from the sun and too much heat, and do not wear irritating fabrics.
Topical Applications
Calamine lotion is well-known for its cooling relief from itching, as well as its drying qualities. It contains zinc oxide and iron oxide. Alternative drying agents include moistened clay and cooked oatmeal. All of these choices soak up the moisture of the rash and promote its drying out.
Apple cider vinegar can be topically applied as a natural shingle treatment, as well. It can be applied every three to four hours to provide relief and promote the healing of the infected skin.
Besides applying oatmeal directly to the skin, you can take an oatmeal bath to provide soothing relief while reducing inflammation. Oatmeal has antihistamine properties, which will calm the inflammation caused by the shingles outbreak. After the bath, you can apply coconut oil, cocoa butter, vitamin E oil or fresh aloe vera. You should continue to apply the natural topical agent of your choice at every sign of the previous application wearing away.
Another topical recipe that provides a natural treatment for shingles is to combine fresh aloe vera pulp with cayenne pepper. Both have anti-viral, anti-infection properties, and they act in unison to both attack the infection, absorb its moisture, and dry out its location. Simply applying avocado mixed with golden seal powder and myrrh is another recipe for a topical natural treatment.
Take by Mouth
Increasing your fluid intake will increase your blood circulation. This will help your body send its natural defenses to fight off the shingles rash and rid your body of the infection. Increased fluid intake, combined with eating fresh foods, will further promote your body's self-healing abilities.
The types of fruits that are beneficial in the natural treatment of shingles are those that provide vitamins E, C and B12, provided that you are not allergic to them. These include fresh peaches, melons, strawberries, lemons, berries, avocado, mangoes, tomatoes and apricots. Other beneficial vitamins and supplements include vitamins A and D, L-lysine, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium and acidophilus.
Coconut oil, taken three times a day, also gives relief to shingles outbreaks. Drinking a small amount of sea salt and water gives your body an internal antiseptic wash. Eating fresh garlic also has beneficial antiseptic qualities as a natural treatment for shingles.
Herbs
Some of the common herbs used as a natural treatment for shingles include elderberry, Echinacea, propolis and golden seal. Herbs can be taken as teas, to also account for your fluid intake, or they may be available in syrup, powder, capsule or tablet form. Honey, which you can use to sweeten your tea, also has anti-infection and healing properties, and it can be applied topically, as well.
Prevention/Solution
Avoid eating certain foods to prevent further aggravation of your shingles rash. The arginine in nuts and seeds acts against the L-lysine you may be taking. Chocolate, though delicious, is highly irritating to shingles outbreaks. Too much sunlight and heat will slow down the healing, as well.
Observe sanitary habits to avoid spreading your rash during its most virulent stages, both on your own body and to others. Use the drying agents, such as calamine lotion or oatmeal, to prevent the rash from oozing and spreading beyond its site.
Warning
Discuss with your doctor or a natural health care provider the choices that you decide to use as a natural treatment for shingles. The experts will be able to assess your current health condition, as well as what works well for your body's needs. With a knowledgeable approach, consistency and patience, you will soon have relief using your chosen natural treatment for shingles.
Tags: your body, natural treatment, treatment shingles, natural treatment shingles, fluid intake, aloe vera