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Natural Cures for the Shingles Virus

Contributor
By Maureen Crandall
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

The shingles virus is caused by the same virus that carries chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus. It's believed that 90 percent of people who get chicken pox are at risk of getting shingles. Shingles most often appears in individuals over 50 years old and usually comes in the form of a blister-like rash on the stomach or inside of the mouth. Although there is no absolute cure for shingles, there are ways to mitigate or shorten the length of the symptoms.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

    Shorten and Eliminate a Shingles Episode

  1. Step 1

    To date, one of the most successful ways of shortening an episode of shingles has been to apply an essential oil topically to the affected area. These oils include: bergamot, eucalyptus, geranium, calophyllum or lemon oil. Take a few drops of one of these concentrated oils and mix it with a carrier oil like peanut, olive or almond oil. Apply the oil directly to the rash as soon as the outbreak occurs. The lesions should dry up and disappear within three to five days.

  2. Step 2

    Capsaicin cream has been found to relieve pain in individuals with shingles. Capsaicin in an element found in the red pepper family, and it naturally slows the transmission of pain impulses to the brain, so the pain is lessened greatly. Capsaicin can be found as a topical cream in Zostrix. It can be found over the counter and does not counteract with other medications or drugs.

  3. Step 3

    Shingles most often happens when a person's immune system is weakened by stress, a cold or other factors. Boost your immune system by increasing your Vitamin C to 8,000 mg a day.

  4. Step 4

    Garlic is a superior immune system builder - either raw or in tablet form. Take it daily.

  5. Step 5

    Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, preferably organic. Raw foods are loaded with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids that are critical to the healing process of the immune system.

Tips & Warnings
  • Avoid stress. All the raw food in the world can't help you relax. Try breathing exercises or yoga once or twice a day, especially before bed. This can greatly reduce your stress levels and shorten the episode of shingles.

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