Shingles are a painful, blistering skin rash due to the Herpes-Zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox.
The first symptom is usually one-sided pain, tingling, or burning. The pain and burning may be severe and is usually present before any rash appears. The virus lives in the nerves, migrates from there to the skin and produces blister-like sores which are excruciatingly painful or itchy. If the face is affected, damage to the eyes may result. These sores often take two to three weeks to disappear. Even after the sores have healed, severe pain can sometimes linger for months or even years. This is called post-herpetic pain.
Because herpes is a virus, antibiotics will not affect it. However, there are several natural remedies which have produced excellent results. A good diet is essential to keep your immune system up. Sugar puts your white blood cells to sleep. Avoid Tylenol-type medications (acetaminaphen) — they have been shown to aggravate shingles.
What is the Cause of Shingles?
Shingles is caused by the Herpes-Zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Children get chicken pox, while normally only adults contract shingles. A child can catch chicken pox from an adult with shingles, and vice versa. If the person has had chicken pox early in life, the virus can live in the body, remaining dormant and showing up years later as shingles.
Diet and Supplementation:
Diet
The elimination is sugar, white flour, refined carbohydrates, coffee, alcohol, wheat and dairy is crucial for unburdening the immune system and liver so that your body can focus on fighting the virus. Focus on the diet on lots of fresh vegetables, garlic, fruit, beans, legumes, wild fish like salmon, free-range chicken, brown rice, coconut oil and flax seeds.
Supplementation
1. L-Lysine
Amount: 1,000mg 2x a day
B-vitamins are needed in high doses during an outbreak.
Follow the directions on the bottle until it is gone.
Topical Application:
Vitamin E OilApplication of natural vitamin E from a capsule directly to the sores eases the pain considerably and helps prevent scarring. Aloe vera has also been successfully used as a salve.
Source:
1. Ballin, Dr. Annemaria. Personal communication. September 2009.
