What is Shingles?
Shingles is a condition which is usually painful, that is caused by the herpes zoster virus. This virus is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you have had chickenpox the virus doesn’t leave your body. The virus lies dormant in the nerves near your spine, where it usually stays unknown. But sometimes the virus is triggered, and this time the reaction is much more sever and painful than before.
Who Gets Shingles?
People who have had chickenpox are most likely to get shingles. The herpes zoster virus seems to thrive when the immune system is suffering. This is often the case with cancer patients who are receiving aggressive therapy. Most often there isn’t once single trigger that sets off the virus. Once shingles has run it’s course most people are healthy and pain-free, but nonetheless you should have your doctor monitor you. If the herpes zoster virus spreads to your internal organs, the results can be devastating.
What are the Symptoms of Shingles?
Shingles usually starts to show it’s effects with sensitivity in one side of the chest, the back of the face. This is followed by extreme pain in those sensitive areas. Fever, flulike symptoms, clear blisters that breakout in the affected areas, and also blisters that turn yellow, scab over, and then fall over are other symptoms of shingles.
What are the Root Causes of Shingles?
As stated previously, a weakened immune system, and the herpes zoster virus are the known root causes for shingles.
A great resource for a lot more information is this great website called Genital Herpes Clinic. Visit it for a lot more detailed information and help!
Natural Remedies.
When you have shingles your nervous system is under attack. So it is pertinent that you eat a lot of eggs, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, and whole grains which are all high in B vitamins. eat yellow, green, and organ vegetables as often as you can, at least with every meal. This foods are important because they contain high levels of vitamins A and C. Green leafy vegetables are also key, as the calcium and the magnesium in these foods will help to heal your nerve endings.
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Homeopathic Rhus Tox– Take a 30C potency three times a day. Or as directed on the label. |
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Echinacea– Take 500 mg four times a day for immune support, and antiviral effects. |
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Vitamin B 12– Take as directed, or have your doctor give you a 1 cc injection daily for five days, and then twice weekly following that. This will help the body recover, and reduce the pain associated with shingles. |
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Reishi Mushroom– Take as directed on the label. This is a powerful immune system booster. it will also increase your energy. |
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Olive Leaf– Take 500 mg four times a day. Olive leaf has potent antiviral effects. |
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Capsaicin Cream– Apply a cream 0.025 to 0.075 % capsaicin two to four times a day to the affected areas. This herbal extract will help to block the pain. *You may notice some burning or a stinging sensation the first time this cream is applied. But that will subside after the first few day. |
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Flaxseed Oil– Take 1- 2 tablespoons three times a day. Flaxseed oil has powerful anti-inflammatory agents, as well as anti-fungal properties. |
*Please check with your doctor before taking any supplements, and also read the warning labels on each product, especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Also read the labels carefully when giving your child any natural supplement, to ensure that it is safe to give a child.
