Herbs for Reducing Symptoms of Shingles

By Jessica Rogers April 29, 2023 17 mins read 75 Views

Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that causes chickenpox. It usually appears as a rash on one side of the body, and is painful and itchy.

It may last for several weeks or longer, and the pain can be severe. Fortunately, there are many natural herbs that can help reduce symptoms of shingles, so you can have more comfortable skin and less pain.

Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a flowering plant that grows wild in moist, temperate areas around the world. Its leaves contain menthol, a volatile oil with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

Research shows that it may help relieve itching and rashes associated with shingles. Applying peppermint oil topically can also help reduce the pain.

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that have therapeutic properties and are used to treat a variety of conditions. They can be applied to the skin, inhaled through vaporizers or sprays, or blended into a bath.

Many essential oils have anti-viral and pain-relieving properties that can help with shingles. Some of these oils are hot, so make sure they are diluted properly before applying to the skin. Combine them with a carrier oil and apply with a clean cotton swab 3-5 times a day.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a powerful herb that works well in reducing the symptoms of shingles. It can be used topically or taken internally to help reduce the itching and pain associated with shingles.

It can also be helpful in soothing a weakened immune system and reducing the length of outbreaks. A study found that lemon balm helped to stop viral replication, which lessened the symptoms of shingles and increased healing time.

It’s an anti-inflammatory herb, so it can be taken as a tea to help soothe the pain and discomfort of shingles. It’s also a B12-conserving herb, so it monitors your vitamin stores and helps prevent you from getting depleted of this vital nutrient.

Neem

Neem is a herb that can help reduce the symptoms of shingles. It is also known to be antiviral.

It is also antibacterial and helps prevent infection. It can be used in a tea or cream to ease the pain and swelling of your shingles.

Research is underway to see if neem can help reduce cancers and other diseases. Studies show that neem bark extracts kill cancer cells, and inhibit their ability to stick to other body tissues.

Other uses for neem include malaria, stomach and intestinal ulcers, diabetes, skin diseases, bloody nose, and psoriasis. Some people also use neem oil for insect repellent.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a Class 1 herb that can be used both topically and orally. It is commonly used in China to treat herpes zoster and is considered safe to use both internally and externally.

Drinking hibiscus tea can help reduce the symptoms of shingles by reducing pain and inflammation in the skin. It also decreases the likelihood of postherpetic neuralgia, which can occur after a shingles outbreak.

The hibiscus plant, often called bissap in parts of West Africa or karkade in North Africa, grows well in tropical climates. It is grown and consumed around the world, and is considered medicinal by some cultures.

Research suggests that hibiscus can help reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. But more studies are needed to determine if hibiscus can help all people.

St John’s Wort

St John’s Wort is a shrubby plant with clusters of yellow flowers. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia, Africa and the United States.

It has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of illnesses. The main active ingredients are hypericin and pseudohypericin.

The herb is often taken by mouth to help reduce depression, and it can also be applied topically to speed skin and body healing, particularly with bruises and bumps.

However, St John’s Wort can interact with a variety of medicines and cause unwanted side effects in some people.

It can also increase the risk of heart problems in some people taking methylphenidate for ADHD or bipolar disorder, and it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, known as photodermatitis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What herbs should you take daily?

Depending on your health and wellness needs, many herbs can be taken daily to help improve your overall health.

Popular herbs for daily consumption include ashwagandha, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, and cayenne pepper. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body resist stress and anxiety. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger has been shown to aid digestion and boost immunity. Holy basil may help with managing blood sugar levels, as well as providing a calming effect. Chamomile can promote relaxation, while lavender is used in aromatherapy for its calming properties. Peppermint can help aid digestion and reduce nausea, while cayenne pepper has antibacterial properties that may boost your immunity.

As always, you must consult your doctor before taking herbs daily to ensure they are safe for you and do not interact with any other medications or herbs you may be taking.

There is no shortage of information on what foods we should eat and how much exercise we should do. But when it comes to what supplements we should take, there is a dearth of knowledge.

This is because most of us aren’t sure which ones work or which are junk. So we go online and look up whatever we can find.

But often, these articles are written by companies trying to promote their products. Which means they're usually biased toward their product.

So instead of finding unbiased advice, we end up reading marketing hype.

This makes sense since marketers make more money selling stuff than doctors.

The medical industry isn’t even allowed to advertise directly to consumers anymore. The best way to learn about natural remedies is to read independent reviews.

This is where you'll find real users sharing their experiences with each supplement. These sites give you an honest opinion of whether or not a particular herb helps.

Users will often share their experience with a supplement after taking it. This gives you a good idea of its effectiveness and any side effects.

You can also check out forums dedicated to herbalism. Here you can ask questions and receive answers based on personal experience.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to learn about herbs.

There are books, websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, and classes. All of them provide valuable information about natural remedies.

How do you make medicinal herbs?

There are many different methods to make herbs into medicinal products. The most common method is to dry the herbs in a warm, dark location before grinding them into a powder or extracting their essential oils. This can be accomplished by hanging herbs upside down in bunches, laying herbs on a drying screen, or using a food dehydrator.

Once dried and ground, herbs can be stored in airtight containers for future use. Other herbs may require special preparation, such as infusing herbs into oil or vinegar, making tinctures with alcohol, or distilling herbs to create essential oils.

Learning the correct techniques for preparing herbs can help ensure that they retain their medicinal properties and potency for optimal health benefits. Using fresh herbs is usually best, but herbs can also be grown in a pot or garden and harvested when they are mature. Herbs can be purchased at health food stores, online retailers, and specialty shops.

No matter where herbs come from, the preparation techniques remain the same; drying herbs in a warm location followed by grinding or extracting the essential oils. You can make your medicinal herbs with the right herbs and preparation techniques.

When making herbal preparations, it is essential to remember that herbs can vary in potency, so always dilute herbs before use or follow the directions on any product label. Additionally, herbs are best used fresh, as many of their beneficial components degrade over time.

Following safety guidelines and paying attention to the potency of herbs can help ensure that you get the most benefit from your herbs. With a bit of practice and preparation, anyone can make therapeutic herbs with medicinal properties. Remember that herbs should never replace any medical advice or treatments prescribed by a doctor. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally.

Why do some love coriander and others don't?

Some people hate coriander, while others love it. But why?

Coriander is an herb that grows in warm climates throughout the world. It is native to both North America and Europe.

The leaves of the plant are used in cooking and can also be found in condiments such as salad dressings and dips. When added to food, coriander provides a spicy flavor.

Many people love its taste because it adds a fresh flavor to dishes without overpowering them. Others dislike the smell and taste of coriander because they find it too strong.

But there is more to coriander than meets the eye. There are two types of coriander – sweet and hot. Sweet coriander is milder and sweeter tasting compared to hot coriander.

Sweet coriander is usually grown for its seeds, often called cilantro. This type of coriander is easy to grow and is very low maintenance.

Hot coriander is most commonly used in Indian cuisine. Hot coriander gives a rich flavor to curries and sauces, making it popular among Indians.

Some people say that hot coriander tastes better than sweet coriander. However, the opposite is true for those who prefer sweet coriander.

There are many reasons why people enjoy different varieties of coriander. For example, one person may love the taste of coriander, while another enjoys the aroma.

Whether you like sweet or hot coriander, you might be surprised to learn that you can buy both types of coriander online.

What is the mother of all herbs?

The answer may surprise you!

It is a common garden herb known as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Rosemary has long been associated with fertility, longevity, and protection from illness. In some cultures, it was believed that the fragrance of rosemary could ward off evil spirits.

As such, it has been used for centuries in various medicinal, culinary, and spiritual applications. Rosemary has a unique flavor that pairs well with many dishes, making it a popular choice in the kitchen. Its fragrant leaves also add flavor to sauces, herbs, and meats.

Rosemary is a powerful medicinal herb used throughout the centuries to treat various ailments. Rosemary essential oil can treat respiratory tract infections, digestion problems, skin irritation, and inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it helpful in treating headaches and muscle pain as well. In addition, the oil has been used to improve cognitive function and memory recall. Rosemary can also be taken as a supplement, tea, or tincture for its many benefits.

It's no wonder rosemary is known as the mother of herbs! It truly is a versatile and valued herb.

Statistics

Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)
For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)

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How To

How do I know if my herbs have been treated with pesticides?

If you see a pesticide label on your herbs, the plants were sprayed with chemicals before being sold to you.

These chemicals harm human health and could cause cancer or other serious illnesses.

Unfortunately, this practice has become common around the globe. Many countries allow farmers to spray their crops with pesticides without proper regulation.

In order not to harm themselves, consumers should always ask about the source of their produce. If it comes from a farmer near you, it’s safe to assume it was not treated with pesticides.

However, there are still ways to ensure that your herbs are free from harmful chemicals.

However, if you want to ensure that your herbs aren’t contaminated, you can purchase organic herbs directly from the farm.

This way, you won’t need to worry about the safety of your herbs. You can trust that they weren’t exposed to harmful chemicals.