Natural Remedies for Shingles Relief And Treatment

Shingles is a common affliction found across a wide cross section of the population. Anyone who has ever had chicken pox may also suffer from shingles so almost everyone in temperate climates has been exposed to the virus (varicella-zoster). In most cases it doesn’t cause symptoms but lies dormant in the body. The older an individual becomes the greater the chances of a shingles outbreak.

The first symptoms of shingles are usually a rash, itching, and or tingling feeling. This is because the virus is in the nerves which serve the skin. Usually, the skin lesions clear up within 7-10 days though complications may lead to pain that lasts for months. Because it is caused by a virus, the infection travels through the body via the blood and that is why some natural remedies that have traditionally been used as blood purifiers are used to treat shingles naturally.

Burdock root is one herbal remedy that has been used throughout the world for the treatment of shingles and other viral infections. It has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries and also in traditional Western treatments for a wide variety of ailments. While it doesn’t cure it completely, many who use it report relief. Used according to the directions something as simple as a tea made from Burdock root can be used to treat the pain and itching of shingles.

There are prescription drugs that are sometimes prescribed for shingles outbreaks. Unfortunately, the more powerful the drug the greater the side effects and risk. Though Foscarnet stops replication of all known strains of the herpes virus (when tested in a laboratory), it can also cause kidney failure, damage to the heart muscles, and seizures.

One of the great dangers of shingles is that they can actually affect the eyes and even cause blindness. Obviously, if you have a shingles outbreak you should consult a physician. However, depending upon the severity of the outbreak and your own personal tastes, you may want to include herbal tea made from Burdock root along with ointments and tinctures that include all natural ingredients to soothe your symptoms.

Treating shingles with natural ingredients, herbs and ointments is a way to find relief without subjecting your body to synthetic chemicals and drugs, but you should realize that it also means taking some responsibility for your own health and safety. If you have any doubts you should always consult a healthcare professional.