The virus that
triggers chickenpox can also cause
shingles, also called herpes zoster. Once
you have had chickenpox, the virus can lay dormant in the nerve roots. Some people may never get shingles, others it will
appear when stress, injury, medicines, or aging weakens the immune system. Shingles symptoms can include
headaches, dizziness, weakness, flu like symptoms without a fever, or light
sensitivity. You may also experience nerve pain, tingling, itching, and a rash
which may turn into clusters of fluid filled blisters that will crust over in
2-4 weeks. Shingles are no longer
contagious once the rash has developed crusts and the risk of spreading the
virus is low if the rash is covered and hands are washed frequently.
Herpes,
like shingles, is a virus that can lay dormant in the nerve roots and appears
periodically. Herpes simplex 2 appears on the genitals, herpes simplex 1
appears around the mouth in the form of fever blisters or cold sores. Fatigue,
sun exposure, irritation of the skin, emotional stress, physical stress and
weakened immune system can be triggers to reactivate the virus. Some experience outbreaks once a year or less, while others
may get them every few weeks.
Dietary changes may help
inhibit the herpes and shingles virus. A diet high in lysine which is found foods
such as red meat, yogurt, potatoes, brewers yeast, poultry, fish, and dairy and
low in arginine which is found in nuts, peas, cereals and chocolate may help
prevent or manage outbreaks. Good nutrition, supplements, homeopathic remedies,
essential oils, regular sleep, exercise and stress-reduction techniques may
also help prevent outbreaks. Natural alternatives and supplements
are available to help relieve the symptoms, build the immune system and keep
skin sores clean.
Supplement
Support
- Olive Leaf may help prevent outbreaks. It may also help to kill bacteria, Candida albicans and E. coli.
- Oil of Oregano may help strengthen the immune system.
- Monolaurin may help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks with immune boosting benefits.
- Beta-carotene, zinc, vitamins D, B, B6, and C with flavonoids all support the immune response and help fight viruses.
- L-lysine helps to minimize outbreaks.
- Oregano Oil may help prevent outbreaks and symptoms with antimicrobial properties.
- Grapefruit Seed Extract liquid helps minimize the virus and has antimicrobial properties.
- Witch Hazel is a great astringent and has a drying effect to help avoid spreading.
- Aloe Vera helps with the healing process.
- Hydrogen Peroxide helps eliminate the virus in the mouth (gargle with three parts water and one part hydrogen peroxide).
- L-lysine may help inhibit the reproduction of the virus.
- Vitamin E and Lemon Balm may help reduce the duration or severity of outbreaks.
Homeopathic
Remedies
- Dulcamara helps with sore, itchy skin eruptions.
- Natrum Muriaticum helps with burning, puffy blisters on lips.
- Rhus Toxicodendron helps with mouth irritations and red, blistered, itchy skin.
- Sepia helps with itchy skin and healing.
- Rananculus helps with nerve pains and itching.
Oils
- Grape Seed Oil helps with healing and relief of symptoms.
- Tea Tree Oil may help to disinfect sores and is drying.
- Coconut Oil may have antiviral and antibacterial properties.
- Chamomile and Bergamot Essential Oil may help reduce inflammation and disinfect cold sores.
- Sage and Geranium Essential Oils may help healing and relief of symptoms.
- Peppermint and Eucalyptus Essential Oils may help with pain and has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
- Myrrh Essential Oil helps reduce inflammation and may help to stimulate the immune system.
Aromatherapy
Recipe for Herpes/Shingles
20 drops Aura
Cacia Chill Pill essential oil blend
6 drops Geranium
essential oil
Aura
Cacia Precious Essential sandalwood oil with jojoba essential oil blend
Fill a
roll-on with Precious Essential Oil Sandalwood, then add 20 drops of Chill
Pill, and 6 drops of
Geranium. Apply to the affected area a few times per day.
Mona Claypoole - Director of Marketing and Wellness Support
