Natural Remedies for Shingles
Alternative Anti-Inflammatory & Antiviral Medicine

There are several kinds of natural remedies for shingles. They include immune system boosters, herbs with natural anti-viral activity and natural anti-inflammatories used to relieve the pain of outbreaks. Here’s a look at those three kinds.

Basic vitamins and minerals support immune system function, as long as they do not contain synthetic ingredients. Most vitamin E on the market is created synthetically, rather than being derived from foods. Vitamin E is not the only synthetic on the market. It is just one of the most common. Cheap supplements are not a worthwhile investment. They can even be harmful in the long run.

Good specialty supplements can help to boost immune system strength by providing high amounts of nutrients like vitamin C and amino acids like l-lysine. Some of the better brands include extracts from herbal remedies for shingles and extracts that have anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce pain.

Nutracidin is an effective alternative solution because it contains ingredients that boost immunity and help those who are suffering from medical conditions caused by bacterial, fungal or viral issues. One of the ingredients, monolaurin, comes from lauric acid, a fatty acid in mother's breast milk. This is what transfers immunity from mother to child and fights infection, fungus and viruses. Another ingredient in this formulation, glycyrrhizin produces gamma interferon which stops viruses from reproducing. This beefs up immunity and promotes healthy liver function, making it one of the top natural remedies for shingles.

So even though there are three different kinds of remedies, you may be able to take a single dietary supplement and see fewer outbreaks. In case you do have an outbreak, you will still want something that helps with the symptoms.

Itching and pain are the most common symptoms. The symptoms are caused by inflammation in the nerves or skin.

Natural Remedies for Shingles
Can End Pain and Outbreaks

Topically applied steroids or analgesics are usually recommended. But, there are safer alternatives. For example, high grades of Shea butter or grape seed oil can be used to reduce the inflammation and soothe the irritation.

To counteract inflammation throughout the body, it is a good idea to eat omega-3 rich foods on a regular basis. You can also take a supplement containing fish oil. Other supplements like flax and algae provide omega-3s, but only omega 3's from fish oil have anti-inflammatory properties. This supplement is essential for good health and an important element of any plan to overcome a condition that affects your nervous system like shingles.

Studies have shown that vitamin B5 is beneficial for shingles and other skin disorders. It is available in oral supplement form and in topically applied creams.

Of the single ingredient herbal remedies for shingles, Viral Protec has the most evidence to support its use, especially because it contains indian echinacea, quercetin, tumeric, black cumin and bilberry. It has been used historically to treat all kinds of infections: viral, bacterial, parasitic, etc and can work quite well for shingles.

Papain may help, especially if the infection is accompanied by digestive problems. Those that suffer from chronic constipation are likely to benefit.

Some alternative practitioners believe that the problem has to do with an imbalance in the microscopic flora residing in the bowel. Because of that, they recommend probiotics. As we age, we can all do with a daily dose of probiotics.

Some alternative practitioners believe that the problem has to do with an imbalance in the microscopic flora residing in the bowel. Due to this, they recommend probiotics. These supplements are particularly important because your immunity begins in your gut. If you are sick with any illness that targets the nervous system or compromises immunity, you should always begin by taking quality probiotics. As we age, taking probiotics is crucial because our digestion is not as effective as it used to be. In addition to building immunity by improving our ability to extract all the nutrients from food, probiotics help reduce gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhea and promote healthy, regular bowel movements.