Best Quick Way to Get Rid Of Shingles at Home

Shingles are caused by varicella zoster virus that remains dormant in the nervous system for years and becomes active when the immune system becomes weaker. It leads to itching and stabbing pain. It causes painful rashes on the body, which are also termed as “Herpes Zoster’’. The risk of shingles increases with the age. The very first symptom of shingles is tingling sensation on the skin or pain. After some time, red rashes appear on the body which are followed by the painful blisters.
HIV and cancer patients and the people who recently had an organ transplant are more prone to develop shingles. It lasts for three to five weeks. Doctors prescribe an antiviral medication for the treatment of shingles. It can help shorten the duration of shingles and gives relief from the symptoms. There are also some home remedies to get rid of shingles, which you can try without worrying about the side effects.

HOME REMEDIES FOR SHINGLES

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV is a natural astringent and packed with antimicrobial properties that help eliminate the blisters.Soak a washcloth in apple cider vinegar and cover the lesion with it. You will surely get instant relief. Repeat it twice a day until you get completely cured.

Alternatively, add 2 tbsp of ACV in a glass of fresh juice or water. Have it daily to accelerate the healing process.

2. Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver helps treat shingles due to itsantibiotic nature. Take a glass of filtered water and add a tsp of colloidal silver to it. Have it 6-7 times a day for three months. Afterwards, take it three times for the next three months. Along with this, it can be used topically.

3. Cayenne Pepper

Capsaicin compound found in cayenne pepper blocks the pain signals from the nerves, located beneath the skin, and soothes the pain. You can make a paste by mixing cayenne pepper with any moisturizing cream or yogurt. Then, apply it on the affected skin after every 4-5 hours.

Or else, squeeze out two tbsp of fresh aloe gel and add half tsp of cayenne pepper to it. Apply it to the affected skin.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

It is one of the best home remedies for shingles. Hydrogen peroxide can reduce inflammation and infection of the shingles. It suppresses the blisters, thereby giving you some relief.

5. Epsom Salt and Baking Soda

Add 1½ cups of Epsom salt and a cup of baking soda powder into the bathtub and fill it with the lukewarm water. Let it dissolve completely. Immerse yourself in this solution for 15 minutes. This will reduce the inflammation, itching and pain, associated with shingles.

Note: Don’t dry off your body with a towel as it can irritate the rashes and blisters.

6. Cabbage Poultice

Cabbage leaves are effective in healing the pain and inflammation. Take some green cabbage leaves and bruise them using a rolling pin. Then microwave it at 200-degree temperature for two minutes. Now apply it on the affected area and wrap it with plastic. It helps absorb the toxins which, in turn, speed up the healing process.

7. Yogurt

One can apply the mixture of yogurt and zinc oxide. If you use this remedy before the outburst, it will help control the eruption of blisters.

Or else, consume yogurt as it contains probiotics that help flush out the toxins from the body.

8. Turmeric

Turmeric has an anti-inflammatory substance called ‘curcumin’ that helps soothe the pain, and its antiseptic properties prevent further infection. Prepare turmeric paste and apply it to the affected part.

9. Pear

Pear contains antiviral caffeic acid, which helps fight against the virus and treats shingles effectively. You can either eat a pear or drink its juice.

10. Organic Honey

The healing properties of honey help treat the damaged skin and nourish it deeply. Apply honey on the inflamed skin several times a day, to get rid of shingles.

Or else, take a bandage and pour honey on it. Now, apply it to the blisters.

11. Virgin Coconut Oil

The antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil fight off the shingles causing virus. Rub it directly on the affected skin thrice a day, in order to reduce the swelling and pain.

Or else, dip gauze in the virgin coconut oil and place it on the affected skin. Replace it after a few hours.
Alternatively, combine two tbsp of coconut oil and one tbsp of eucalyptus oil. Use this mixture to treat shingles.

12. Nail Polish Remover

You can use nail polish remover to treat shingles. Simply dab a cotton ball in the acetone-based nail polish remover and apply to on the skin. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

13. Garlic

Since garlic is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial in nature; it can treat the shingles infection. Crush 10-15 garlic cloves (peeled) and apply it directly on the affected skin. Wash off after 45 minutes with cold water. Do this thrice a day for 15 days.

Note:  Do not mix water in the crushed garlic cloves.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR SHINGLES

14. Rosehip Oil

This essential oil moisturizes the skin deeply and prevents dryness. Mix rosehip oil and olive oil in equal proportion and rub gently on the affected area, two times a day.

15. Tea Tree Oil

The antibacterial and antiviral properties of tea tree oil help treat shingles infection. Since essential oils are strong; you need to mix them with any carrier oil. For instance, mix 7 ml olive oil in 3 ml of tea tree oil. Apply it gently four times a day, for around 15 days.

16. Indian Lilac

The antiviral properties of Indian lilac ward off the zoster virus and eliminate the pain. Boil water in a large container and add a handful of Indian lilac leaves to it. Simmer it for 15 minutes. Allow the solution to cool down and then strain. Now, soak a washcloth in it and place it on the affected area. Do it four to five times a day.

17. Calendula

The anaesthetic properties of this herb help give relief from the pain. You can use a calendula-based lotion on the affected skin, three times a day. It also heals blisters and prevents itching.

18. Plantain

Grind plantain in a blender and add lukewarm water to make a paste. Apply this on the inflamed skin to reduce the pain and tingling sensation. You can also add a few mint leaves while making this paste.

19. Green Tea

Drink this herbal tea four to five times a day, to gain its benefits. Its antiviral properties help disintegrate the virus and prevent its further growth. Besides, it keeps you relaxed and stress-free.

20. Myrrh

Apply the tincture of this herb, thrice a day. Also, consume myrrh tincture (one dropper) four times daily, to expedite the healing process. Follow this remedy until you recover completely.

DO’S

• Take plenty of rest.
• Wash your hands properly.
• Take a cool bath; it will help relieve the pain. But, make sure that the water is not too cold.
• Use calamine lotion to get relief from the pain and irritation.
• Have a diet rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, to strengthen your immune system.
• Consume citrus fruits and foods rich in lysine like milk, eggs, apple, pear, apricot, pineapple, meat, fish, and yogurt.
• You can go for a brisk walk or do yoga, biking, swimming to keep stress at bay.
• Clothes and other items that come in contact with an infected person must be washed with the hot water.
• People aged 60 or above should get vaccinated against shingles after consulting a healthcare professional.

DON’TS

• Don’t scratch the blisters as it will be more painful. They will fall off naturally.
• Don’t use a harsh towel to wipe your body.
• Avoid food that are rich in arginine like cashews, tomatoes, grapes, pumpkin seeds, chocolate, sugars, blackberries, blueberries, peanuts, etc.
• Stay away from humid areas.
• Say no to dairy products, processed foods, meat, junk food, and refined flour.
• Avoid spicy and deep fried food.