The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
L-Lysine
Posted by Michele (Earlville, NY) on 07/19/2009
★★★★★
L-lysine 500mg/4xday, ACV, red tiger balm, and cayenne pepper works for me. L-lysine is very effective (it literally starves the virus). I found I had stopped too early and the rash (shingles) returned. One started again it receded within a day. For the itching and burning of the patches on my neck I washed with a mild soap, patted on ACV then covered with red tiger balm, then patted on powdered cayenne pepper on top of the tiger balm (not pretty).CAUTION: DO NOT USE THIS ON BROKEN SKIN, NEAR EYES OR MUCOUS MEMBRANES. WASH HANDS CAREFULLY AFTER USE.- IT WILL BURN (I had no open blisters, just a bumpy itchy rash). Not knowing how to calm the itching & burning patches on my neck, I read in the earth clinic mosquito bite section that tiger balm soothes the itch. So I gave it a try AND patted on powdered cayenne pepper on top and left it on for an hour. Capsaicin works by stimulating and then exhausting Substance P, the nerve-related transmitter that sends pain messages to your brain, in the skin. After an hour I wiped both the tiger balm and the cayenne off with a washcloth. The area was red but no longer itched or burned. By next morning all the redness was gone and the itch had not returned. I will continue this for a few days but will continue the lysine longer, to be sure.
Garlic
Posted by Matt (Attleboro, Ma. USA) on 02/26/2009
★★★★★
Shingles relief: To get rid of the itch as soon as possible rub a garlic clove over the area. It works even better in the shower because the heat draws it in better. This will work and you can do it a few times a day like before work and after work in the shower and before bed . I also use bag balm after to prevent scaring. But the garlic is the best solution
Zostavax Vaccine
Posted by Colleen (Whitewater, Wi) on 11/30/2011
Before anyone runs out to get a zostavax shot, please do your research. As with all vaccines, there are risks and unproven efficacy, and only "work" if your immune system is strong enough to build the antibodies... So goes the idea. Problem for those with shingles is that their immune system is obviously not up to snuff, since shingles is caused by an opportunistic virus, rearing its ugly head when one is under stress, suffered trauma or generally immune deficient. That said, why in the world would you subject yourself with a different strain of herpes zoster (live attenuated) virus if your immune system is not up to the task?
To kick off your research...
Chickenpox Vaccine Linked with Shingles Epidemic
"New research published in the International Journal of Toxicology (IJT) by Gary S. Goldman, Ph. D. , reveals high rates of shingles (herpes zoster) in Americans since the government's 1995 recommendation that all children receive chicken pox vaccine. Goldman's research supports that shingles, which results in three times as many deaths and five times the number of hospitalizations as chicken pox, is suppressed naturally by occasional contact with chicken pox."
[....]
"Using a shingles vaccine to control shingles epidemics in adults would likely fail because adult vaccination programs have rarely proved successful, " said Goldman. "There appears to be no way to avoid a mass epidemic of shingles lasting as long as several generations among adults."
Reading through these remedies I'm truly shocked at the number of middle age adults and younger who are afflicted with this disease which "primarily afflicts the elderly"... No surprise that the diagnosis was missed repeatedly in many of EC's forum posters, and it seems to lend credence to Dr. Goldman's research and findings, that the chickenpox vaccine (zostavax) can be linked to a shingles epidemic.
I've never had shingles, only know people who have suffered this, and can only imagine the desperation one feels, so much that they'll try anything to avoid recurrence of shingles. Just be cautious and well-informed before trying something which may do more harm than good.
Bottom line... Mother (nature) knows best!
Black Salve
Posted by Kat (Drummond, Montana) on 10/20/2008
I just learned of black salve from a friend of mine who used it on a growth on her breast that looked like it had spider veins coming from it when xrayed. In 6 months time, when they re-xrayed that growth it was completely gone! I have psoriosis and am wondering if anyone has any info on me maybe trying this black salve on it
L-Lysine
Posted by Beatrice (Dartmouth, Massachusetts, USA) on 07/15/2008
★★★★★
When I started getting symtems of Shingles, which I had last year, I immediatly came to this site. Luckily I found someone who used L Lysine and Vit. C and Zinc. I followed the remedy and in one day, the jabbing pains were gone. Thank you for this site. I took L Lysine (l000Units) the same for Vit. C and l00units of Zinc every 4 hours for 3-4 days and then went down to l dose per day.
Supplements
Posted by RJ (Cleveland, Ohio) on 01/14/2008
★★★★★
I recently had a shingles, which I never knew anything about until now. This web site was a big help in helping me understand the disease and what I could do about it.
I actually used multiple remedies to help cure shingles and the excruciating pain that went along with it. I went to a doctor to find out what it was and he confirmed that it was shingles and prescribed Valtrex an antiviral pill (which will not kill the virus), 1 per day for 10 days. I did take it but it didn't do a thing for the outbreak or the pain.
First thing I did was start taking Vitamin C 1000 mg fizzy packets x 3 every hour, by the fourth or fifth hour, I had diarrhea. Not a problem, cut it back to 1000 mg every 3 hours for the next 2 days. This helps to jump start the immune system and Vitamin C doesn't build up in the body and you can't get enough from fruits and vegetables. I also started taking l-lysine 2 tablets in the morning and 2 before bed (1500 mg each time). This also helps to boost immune system and kill the virus. Unfortunately, I did have to take some ibuprofen for the pain from time to time but that was only one or sometimes twice a day for a few days. I also took twice a day 2 ounces of apple cider vinegar mixed with either orange juice or grape juice (not at the same time as the vitamins) until the outbreak was gone.
For the outbreak, I tried putting zinc oxide cream (the worst thing to do) on the outbreak, it did nothing and it was painful to get off because it is made with petroleum. I also tried honey for its' ability to heal, it may have helped but it was messy and I didn't see any results. I did put tea tree oil on for a full day and it seemed to keep it from spreading but I did not see a lot of healing. I then took and put apple cider vinegar directly on the sores and wrapped them in cellophane to keep from drying out and left on for 2 hours. It was painful but it really brought out the sores. I then took baking soda and sea salt mixed with water and applied with a wet wash cloth and let sit on for an hour and then reapplied a few times. This felt great because it had a cooling effect on the sores and took away a lot of the pain. I used to have acne as a teenager and we would go to the beach in the summer and every year, my acne clear up like I had none at all, so I tried it and immediately the sores began to heal. I only needed to use for one to two days for the baking soda and salt water and only once for the apple cider vinegar. Once everything was dried up, I put some calamine lotion on for help with itching and I was surprised when it eliminated the dark marks from where the sores were. For the pain that continued after the sores, I thought it would go away, but unfortunately, it hung around a while and made life tough. I finally tried vitamin E d-alpha, not dl-alpha 1200 IU's twice a day and the pain went away after 2 days. I read that Vitamin C and Vitamin E should be taken together so I took 1000 mg of Vitamin C with the Vitamin E at the same time.
Also, watch your diet and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. There are some that say the virus uses foods like nuts and chocolate as food to grow and survive, so starve it and you have a better chance that the natural remedies will kill and eat the virus.
Good Luck and I hope this helps someone because many of these same things worked for others and I know that they helped me a lot. Thanks to those that shared.
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Gloria (Salem, MA) on 02/25/2007
★★★★★
My friend came down with a painful case of shingles on her neck,into her hair,down to her chest and shoulders.I check your site and found a cure.First she soaked her feet in 1/4cup ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) and enough hot water to completely cover her feet doing this 2x a day, also dabbing straight ACV on the leasions with a cotton ball, it burns at first, followed by a cream. Made up of 1Tablespoon coconut oil,1 Tablespoon aloe vera gel and 1/4 teaspoon.cayenne pepper. Mix it up well and gently rub it in with a cotton ball.She also drank the ACV. 1 T.in water 3x day the blister came to a head that same day and the extreme pain decreased. By the third day she was healed. That was 3 weeks ago and she has had no reoccurence.
Alcohol, Distilled Water and Fastum Gel
Posted by Michael (South Africa) on 09/12/2006
★★★★★
Half each 90% Alcohol and distilled water. And Fastum Gel a non steroidal anti inflammatory. Fixed my shingles in a week. Blisters all dried and healing. Pain still there in the nerve. Good news!
L-Lysine
Posted by Mark (Las Vegas) on 07/04/2015
Lysine can cause liver toxicity if taken too much. Read up on it.
Organic Cacao
Posted by Parker (TAYLOR) on 01/11/2026
★★★★★
I've had 3 shingles outbreaks in 8 years the first two lasted a couple weeks and just went away no problem. In October I developed what I thought was a patch of dry skin on my ankle so I used Aloe & Eucerin on it. Being leave season I was very busy and didn't pay much attention until the itching started which oddly was a couple weeks in.
Since this outbreak was on the right side of my right ankle I couldn't get a close look at it so I used an Otoscope projected on my tablet to get a closer look. That's when I saw pustules and it hit me "ah crap I got Shingles". By then the area was rubbed raw and hurt like the dickens and super itchy. It's now January and these shingles aren't getting better and Today I think I found out why. About 6 months ago I started supplementing with Organic Cacao and apparently Cacao is shingles food. So I thought I would post this on here to help out anyone who might be experiencing the same thing. Here is the results I got from Grok on the subject:
Why Cacao/Chocolate Is Often Recommended to Avoid with Shingles
Shingles outbreaks can be influenced by diet, particularly the balance of two amino acids: arginine and lysine.
Arginine can promote replication of herpes-family viruses (including varicella-zoster).
Lysine may help counteract arginine and support immune response.
Cacao (especially dark or raw varieties) and chocolate are relatively high in arginine. Many health sources advise avoiding or minimizing them during an outbreak to prevent worsening symptoms or prolonging recovery.
Here are some practical examples of foods to limit (including cacao/chocolate):
- Chocolate (dark, milk, or raw cacao products)
- Nuts and seeds
- Gelatin
- Certain grains like oats
Instead, focus on lysine-rich foods (e.g., dairy, fish, eggs, and certain meats) and immune-supporting nutrients like vitamins C, E, zinc, and B12.
BHT
Posted by Kim L. (Kansas City, MO) on 03/30/2026
Thank you so much for replying to my question about BHT. I have loved reading all your posts over the years, especially the one about Sweet Oil and water flush bulb/syringe to get out old wax causing loss of hearing. I always light up when I see a post from you. :)
Neem Oil
Posted by Louise (Australia, Sydney) on 10/20/2024 2 posts
★★★★★
Re Shingles
I use Neem Oil on the rash lesions a few times a day. I also take the Tea and the Leaf Extract. Neem is an antiviral and antibacterial, but it should not be used long term if you wish to become pregnant. It's also a spermicide if used long term. Neem tastes very, very bitter. Occasionally, honey helps, but you can get used to the taste.
The oil on the lesions or rash helps immediately. Pain is reduced, and sometimes itching remains, but to avoid scratching, I put more Neem oil on. I also use diluted magnesium oil but creme would do, to calmtbe nerves, this helps alot. Fluey symptoms are helped with Neem also. I take High doses of Vit C and Lysine as well along with Zinc and D.
I'm still on the 1st day, smallish outbreak managed with the above. I'll follow up soon.
Ps Teds Archive is helpful too.
Coconut Oil, Carrots
Posted by Nanoagain (Texas) on 04/15/2018 1 posts
I had good luck taking oil of oregano capsules two or three times a day on an empty stomach for a shingles outbreak.
Lysine, Olive Leaf
Posted by Angee (Nz) on 10/07/2016
★★★★★
Have had shingles for 4-5 years now. was never diagnosed as this. was told had fibromyalgia becos I didnt get the rash. had neuralgia pain all this time.could not sleep at night for fever and excruiating pain in neck, head and liquid coming pooling in eardrums and eyes.It all started with central back itch/sore. Read this blog and sought Lysine and olive leaf extract 500 mg. Started taking two nights ago. Slept well last night first time in months.
Same doc advice as many on this blog, viral meds and antidepressant for pain both of which never worked at height of pain/fever. Then this week rash appeared I happened to use ozonated olive oil which my husband just happened to have on guidance from this site. Was using ACV but I have to say ozonated olive oil which is what they put in makeup and is clear not green worked MAGIC on the rash and itch. While ACV works as an antiseptic and emergency I found the olive oil worked better.
I read the dietary guide here and stopped drinking tea and coffee and drank green tea and strawberries only. No more choc or nuts. Feeling amazingly better.
For any of your doubters out there,,, THIS REALLY WORKS!! Don't get the shingle vaccine as my research is not kind on it and I believe it doesn't help as people who got it as a preventative still got shingles later, I read many reviews from many different sites to be sure. I am taking the Lysine and will continue a long course of this for at least a year to kill off the herpes virus, as I also read in this blog. I will keep this site updated with my results.
My back is still slightly tingly but the itch has gone and it is slowly receding. Thank you earth-clinic 9my god) blog for great advice which was much needed in my times of sleepless-painful-exhaustive 1am nights.
Calamine Lotion
Posted by beverly (Texas) on 02/02/2023
I had my first case of shingles at 15. Had it regularly through my 20's. Last time I had it was at 45 ....until tonight when I realized the pain I had on my back below my right shoulder blade was shingles. In the process of selling our home and it is very stressful................I am almost 75. I woke my husband up at 1 am to put a cayenne pepper patch on my back.
Calamine Lotion
Posted by Teena (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/01/2018 232 posts
Kayla, avoid aspartame, in energy drinks and some "sugar free" soft drinks, avoid artificial sweeteners and arginine foods. A liver detox would be great to remove build up from the liver, as an overloaded liver can not clear the body of built up toxins, heavy metals and pathogens. Failing that you might research granulated lecithin non GMO soy or sunflower, one tablespoon daily with a meal, graduate to every meal, to absorb and excrete toxins, some milk thistle or dandelion supplement to support liver function, & lysine and wholefood vitamin c to boost the immune system.
Calamine Lotion
Posted by Katzie (Alberta) on 05/06/2018
Hi Kayla. I just wanted.to ask if you're sure it was Shingles and not something else? Getting Shingles 2x is rare and getting it a 3rd time is almost unheard of! At any rate, your immune system is really struggling. You should try DMSO on the rash as well as take 1tsp of it morning and night. Use a nice soothing castor oil on the rash after the DMSO. These should clear up your rash quickly. Also look into ways to strengthen your poor, struggling immune system cause it ain't working so good right.now. Good luck!
Monolaurin, Vitamin C
Posted by Hisjewel (Usa) on 10/17/2018
Greetings EC and Everyone,
Re Shingles and that Stinging Burning Feeling in the Face Syndrome
I have come to believe that the stinging in the face was not bought on by anything I previously thought brought it on. The two things that I noticed about the stinging, burning or pins and needle feeling that I had in the face, was that it always happened when it was humid or when I was stressed. I had the shingles on the one leg. However, I am sure it was responsible for that feeling I had on my face. I am healed of it now about three months. I really don't know what did it, I was taking so many things including BHT which I started taking in March, and Astragalus which I started in June. I give God the glory He is the ultimate healer. The foods that I could not eat last year, I am now able to eat once again without a shingles outbreak. And, the burning face feeling went bye, bye with the shingles.
Never Give Up.
HisJewel
Red Marine Algae
Posted by Breathoflifeedu (Texas) on 11/15/2014
★★★★★
When my son was 12 years old, he developed a painful rash on his back, neck, and face all on the same side. A couple days after I was at my chiropractor and he noticed it and told me that it was shingles. I asked what I could do to get rid of it. He went in the other room and came back with a bottle of Red Marine Algae. He said for my son to take 2 capsules in the morning and 2 capsules at night until the bottle was empty, if the it was not completely gone then get another bottle and follow the same instructions but to take all of the bottle regardless. I followed his instructions to the T and by the time he finished the first bottle it was completely gone and he has not had another occurrence, he is now 22 years old.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by DarlaDaisy (Suffolk, VA) on 03/18/2023
My husband has been taking the gut health bundle from Thorne only for a few days and It appears he broke out in the shingles. There must absolutely be a gut connection. The bundle includes Bacilus Coagulans, fiber, prebiotics and glutamine to heal your gut but I really think it provoked the shingles.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Sam (Miami) on 03/20/2023
Did he have shingles before? Sometime it is a healing crisis. My dad suffered eczema for 30 years. One year he was taking 4 weeks treatment course in a balneoresort (Sanatorium Annensky Mineralnye Vody): The water is alkaline (Pn = 8.5-9.4), slightly mineralized (0.32 g/l), the composition is sulfate-bicarbonate, sodium with a high content of silicic acid (60-96 mg/l). Keep in mind he was regularly getting treatments in various balneoresorts with different composition of water. So this time he got so sick he had to hospitalised. After he recovered his eczema was gone for good.
Epsom Salt
Posted by Kenneth (Beach Lake) on 07/15/2015
★★★★★
Epsom Salt for Shingles
Do EPSOM SALT HOT COMPRESSES SEVERAL TIMES PER DAY, even eyebrows, scalp, bumps go down but return later day. Just keep doing, don't overheat & get blisters, likewise leg calves, & other areas of body. While damp, you could dust Baking Soda, BUT NOT THE EYES AREA.
Also, don't get EPSOM SALT Moisture in eyes. if do, RINSE IMMEDIATELY.
Essential Oils
Posted by Mary (Montana, US) on 03/28/2014
★★★★★
For shingles.. Ok pure and simple 1/8 cup of coconut Oil, 10 drops each lavender, teatree and euclyptus oil. Apple to areas that are infected with shingles. Feel the relief of taxing your immune system with the pain and discomfort of the virus. Also, applying peppermint oil with coconut oil to your feet will also help with getting a restful sleep.
Vitamin C
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 12/05/2016 2041 posts
HJ: I am not aware of this occurring from any personal reports, and doesn't seem logical it would.
My gut tells me it's a gut issue (pun intended). We know oral Vit-C is poorly absorbed, and even with a healthy gut, but if there is infection, parasites, and/or leaky gut, oral Vit-C would be a problem.
Try some buffering remedies for a few days and then try buffered Vit-C. If paras or infection is suspected try Oil of Oregano before meals. Also incorporated Milled Flax Seed into diet to make for some gentle colon cleaning. Lipospheric Vit-C is best and one can achieve therapeutic results in cases of major illnesses, unlike oral standard C. Colloidal Silver is also effective for all types of pathogens.
Always good to read your post and hope this helps, let us know.
Vitamin C
Posted by Hisjewel (America, New York) on 12/08/2016
Mama to Many
Thank you for your thoughts, and for sharing your experience. I have started to work on my digestive system ("again"). This time I plan to stick to it. As I do appreciate the benefits of extra C when needed.
HisJewel
Licorice Extract
Posted by Mr. Ree (Usa) on 04/04/2014
For $8.95 it's certainly worth a try...I have always recommended "Natures Answer.' I have not tried other licorice extract...I got rid of my shingles in 3 days about 1 1/2 months after it surfaced...Then beat it twice more when it hit the same day...In one hour! I still have the bottle a couple of years later and it's 1/2 full.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Mistyhaired (Arkansas) on 01/09/2017
LOL, I'm so sorry to laugh, but of course you vomited. You just did it all at once! I think it's funny bc it's sort of my nature to go all out too, but unfortunately a slow, gradual introduction to anything new to your body is best. Best of luck to you. :)
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Sherri (North Adams, Mi. USA) on 08/27/2012
★★★★★
A 75 year old neighbor was suffering with shingles. It followed the nerve from the center of her back, around and under her right breast. The medicine the Dr. gave her did nothing to relieve her. I took a sray bottle and filled it with ionic silver. 3 times a day I sprayed it on her shingles soaking them good. I put a loose gauze under her breast to prevent skin to skin contact. I also had her drink 1 teaspoon of the silver 2 times a day. It gave her immediate relief. The rash developed but never blistered. It has been 3 weeks and there is hardly any outward sign of the shingles.
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Scott (La Quinta, Ca) on 08/17/2012
★★★★★
I used aloe vera gel, cayenne and oatmeal flour I ground up in my vita-mix to make a paste. Worked like a charm- place aloe vera gel in a bowl sprinkle to cover with cayenne, mix then sprinkle to cover with oatmeal and mix again. Clean site with Apple Cider Vinegar and apply it every 6 hrs.
Hypericum Oil
Posted by Ernest (Newcastle, Nsw Australia) on 03/23/2012
★★★★★
I have suffered with shingles for three years on the left hand side of my face the pain has been debilitating, but I have just found a treatment that has eased that pain. That treatment is a bottle of essential oil called hypericum oil, I rub it into the painful areas twice a day. Hypericum oil is oil of saint johns wort.
Ice
Posted by Sherri (Seattle) on 03/03/2026
Hello Sandra,
FYI
There is another cause for the unusual "chronic" shingles cases showing up throughout the US.
There is an odd "shingles" presentation that has become more common in the U.S. which involves TWO CONCURRENT INFECTIONS that look similar though, are quite different if one really examines the lesions. Both are "VERY" painful.
The "causative" infection is "parasitic" and looks like shingles with red, raised, itchy and painful bumps with consistent "debris" coming out. This infection is often located near the spine and triggers shingles.
This parasitic infection can last a long time if not addressed with medications &/or herbals that force the organisms to the skin surface and out of the body. Also, topicals (e.g., drawing agents) are often used during oral systemic treatment to speed resolution such as a simple hot wet salt & turpentine pack.
The actual shingles infection clears up before the parasitic shingles-like infection.
I know of at least 3 people and family members that have had these infections, occurring at the same time. The infections started after using various oral &/or topical antiparasitic/insecticidal medications and/or herbals that forced the "organisms" out which triggered shingles since the infection(s) involved the spine.
The "causative" parasitic infection(s) most often involves an arthropod(s).
I hope you find answers and healing soon.
Sherri
Tagamet
Posted by Barbara (Montgomery, Al) on 12/06/2011
★★★★★
Several years ago when I had a near outbreak of shingles... Rash starting to appear and painful stinging sensation, I read in a health magazine that Tagamet, an over the counter acid reducer, could help with symptoms. It did! The symptoms went away in a few days.
