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.
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.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Awagner3216 (Albuquerque, Nm) on 12/07/2011
★☆☆☆☆
I tried some aloe from the plant that I have and it made the itching and pain worse! I'm going to go to the store and get some Apple Cider Vinegar and Tea Tree and Eucalyptus oil.... Hopefully it will work, I'm only 22 and this is the first time that I have ever dealt with this. I hope that this is not a life long thing that keeps coming back!
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.
Eucalyptus Oil
Posted by Ruark (Sydney, Nsw Australia) on 11/10/2011
★★★★☆
I have been experiencing shingles for the first time. On the face which is excrutiating. Read a post here on using eucalyptus oil, so I just applied some and it certainly quelled the pain. As soon as I can get someone to help apply it to my scalp I reckon it will knock down the degree of pain too. Wow shingles is horrendous, any relief and a good night's sleep please.
Eucalyptus Oil
Posted by Sarah B (Jefferson Twp., Pa) on 05/27/2012
I used an essential oil mix that has provided so much relief in only a day and a half. Tried bc it was all I had that had Eucalyptus oil in it and turned out to be amazing.
Dave Thomas Shingles Protocol
Posted by Kilee (Ontario, Canada) on 04/11/2014
Kilee from Ontario, Canada to Dave from Fountain Inn SC Thank you for your feedback regarding the nerve pain and swelling I am still experiencing four and a half months after shingles out break. I will look into the use of Calcium AEP. My last blood work showed higher than normal levels of calcium in my blood, but my para thyroid test came back normal. Guess they were worried it was leaching out of the bones. Will try to do some research to see if I can try the Calcium AEP. I don't think the medical community, has any idea what to do with those of us suffering from this horror. My Dr. prescribed Oxycodone , which I won't take and Lyrica which, out of desperation, I do take. The swelling on the right side of my abdomen, all the way around to my spine, is so severe my navel is almost an inch off center.The Dr. has no idea what else to try. Thanks Dave for taking the time to try to help those of us who are suffering and to all the other posters who post info that might help. It is much appreciated. Kilee
Dave Thomas Shingles Protocol
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 04/12/2014
To Kilee;
Re Shingles aftermath; your comment to me...
Also you could apply topically anti burn liquids; A high quality Aloe Vera mixed with a little DMSO to help penetration. And I've lately been working with Papaya and had one experience where application of Papaya liquid (just squeezed Papaya) de sensitized a burn very effectively.
And not only apply topically; but Kilee, take these anti-burn liquids orally as well. Ingest a cup (of either) daily for a month.
If the burning you are feeling is equivalent to a "burn" then it stands to reason that anti burn items will give relief. Remember; I've warned you that the virus may still be alive and so the topical application of CS with DMSO to kill the virus is essential.
Dave Thomas Shingles Protocol
Posted by Lizzy (Asheville, Nc) on 10/10/2014
Dear Dave,
Thank you so much for posting this shingles formula! Thankfully I have all the ingredients at home and have started your protocol for the beginning stages of what I think is shingles. The paste feels great on the rash/blisters that I just discovered a couple of hours ago. Thank you again!
Herpetic Neuralgia Remedies
Posted by Prioris (Fl) on 03/05/2015
Recently I just realized my occipital headache which I come to realize is really postherpetic neuralgia. This is related to the shingles zoster virus.
Before you can treat your herpes, you must know what kind of herpes virus you are fighting.
Red Marine Algae of the Gigartina skottsbergii species variety is suppose to be effective against herpes zoster.
Diaper Cream and Mylanta
Posted by Jlh (Victor, Iowa) on 07/30/2011
★★★★★
I tried ACV and aloe for my shingles and it didn't do anything. My sister in law shared a remedy she had heard of: mix equal parts of desitin diaper cream and mylanta and spread on the blisters. It is amazing! I am on day two of this mixture and it is really helping. The blisters are still there and still uncomfortable if they get pushed on, but much better than burning, stabbing pain constantly! My blisters are in an area that clothing rubs so I have been miserable. This mixture has made it possible for me to wear clothing without sever pain!
Diaper Cream and Mylanta
Posted by John From Pa. (Abington, Pa) on 07/31/2011
Licorice extract will get rid of shingles in 3 days...
50% the first day... 75% the second and 100% the third day...
I had shingles and got rid of them in three days.. They came back in 2 different places the next couple of days and I also got rid of them... Never to reappear...
John from PA
Diaper Cream and Mylanta
Posted by Caroline (Charleston Sc) on 07/24/2017
Is the licorice taken internally or applied topically?
Herbs
Posted by Dan (Bisbee, Arizona) on 07/04/2011
★★★★★
Hello, I want to suggest goldenseal tincture as a remedy for shingles. It tends to sting a bit but really helps to alieviate my symptoms. Also works on mouth sores and funky gums. I aply it topically and in the case of mouth problems I swish it around as long as I can then swallow it. One dropper is enough.
Oats
Posted by Breizhbabe (Woodley, Reading, Berkshire, Uk) on 05/30/2011
★★★★★
Hi, When our children had chicken pox, which is the same virus as shingles - to ease the pain of the blisters we were advised to put some oats in a muslin cloth, tie it and place it in the bath. This produces a milk which bathes the sores and soothes. I tried this last year when I had shingles for the first time and it was very soothing. I also put calamine lotion onto the spots (you can also use this for sunburn). I currently have shingles and I think they have affected my scalp. When I wash my hair I put one drop of tea tree oil into the final rinse water and this has soothed the scalp. I wonder whether peppermint might also help. Now I have read the article on apple cider vinegar will try that. You can buy organic apple cider that isn't that much more expensive.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Lysine
Posted by Schuyler (Mullins, Sc) on 10/11/2012
I started with shingles Dec. 2012. Have had ongoing problems since then. It was hard to diagnose because it never came out as a rash, but stayed "inside. " It's in the left side of neck, left upper roof gum area, temple, top left side of head, partially down left neck and left shoulder. Been on antivirals & steroids 3 times. Now, back on antivirals alone. BUT... This time, I'm having an actual outbreak on the inside of the lower lid of my left eye. It's very uncomfortable. I've just taken the ACV for the first time after reading all the comments, but can anyone suggest what I might possibly be able to use for my eye to help with the bad discomfort? I know I can't put vinegar in there--UGH! Thanks for any help.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Lysine
Posted by Connie (Slc, Utah, Usa) on 10/11/2012
Hi Schuyler; I would recommend high dose B12, even injections for shingles. B12 has antiviral properties, and it used to be used to treat them before the advent of antivirals. Shingles near the eyes may even cause blindness, so I can't help but ask you to hurry. B12 will also treat post herpetic neuralgia, which can be debilitating.
Homeopathy
Posted by Marina (Miami) on 08/16/2023
Arsenicum album 200ck for shingles/viral rash
Side effects alert. I only took it 5 times in 2 days and started feeling extremely unwell, feeling sort like of one leg in a grave. I stopped it immediately, after concluding it must be arsenicum album, and today is the second day after I stopped, but not feeling any better. My detoxification is compromised to start with, due to MTHFR polymorphisms and low BP, and the dose is probably too high. This homeopathic remedy is suggested here on EC. If blood flow to the liver decreases as much as thirty percent, and this can happen in hypotension, plasma levels of hepatically cleared drugs are largely dependent on blood pressure and posture, this can cause toxicity buildup and even cause seizures. I should've been more careful. I was also taking L-Lysine, zinc-15mg, ascorbic acid and Lauricidin. But I started feeling unwell after adding the homeopathic remedy.
Homeopathy
Posted by Deborah (LA) on 08/21/2024
Arsecum album?
Electro Muscle Stimulus
Posted by D. Ron (Madison, Wi, Usa) on 03/14/2011
★★★★★
A patient came to my office with painful shingles on her arm and back. Ran my electro muscle stim over the area for about 10 minutes. She came in a week later and told me the shingles cleared with in 48 hours.
Cola Nut
Posted by Nanabea (Accra, Ghana) on 01/13/2011
★★★★★
My Grandma had a really bad episode of shingles. It weakened her and put her in agonisin pain. I came to this site to find something to stop the excruciating pain. I tried the ice pack and the acetone and aspirin concoctions they all worked relatively well. The cola nut however did the trick, although it itches unberably it took the pain away and cured the redness. The blisters vanished and she was up and doing the next day. It was such a relief to see her well again.
Lye Soap
Posted by Benito (Rome, Ny) on 11/01/2009
★★★★★
Lye soap works on shingles I had them at 22 yrs old very painful I lathered lye soap on them and let it sit for agood 20 minutes and they dried up the next day.
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Guest (Georgia) on 07/31/2017
She used capsaicin cream (that's the correct spelling), and it made her husband's skin burn like crazy. I've tried it for arthritis and muscle strain and it burned like crazy on me, too, so there's no way I'm putting on my shingles lesions. It works as she said, in a counter-irritation way.
Obviously, it works well for some of you, but if you haven't tried it yet: Don't apply without a glove or your fingers will burn for hours. It's really difficult to wash off (if you need to because it makes your pain worse), and you'd better throw the wash cloth away.
Essential Oils
Posted by Daisy (Oklahoma, USA) on 01/27/2009
★★★★★
For shingles, a combination of ravensara essential oil and Calophyllum inophyllum (also known as Foraha or Tamanu oil) can be an effective treatment. Ravensara is STRONGLY antiviral. Calophyllum has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Together, they seem to work extremely well on shingles.
Try a mixture of 25% calophyllum, 10% ravensara essential oil, and 65% carrier oil (such as jojoba oil or olive oil).
Basil essential oil diluted in olive oil is also reported to be effective in helping shingles.
Essential Oils
Posted by Jenesse (Mesa, Az, USA) on 11/27/2012
★★★★★
Yes, the recommendation for Ravensara (Ravintsara) and Callophylum / Tamanu nut oil is from Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt's "Advanced Aromatherapy". You can use a 50-50 concentration. No additional carrier oil needed. I added a few drops of geranium which is also a great anti-viral oil. This blend smells earthy and sweet - it's great!
I currently have the VERY characteristic "shingles pain" , no blisters yet. The pain is already MUCH better and I'm praying it only gets better not worse. I additionally took a few oregano capsules, lots of L-Lysine and got a chiropractic adjustment - just be to be sure. I HATE the shingles!!
Zostavax Vaccine
Posted by Tony (Chantilly, Va) on 12/03/2008
Some of you may know,but for those who don't...There's a vacine for the cure of shingles called (Zostavax) no perscription is needed as it is given just like the flue shoot at most local clinics,walgreen's & cvs drug stores. The average cost is $225 and can only be given befor yon contract the virus or once you're over it. Hope this helps to rid everyone of Shingles.
Zostavax Vaccine
Posted by Tom (Elgin, Il) on 03/15/2010
Pharmacies charge just $25 for the vaccine, I just called after my doctor wanted $225.
Zostavax Vaccine
Posted by Marsh (Colorado) on 04/09/2024
My husband is wanting us to get the shingles vaccine. After some research, I read the Zostavas vaccine is no longer available in the US (it had approximately a 50% success rate). The article recommended not getting the vaccine if you've never had chickenpox (a blood test can check your immunity); if the blood test is negative, the varicella vaccine is recommended instead. Those with a weakened immune system that compromises the immune system should avoid it.
Still, I'm vascillating (I've had a compromised immune system and am GF). I never had pox as a child (was a baby when 2 older siblings bro ut it home from school). Thoughts from contributors and readers?
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
Aloe Vera
Posted by Waltraud (Arkansas ( Usa )) on 09/30/2016
Corn flour or oatmeal flour? There is a difference between the two, yet I have found that some people use both to mix with aloe vera and cayenne powder!!!!!! Can you comment please? Thank you Waltraud
How To Avoid Shingles
Posted by Marsh (Colorado) on 03/06/2024
★★★★★
Our young daughter-in-law just came down with painful shingles. I've forwarded your recommendations (prayers she puts some to use). I've been hesitant to have the shingles shot due to low immunity. Are there any suggestions to KEEP FROM getting shingles? My mom said that as an infant, my older sister and brother brought chicken pox home from school, but I never had any symptoms/rash/blisters. She even took me to the doctor to make sure!
How To Avoid Shingles
Posted by Marsh (Colorado) on 04/29/2024
Thanks "Mama". Your recommendations on board! What's your thought on this: My girlfriend awoke with shingles 3 weeks ago. It's been brutal - excruciting pain along her Trigeminal nerve, 3 ER visits (she's been there since 6am today), Gabapentin, botox injected into her scalp, a host of other scary drugs that have helped for a day or two. I'm wondering if the fillers and botox she injects herself with frequently could be part of the problem, or one of her 3 facelifts. Her painful episodes are enough to almost sign up for Shingrex.
Sweet Wormwood, Wild Lettuce Leaf
Posted by zalmus (Israel) on 07/23/2025
Just stumbled at your very valuable comment about Sweet Wormwood. Thank you very Much!!!
L-Lysine
Posted by Joseph (Stockton, CA) on 09/26/2021 73 posts
So you used lysine to help shingles, however there is not a Dosage that I can see. Please let me know of dosage. My 53 yr old contracted shingles 10days ago, however 3 days ago we learn they were shingles, he is a vet and is currently taking the ointment (Bactroban) Valtrex and Monohydrate (monodox). His current problems are: itchiness at site of rash (right side of face) pain at side of rash, right ear pain intermittently. If you need anti-itch cream when do you apply when he uses the ointment 2X daily? Will the basic little tube be uused enough or will he need more ointment? Any other info would be greatly appreciated since he has OCD & Schizoaffective.
Eucalyptus Oil
Posted by Debby (Monroe) on 09/15/2021
Hi, I am 63 and medication isn't stopping the spread. How much eucalyptus and how much hemp oil. Can I use jojoba oil instead. Thanks Debby
DMSO and Magnesium Oil
Posted by Roxie (Grand Rapids, Michigan) on 07/19/2022
I just read that dmso with oran (urine) works better than dmso alone. Still have to look into it, but Amanda Vollmer, who wrote a book about dmso, mentioned it in a thread on Facebook.
Worth checking out, I guess if it helps.
BHT
Posted by Deborah (LA) on 01/21/2025
Good for you! Did you take it on an empty stomach?
BHT
Posted by Deborah (LA) on 02/02/2025
How are you now? I just started BHT. Any tips?
Coconut Oil, Carrots
Posted by Trish (Juda, Wi ) on 04/13/2018
I was diagnosed with shingles on Monday this week. I have had the rash for a week now, no blisters yet. It stretches from my spine under my shoulder blade to my sternum like a belt all the way around. Very uncomfortable. I have toughed it out for a while, but the past few days the pain is so terrible. Deep muscle pain like I was severely bruised from arm pit to hip, front, back all the way round. Terrible pain. I am taking the prescribed anti virals and nerve blocking pain meds, but the exhaustion and pain is keeping me from everything. I am also concerned about spreading this to myself on other parts of my body and also my kids and husband. I also read to mix baby aspirin and bag balm together and apply to the rash, their rash healed in three days, what do you think? I am also going to try eating the coconut oil as I use this quite a bit, so do I eat 2 tablespoons at one time? What other things do you recommend?
Lysine, Olive Leaf
Posted by Hisjewel (America, New York) on 10/08/2016
Hi Angee,
If you have not yet tried lemon water, that is a whole lemon juiced in about two cups of water, give it a try. When I added this the tingly feeling left.
I had the shingles rash on my leg. I used the same helps you did and maybe a few more. Like a baking soda and water paste to get rid of the initial pain and itch. I also used Castor Oil which was very soothing for my leg. When the pain finally made it exit between supplements and all the Lemon water chased the tingly feeling. A
I still had a few threatening bumps and when I would eat the wrong food or supplement the bumps would start to itch again. Not as painful as at first so did not take anymore lysine.
What I got was a stronger Olive Leaf than I had, this one with 20% Oleuropen. I also put some Hydrogen Peroxide in a spray bottle. I sprayed rash with Hydrogen Peroxide morning and evening. Then I would spread on the Caster Oil. The rash is not to be seen at all. That took about two week to get rid of remaining bumps. And I still drink my lemon water.
HisJewel
Monolaurin, Vitamin C
Posted by Michael (Mobile, Ala) on 08/17/2015
★★★★★
Several years ago on a Thursday morning, my left forehead developed some bumps and started itching.as the day wore on, the itching not only got worse but started weeping ooze.
Then came the pain. Not very good with all three happening at the same time. Next morning doctor says shingles with a prescription of lower tabs. Saturday called up local health food store. Owner says sure no problem come on down.
Wife went down, picked up a supplement called monolaurin and some vit c. Took vit c every half hour (over half dozen) and three monolaurin every hour.
Monday morning got off the lower tabs because pain was gone. By Thursday weeping had stopped. Monday went back to doc who stated I could go back to work. Itching gone. Next was the creepy crawlers, that took longer. About a month. Just kept taking both products until both bottles gone. No more creepy crawlers.
Monolaurin, Vitamin C
Posted by HisJewel (America, New York) on 02/05/2017
Hi Donna,
I think its a tingly feeling from being acidic.
As I finished my first bout with Shingles, which I fought mainly with Hydrogen Peroxide, Castor oil and Olive Leaf capsules, I had a similar experience as Michael of Mobile Ala. I thought of it as a tingly feeling, what ever it was, I used a borax hair wash to calm my scab.
The interesting thing I drank a lemon drink, my fake smoothie, a whole lemon with a glass of water in blender skin and all. and the tingly feeling left never to return. Well I did start drinking that lemon drink most days.
I wondered if perhaps I was to acidic, and if that was the cause of the tingly feeling. Whatever the reason the Lemon water was the answer for me.
HisJewel
Rubbing Alcohol, Iodine
Posted by Tammy (Texas) on 12/05/2014
★★★★★
Country Girl's Home Remedy for Shingles:
I am on my 3rd week of the battle w/Shingles & excited they are healing & leaving! I am 43 yrs. old, mother of 3, & was told stress induced my Shingles. My 1st week I was put on the Anti Viral Medication. Told my Dr.my theory on drying them out, protecting the skin. He told me if I could endure it, it would probably work.....
After the doctor's appt., I went home & put rubbing alcohol on the rash (oh it burns as it's attacking the virus, & then it stops, so does the pain/itching/burning.It can be extremely painful where the virus is strong). After the alcohol dried, using a Q-tip I poured Betadine (iodine) on it, then putting it on all the rash. Betadine seemed to seal the rash from traveling. About the rash..It looked awful, my husband stated it looked like someone spilled hot grease all over my lower side. It was not a small bout w/Shingles. My rash was from my lower back all the way to the front... but with my home remedy on 2 blisters ever fested up & crusted over. The nerve pain was different & I had to use Ibroprofen. This is my 3rd week, I've worked on building my immune system up & now I am almost healed from the rash & pain. For me this home remedy helped & I am sharing in hopes if it can help someone else. God Bless.
