Shingles : Can Homeopathy Help Pain and Recovery?
- hirokohomeopathy
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Are you dealing with the pain of shingles and wondering if there are more natural ways to manage it?
Homeopathy is often discussed as a gentle, alternative approach—but does it actually work, and is it safe?
In this article, we’ll explore the role of homeopathy in shingles care, including its potential benefits, limitations, and what you need to know before considering it.
#1 - What is shingles?
Generally Varicella Zoster Virus, which infects children during childhood, remains dormant in. the nerve roots and manifests as shingles when immunity is weakened. In other words, the initial infection is chicken pox (Varicella), and shingles is the reactivation of the virus that has been dormant.
The symptoms are mostly unilateral. They are characterised by blisters and neuralgia-like pain aling the course of peripheral nerves (intercostal nerves, trigeminal nerve, sciatic nerve etc.).
It can also cause postherpetic neuralgia, a series of paroxymal neuralgia episodes that appear as a sequera.
🚩 If a rash develips around the eyes or nose, it may affect your vision. Some people may also experience severe nerve pain. In such cases, seek medical attention immediately and follow your doctor's instructions.
#2 - About shingles
Likely occur when your immune sysytem is weakened
These symptoms are more likely to appear when you feel overwhelmed with work, are going through relationship difficulties, are sleep-deprived or not getting enough rest, or when your immune system is weakened by stress, medication, or illness.
Recurrence can still occur even after a first episode
While it is said that immunity after experiencing shingles once, recurrence is possible. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, exercising moderately, and managing to stress to boost your immunity.
Furthermore, if your condition is slow to heal, review your lifestyle and prioritise maintaining good health.
If you are interested to know about the healthy lifestyle, you can download a free e-book "Healthy Lifestyle" the button below.
#3 - Natural approaches for shingles
As mentioned in the blog about chicken pox and homeopathy, natural remedies can also be used for shingles.
Foods to avoid during shingles
The amino acids L-Arginine, found in seeds, nuts, chocolate, legumes, and whole grains, is said to help the virus multiply and may prolong symptoms. Avoid foods contain L-Arginine until symptoms subside.
In addition, try to incorporate foods rich in Vitamin C to boost immunity.
For adult, L-Lysine supplements, which are said to inhibit the multiplication of this virus, may be beneficial.
Be careful not to scratch and leave scars
t's natural to want to scratch when it itches, but scratching can leave the scars.
If you use cream
In the UK, it is common practice to avoid touching the affected, blistered area to prevent scarring and limit the spread of this highly contagious infection, although cooling creams or gels may also be applied.
In more natural approaches, Calendula cream is often chosen for its soothing effect, Calendula/Urtica urens cream for itching, and Melissa (Lemon Balm) cream for its antiviral properties. These can usually be found in health food stores or homeopathic pharmacies.
When using a cream, store it in the refrigerator, as the cooling effect can help relieve itching if your skin responds well to cold.
Apply the cream gently by dabbing it on lightly rather than pressing hard, to reduce the risk of scarring.
Oat bath
In Western countries, it has long been customary to wrap oats in gauze or muslin and either swish the bag through the bathwater or place it directly into the tub. This method is used to soothe the skin, particularly during chickenpox.
#4 - Commonly used homeopathic remedies for shingles
After you have consulted a doctor, homeopathic remedies can be used to help relieve pain and itching.
If your symptoms are severe, keep coming back, or do not improve with these remedies, please seek a tailored prescription for your specific condition.
Below are some homeopathic remedies that are commonly used for shingles.
Apis
This remedy is especially important when shingles appears on the face. The skin is swollen, itchy, butning and stinging. Better with cold applications.
Rhus Tox
For itching and burning nerve pain. When bisters are priominent and there is itching and pain along the nerves.
Worse at night. Restless. Better from warm applications or warm bath, and moevement.
Arcenicum Album
Burining pain especially on the right side. Better from walmth.
Dolichos
When you have itching, burning pain and neuralgia. When you have itching or pain even though there is no visible rash on the skin.
Iris Versicolor
For severe burning pain and prolonged neuralgia. Symptoms are particularly common on the right-side and may be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms.
Lachesis
When you experience sharp pain, deep redness or purplish skin symptoms or purplish scarring. Left-sided.
Mezereum
When you have itching and severe nerve pain. When the nerve pain comes and goessuddenly and you feel partial numbness. Worse at night and heat.
Ranunculus Bulbosus
When the pain is severe with a tingling sensation, itching, and nerve pain. Symptoms are particularly prsent on the left side of the torso, especially around the chest. Worse with movement, pressure, humidity or storms.
If you want to know how to choose potency and dose in homeopathy, download our free e-book from the button below.
#5 - Precautions when using homeoapthy for shingles
Cases where you should definately seek medical attention
As mentioned at the beginning, if a rash develops around eyes or nose, it may affect your vision. Also some people may experience severe neuralgia. In such cases, please see a doctor immediately and follow their instructions.
Furthermore, if your symptom worsen, persistent for a long time, or become severely painful, if you think "something is wrong," do not self-diagnose and seek medical attention promptly.
Conjunction with medical treatment
In medical practice, painkillers, antiviral drugs, and topical antivirals are commonly prescribed. For severe symptoms, homeopathy can be used as a complementary treatment, as long as the doctor’s instructions are followed first.
The importance of avoiding overly self-prescribed
As mentioned above, depending on where shingles develops, it may cause long-term complications. Do not try to diagnose it yourself. Please consult a medical professional and follow their instructions.
#6 - Conclusion
Shingles can be a painful and distressing condition, but early treatment plays a key role in reducing complications and long-term nerve pain.
If you’re interested in natural or holistic care, it’s important to first seek proper medical diagnosis and treatment, and then explore additional options safely. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional as soon as possible.
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Love and gratitude
Hiroko
Disclaimer
The information on this blog is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Use of this information is at your own risk. The blog disclaims all liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the content.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns.
Reference:
Morrison.R., (1998) Desktop Companion To Physical Pathology. Hahnemann Clinic Publishing. Nevada City, California. United States of America
Murphy. R.(2006) Nature's Materia Medica. Third edition. Lotus Health Institute. Virginia. USA
Okaniwa.Y., (2001) Year Note Internal Medicine & Surgery. 10th Edition. Medic Media. Tokyo. Japan
