Shingles is the common name for herpes zoster that is a skin disorder caused by varicella zoster. This is the same virus that is responsible for chicken pox. Shingles is characterized by painful rashes that occur mainly on either side of the chest. The rashes appear only a couple of days after the symptoms begin to show.
Successful medical treatment of shingles is possible using strong painkillers and antibiotics. However, some people may not like to put in such strong medicines in their bodies. For them, there are simple and effective home remedies for treating herpes zoster.
The basic idea of the treatment for herpes zoster is to lessen the pain and discomfort associated with rashes.Here are some easy remedies to treat shingles. However, one must be very regular with these remedies to effectively and completely treat the condition.
Natural Home Remedies For Shingles
Indian Lilac For Treating Shingles
Indian lilac or ‘neem’ is a medicinal tree commonly found growing in India. Since ancient times the leaves and root of the tree are being used to treat various infections including those caused by viruses. Neem is very effective in curing herpes zoster as well as chicken pox.
Boil 500grams of dried neem leaves in a liter of water. Turn off the flame after 20 minutes. Allow the liquid to cool and then strain it. Dip a clean towel in the treated water and apply the towel on the affected area. Leave on for 5 minutes. Repeat the procedure at least four times. This treatment should be done for at least 40 minutes every day. You can even bathe with neem water after boiling sufficient quantity of the leaves in required water.
The other way of using neem leaves for treating shingles is by crushing the neem leaves and applying them directly on the skin affected with rashes. Leave the neem leaves on the skin for 20 minutes. Do this treatment at least twice a day for effectively treating shingles. Neem leaves help reduce itching caused by rashes as well as quickly dries up the blisters.
Garlic For Treating Shingles
Garlic has anti-fungal as well as anti-bacterial properties. This makes garlic very effective in treating skin disorders caused by viruses.
To treat shingles crush sufficient quantity of garlic after peeling its pods. Apply crushed garlic directly on the affected parts of the body. Leave on for 15 minutes. Repeat the treatment after every four hours. Garlic will not only help treat the symptoms associated with shingles but also get rid of the infection causing bacteria.
Turmeric For Treating Shingles
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory property which makes it very effective in the treatment of rashes that are painful. Turmeric is also anti-bacterial in nature thus it helps fight any form of infection as well.For treating shingles use only turmeric sticks and not the powdered form of turmeric that is commercially available for cooking.
Grind the turmeric sticks to fine powder form. Add some water to the turmeric powder to make a smooth paste. Apply a thin layer of turmeric paste over the rashes and leave for 15 minutes. Wash off the paste with cold water. Re-apply the paste every four hours to effectively treat shingles. The advantage of using turmeric for shingles is that the medicinal properties of turmeric will help treat the scars left by the rashes as well. You will not have to worry about being scarred for life.
Cold Compress For Treating Shingles
Take a plastic bag and fill the bag with ice. Apply this cold compress to the affected area. Cold compress helps reduce the itching. Applying ice on the rashes also prevents further inflammation of the skin. Cold compress should be applied at least 3 times during the day especially once before going to bed at night.
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Lavender Bath For Treating Shingles
People suffering from shingles find it difficult to sleep at night because of the pain and itching that accompanies the rashes. Taking lavender bath at night before bed time is the best way of getting peaceful sleep. The aroma of lavender induces calm and peace in the mind. The medicinal properties of lavender help reduce the itching and the inflammation.
Prepare lavender bath by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to your bath tub. Soak in the treated water for 15 minutes. Dry yourself and immediately hit the bed. You will sleep better because your body and mind will be at rest.
Shingles is a painful condition but it can be treated completely and effectively with regular use of any of the above given home remedies. However, one should also be very careful in their dietary as well as lifestyle habits. It is important to eat a healthy and nutritious diet in order to boost the immune system which becomes considerably weak due to the attack of the virus.
Also, the patients should cut their nails really short to avoid intentional or accidental scratching of the blisters. Scratching the blisters will prevent them from becoming dry and falling off. but you must also be careful not to let the affected skin dry too much or even small movements will case extreme pain. Keep the area well moisturized by using oils such vitamin e oil or coconut oil. Avoid using commercially available creams and lotions for application on dried blisters. These may contain chemicals that can further aggravate the itching and pain.
Calamine Lotion For Treating Shingles
Calamine lotion is readily available in all medical stores. If you suffer from shingles, simply buy a big bottle of calamine lotion and keep it handy. Application of a thin layer of calamine will reduce the need to itch the rashes. Calamine lotion is alkaline in nature and will thus soothe the inflammation caused by shingles.
It will also help lessen the pain caused by the rashes. Regular application of calamine lotion will dry up the blisters fast and also prevent scarring once the blisters begin to fall off. You can apply calamine lotion any number of times you wish to. If you experience extreme pain in the rashes then immediately consult a doctor.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.