You still have the herpes zoster virus in your body if you had chicken pox as a child. This virus can reactivate years later and cause the excruciating, burning rash known as shingles. The virus, which resides in nerve cells, causes a rash to appear along nerve pathways, usually on one side of the body's trunk. In fact, the opposite is true—having chicken pox makes one immune to shingles because the virus enters the body along with the illness.
The Mayo Clinic declares there is no cure for shingles and discusses various conventional treatments that may relieve symptoms; however, many only suppress symptoms leaving the patient open to future attacks. Homeopathy has shown to be highly effective in the treatment and cure of both chicken pox and shingles. Additionally, homeopathic remedies are helpful for treatment of shingles produced as the result of either the chicken pox or shingles vaccine.
Natural remedies for shingles
Ranunculus bulbosus is considered the Rolls Royce of homeopathic remedies for the treatment of shingles, according to homeopath, Stephen Messer, N.D. Ranunculus is indicated for shingles when the rash is deeply inflamed accompanied with stabbing pains primarily on the ribcage. The eruptions are often bluish in color.
Rhus tox is one of the more common remedies employed for the treatment of shingles. If Ranunculus is the Rolls Royce, then Rhus tox is the Cadillac of remedies that relieves the fearsome itching and pains accompanying this condition. The rash consists of small, red fluid-filled vesicles or blisters that break when scratched, spreading the infection. The individual will mostly likely be restless, changing positions often seeking relief. Shingles will appear primarily on the left side of the body. Hot baths and warm compresses bring temporary relief.
Iris versicolor is indicated when the rash is worse on the right side of the abdomen and under the right arm. Shingles are often accompanied by abdominal upset or problems with the pancreas.
Arsenicum album is indicated when the patient experiences terrible burning pains along the nerve pathway. Pains are often made better with the application of warm compresses. The individual may be restless, anxious, thirsty for cold drinks, and afraid to be alone.
Clematis erectus alleviates shingles pain that features burning, red blisters that become aggravated at night time and with the application of cold water. There may be urinary tract complaints during an attack of shingles, more clearly indicating the use of this remedy.
Apis mellifica is indicated for treatment of shingles when the rash is bright pink, swollen, itchy and produces stinging pains made better by cool compresses and aggravated by warmth.
Mezereum is indicated for a shingles rash where the blisters are oozing, bright red and made worse by hot applications. The rash is often accompanied by terrible itching made better with the application of cool compresses.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.natural-treatment-guide.com/shingles/shingles-remedy.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/shingles/ds00098
http://www.mayoclinic.com
http://www.holistic-online.com