Herbs
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthen the body and treat disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care and only under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of herbal medicine.
In certain parts of the world, herbs are the standard form of medicine for conditions such as shingles. In an observational study in Uganda, for example, people receiving hrebal medicine for this skin condition were compared to people attending a clinic who received typical Western therapy. Those who were treated by the herbal therapists with traditional medicinal herbs suffered from less pain associated with the shingles and were less likely to have post-herpetic neuralgia (see Prognosis and Complications) than those who received Western medical therapy.
Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens/Capsicum spp.)
Capsaicin cream made from cayenne pepper has very powerful pain-relieving properties when applied to the surface of the skin. Capsaicin may help relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia (see description of this potential shingles complication in Prognosis and Complications).
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Traditionally, this herb has been used to treat skin conditions and childhood illness like chickenpox. Research on how well this herbal remedy alleviates the symptoms of chickenpox is lacking, however. Therefore, specific recommendations regarding effectiveness and safety of chamomile for this condition cannot be made. An herbal specialist would be able to direct you in terms of whether it is appropriate to try this herb and how to do so.
Peppermint Oil (Mentha x piperita)
A case report in the scientific literature suggests that applying peppermint oil to the painful area may help relieve symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia, a potential complicaion of shingles (see Prognosis and Complications).
Others
Although not studied scientifically for VZV specifically, some herbalists may consider one of the following herbs because either it has been used traditionally for skin lesions or because the herb has been used for another virus in the same group as VZV, namely herpes simplex virus. All of the herbs mentioned below would be prescribed to be used topically for shingles or chicken pox.
Aloe (Aloe vera/Aloe barbadensis/Aloe ferox) – for herpes and other skin conditions
Burdock root (Arctium lappa) – used traditionally for skin lesions
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – used topically for herpes lesions
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – used traditionally for skin lesions; demonstrates activity against VZV in test-tubes; and, glycyrrhizin (an active component derived from licorice) may help reduce pain associated with shingles more quickly; this herb should not be used if you have high blood pressure
Madonna lily (Lilium candidum) – medicinal plant used traditionally in Northern Italy for shingles
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