Vitamin And Mineral Therapy for Shingles

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In addition to a daily multivitamin-mineral, individual supplements may be beneficial.

Vitamin A for Shingles
In the form of beta carotene, 25,000 IU twice a day for 2 weeks, then once daily to promote healing and potentiate the immune system. With medical approval, higher dosages of the emulsion form of vitamin A may be beneficial during the first 2 weeks.

Avoid taking Vitamin A supplements during pregnancy.

Vitamin B Complex for Shingles
All B vitamins are essential for nerve function. Vitamin B12 is particularly important in preventing nerve damage.

Take one comprehensive B-complex tablet each morning and evening. Take an additional 5 to 100 milligrams of B1, B6, and pantothenic acid with a teaspoon of brewer's yeast in half a cup of milk each 2 or 3 hours until the symptoms begin to subside, then once or twice a day. This speeds recovery and helps prevent a painful aftermath. Injections of B12 is shown to provide relief from excruciating pain in as little as 2 hours. Take this only under medical supervision.

Vitamin B12, 100 mcg sublingual daily or B12 shots, 6,000 mcg weekly

Vitamin B complex, 50 mg three times daily

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids for Shingles
Vitamin C is excellent for supporting the immune system and acts as an antiviral agent. It aids in destroying the virus, help prevent postherpetic neuralgia, and boost the immune system. Bioflavonoids improve the absorption and use of vitamin C in the body.

Take 1,000 to 4,000 milligrams of Vitamin C in divided doses throughout the day. Dosages should be continued for several days after the symptoms disappear, then gradually reduced.

Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D for Shingles
1,000 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium and 500 to 750 milligrams of magnesium in divided daily doses (some researchers advise 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams of magnesium and 500 to 1,000 milligrams of calcium), plus vitamin D (400 IU daily for I week, then reduced to 100 IU) to assist healing and protect sensitive nerve endings.

Vitamin E for Shingles
Vitamin E speeds healing, prevents scarring and reduces pain. Vitamin E assists the immune system, protects cell membranes from viral attack, and helps prevent the nerve damage responsible for residual pain. Oil from a vitamin E capsule can be massaged onto the skin several times daily. This may relieve discomfort and help avoid any scarring. If a lingering neuralgia persists once the infection has passed, higher dosages of vitamin E can reduce pain in certain cases.

Take 400 to 800 IU daily.

L-lysine for Shingles
Lysine is very effective against the herpes virus. Studies show that when taken at the onset of shingles, this amino acid helps inhibit viral action to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.

Take 500 milligrams twice daily.

Another amino acid, phenytalanine, relieves pain as it boosts production of the body's own pain-relieving chemicals. Other supplements that help include zinc with copper, and coenzyme Q10.

Phenylalanine, 1,000 mg three to four times daily.

Zinc, 90 mg with 10 mg copper.

Coenzyme Q10, 200 mg.

Aloe vera juice, 2-4 oz. three times daily.