Last updated: Apr 28, 2024
10 best herbal teas for shingles
Herbal teas offer a natural and soothing remedy for shingles symptoms.
Two exceptional choices include chamomile and lemon balm teas. Chamomile, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, helps alleviate pain and reduce redness. Lemon balm, rich in antiviral compounds, combats the virus causing shingles and lessens outbreak severity.
Both teas promote relaxation and encourage restorative sleep for faster recovery.
1. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm tea brings relief to shingles sufferers due to its antiviral properties, which directly oppose the herpes zoster virus causing the condition.
This tea, derived from the Melissa officinalis plant, contains active compounds like rosmarinic acid and flavonoids that prevent viral replication and reduce inflammation. Furthermore, human studies validate lemon balm's soothing effects on nerve-related symptoms, resulting in reduced pain and irritation for those with shingles. Drinking lemon balm tea also supports the immune system, aiding the body's overall defense against infections and viral outbreaks.
Thus, incorporating lemon balm tea into a daily routine offers a natural remedy with proven benefits for shingles patients.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in lemon balm tea that help with shingles.
- Leaves: Contain high levels of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with shingles.
- Flowers: Rich in flavonoids, which possess antiviral properties, helping to reduce the severity and duration of shingles outbreaks.
- Stems: Contain rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to have antiviral and analgesic effects, making them useful in treating shingles-related pain and viral activity.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in lemon balm tea that aid with shingles.
- Rosmarinic acid: Possesses antiviral properties that inhibit the replication of the shingles virus.
- Eugenol: Exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that alleviate shingles-related pain and swelling.
- Caffeic acid: Boosts the immune system to help fight off the shingles virus.
- Luteolin: Offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to reduce shingles symptoms.
- Quercetin: Aids in reducing pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress associated with shingles.
- Citral: Contributes to the tea's calming effects, helping to alleviate shingles-induced stress and anxiety.
- Neral: Acts as a natural relaxant, helping to soothe the nerves affected by shingles.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm tea for shingles.
- Harvest 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon balm leaves, crushing them to release their oils.
- Steep the crushed leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes to extract the beneficial compounds.
- Strain the tea to remove leaves, preserving the now infused liquid.
- Squeeze half a lemon into the tea for added vitamin C and antiviral properties.
- Consume the tea while warm, up to three times daily, to aid in shingles healing and discomfort relief.
2. St. John'S Wort
St. John's Wort tea contains hypericin, a compound that demonstrably neutralizes the varicella-zoster virus responsible for shingles.
This potent antiviral property allows St. John's Wort tea to reduce shingles' severity and duration. Moreover, St. John's Wort tea boasts impressive anti-inflammatory qualities, which alleviate shingles-induced pain and swelling. Furthermore, its nerve-soothing attributes help restore damaged nerve tissues while diminishing the risk of postherpetic neuralgia.
Lastly, St. John's Wort tea's immunostimulant effects bolster the body's natural defenses, expediting recovery from shingles.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in st. john's wort tea that help with shingles.
- Flowers: Contain high levels of hypericin and hyperforin, active compounds with antiviral properties that can help alleviate shingles symptoms.
- Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, possess anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making them beneficial for shingles-related discomfort.
- Buds: High in essential oils, which have antiviral and antioxidant effects, potentially reducing the severity and duration of shingles outbreaks.
- Stems: Contain tannins that exhibit astringent properties, which can help soothe and heal damaged skin caused by shingles rashes.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in st. john's wort tea that aid with shingles.
- Hypericin: Inhibits the replication of the virus responsible for shingles.
- Hyperforin: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate shingles-related pain and swelling.
- Flavonoids: Contribute to the antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities of St. John's Wort tea.
- Essential oils: Enhance the skin-healing process and reduce inflammation caused by shingles.
- Tannins: Exhibit astringent and antiviral properties, helping to dry shingles blisters and prevent the virus spread.
- Phenolic acids: Strengthen the immune system, increasing the body's ability to combat shingles-related infections.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st. john's wort tea for shingles.
- Measure 2-3 teaspoons of dried St. John's Wort flowers and leaves, and place them in a tea infuser or teapot.
- Boil 8 ounces of water, then pour it over the St. John's Wort in the teapot or infuser.
- Allow the tea to steep for 10-15 minutes to extract the medicinal compounds.
- Remove the tea infuser or strain the tea to remove the plant material.
- Drink the St. John's Wort tea while it is still warm, up to three times a day, to help alleviate shingles symptoms.
3. Licorice
Licorice tea provides relief from shingles due to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
The active compound in licorice, glycyrrhizin, inhibits the replication of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles. Moreover, licorice tea soothes painful shingles symptoms by reducing inflammation and irritation of the affected nerve endings. Additionally, it helps decrease the duration and severity of shingles outbreaks by boosting the immune system's response to the virus.
Lastly, licorice tea's antioxidant properties aid in healing damaged skin tissue and alleviating the discomfort caused by shingles.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in licorice tea that help with shingles.
- Roots: Rich in glycyrrhizin, the roots of the licorice tea plant possess anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal part for soothing shingles-related discomfort.
- Leaves: High in flavonoids, licorice leaves aid in reducing redness and irritation caused by shingles, contributing to faster recovery.
- Stems: Packed with isoflavonoids, licorice stems boast antiviral qualities, helping to combat the shingles virus and lessen its impact on the body.
- Flowers: Abundant in volatile oils, licorice flowers exhibit analgesic effects that can alleviate pain and itching associated with shingles outbreaks.
- Seeds: Containing coumarins, licorice seeds boast anticoagulant properties that enhance circulation and promote healing in shingles-affected areas.
- Bark: With triterpenoid saponins, licorice bark contributes to immune system support, bolstering the body's defense against shingles and its complications.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in licorice tea that aid with shingles.
- Glycyrrhizin: Possesses anti-viral properties that inhibit the replication of the shingles virus.
- Flavonoids: Exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, reducing painful shingles-related inflammation and swelling.
- Chalcones: Contribute to the overall immune-boosting properties of licorice tea, aiding in the body's defense against shingles.
- Phenolic acids: Offer antioxidant support, protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage during shingles outbreaks.
- Triterpenoids: Demonstrate antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, working together to alleviate shingles symptoms and combat the virus.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice tea for shingles.
- Gather 2 tablespoons of dried licorice root and 8 cups of water.
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot, then add licorice root.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain the tea to remove licorice root pieces, then let it cool.
- Drink 1 cup of the tea, up to 4 times a day, until shingles symptoms subside.
4. Passionflower
Passionflower tea contains harmala alkaloids, which inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, thereby increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that reduce pain sensitivity.
This pharmacological action helps shingles patients by alleviating the intense pain caused by the viral infection. Moreover, passionflower's anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties facilitate the healing of shingles-affected skin, further enhancing its therapeutic potential.
Consequently, passionflower tea provides a natural, non-addictive alternative to opioid painkillers for shingles patients. The aqueous extract of passionflower also promotes relaxation and sleep, which aids shingles patients in managing stress and anxiety, both of which are known to exacerbate shingles symptoms.
Ultimately, passionflower tea offers shingles patients a holistic remedy that addresses the physical and psychological aspects of the disease.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in passionflower tea that help with shingles.
- Leaves: Contain flavonoids and essential oils known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping alleviate shingles pain.
- Stems: Rich in antioxidants and alkaloids, stems aid in reducing inflammation and itching caused by shingles.
- Flowers: Packed with flavonoids and essential oils, flowers help soothe skin irritation and promote wound healing in shingles.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in passionflower tea that aid with shingles.
- Flavonoids: Possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help reduce pain and inflammation associated with shingles.
- Alkaloids: Exhibit antiviral effects, potentially hindering the shingles-causing varicella-zoster virus.
- Maltol: Known for its soothing effects, helping to alleviate itching caused by shingles rash.
- Chrysin: Contributes to overall immune function, assisting the body in combating the virus.
- Essential oils: Contain nervine and sedative properties, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation during shingles outbreaks.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic passionflower tea for shingles.
- Boil 1 cup of water, then let 1 teaspoon of dried passionflower herb steep in it for 10 minutes.
- Strain the passionflower tea to remove the herb particles.
- Allow the tea to cool down to a drinkable temperature.
- Drink 2-3 cups of passionflower tea daily, preferably between meals.
- Continue this regimen for several days or until symptoms subside.
5. Valerian
Valerian tea contains compounds that possess antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which directly address two major issues presented by shingles: the varicella-zoster virus and the resulting inflammation.
The antiviral agents in valerian root tea inhibit the replication of the virus, preventing further spread and damage to nerve cells. Simultaneously, the anti-inflammatory properties of valerian help reduce the swelling and pain associated with shingles by limiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, valerian's analgesic effects soothe nerve pain, providing additional relief for individuals suffering from shingles.
Lastly, valerian's calming nature aids in alleviating stress and anxiety often accompanying shingles, hence supporting overall well-being and hastening recovery.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in valerian tea that help with shingles.
- Roots: Contain active compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping to alleviate pain and inflammation caused by shingles.
- Rhizomes: Rich in valerenic acid, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote better sleep, aiding in the recovery process of shingles patients.
- Leaves: High in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage, and have antiviral properties that can help limit the spread and severity of shingles.
- Flowers: Contain volatile oils and flavonoids that have calming and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to soothe itchy and irritated skin caused by shingles.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in valerian tea that aid with shingles.
- Valerenic acid: Reduces inflammation and relieves pain, helping to alleviate symptoms of shingles.
- Honokiol: Exhibits antiviral properties, inhibiting the spread of the virus causing shingles.
- GABA: Acts as a natural relaxant, helping to reduce anxiety and stress associated with shingles.
- Essential oils: Possess antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the healing process.
- Flavonoids: Boost the immune system, promoting faster recovery from shingles.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian tea for shingles.
- In a stove-top teapot, combine 1 teaspoon of dried valerian root with 8 ounces of water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove teapot from heat and let the valerian root steep for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea to remove the valerian root, then let it cool to a drinkable temperature.
- Sip the valerian tea slowly, aiming to consume 2-3 cups per day.
6. Chamomile
Chamomile tea, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like bisabolol and apigenin, brings notable relief to shingles patients.
These components reduce inflammation in affected nerve endings, alleviating pain and irritation while also promoting tissue healing. The antiviral properties of chamomile impede the replication of the varicella-zoster virus, diminishing the severity of shingles symptoms. Furthermore, it boasts antimicrobial qualities that aid in preventing potential bacterial infections in open blisters.
Lastly, chamomile tea facilitates stress reduction due to its soothing effects, a crucial factor in shingles management, as stress can exacerbate symptoms.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with shingles.
- Flowers: Contain bioactive compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making them effective in alleviating shingles-related pain and inflammation.
- Leaves: Rich in antioxidants and antiviral agents that help accelerate healing and reduce the severity of shingles symptoms.
- Rhyzomes: Possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that aid in managing shingles-related infections and alleviating discomfort.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with shingles.
- Bisabolol: Possesses anti-inflammatory and antiphlogistic properties, which help reduce shingles-related redness and swelling.
- Chamazulene: Exhibits strong antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, aiding in soothing shingles-stricken skin.
- Apigenin: A flavonoid exhibiting antiviral properties, inhibiting the shingles virus replication process.
- Matricin: Converts into chamazulene, increasing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, benefiting shingles patients.
- Quercetin: A flavonoid with antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to shingles symptom relief.
- Alpha-Bisabolol Oxide A & B: Both possess anti-inflammatory properties, alleviating shingles-associated pain and inflammation.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for shingles.
- Boil 8 ounces of water to 212°F (100°C) for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour hot water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers, letting them steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the liquid, discarding the chamomile flowers.
- Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
- Consume the tea while warm, 3 times a day for 7-10 days.
7. Ginger
Ginger tea assists with shingles due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation and pain in the affected areas.
This herbal remedy contains active compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, that possess antiviral qualities, directly combating the varicella-zoster virus causing shingles. Moreover, ginger tea's immune-boosting capabilities strengthen the body's defense mechanisms, promoting faster recovery. Additionally, its antioxidant effects help decrease oxidative stress, allowing the body to focus on healing.
Lastly, ginger tea alleviates gastrointestinal disturbances often accompanying shingles, providing overall well-being during the recovery process.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginger tea that help with shingles.
- Rhizomes: Ginger's underground stems are rich in antiviral compounds, making them effective in reducing shingles pain and inflammation.
- Leaves: Ginger leaves contain potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, aiding in soothing skin irritation caused by shingles.
- Flowers: Ginger flowers have antiviral and analgesic properties, helping to alleviate symptoms of shingles and speed up the healing process.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger tea that aid with shingles.
- Gingerols: These compounds have strong anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and pain caused by shingles.
- Shogaols: Known for their potent antiviral effects, shogaols inhibit the replication of the virus causing shingles.
- Paradols: With potent antioxidant properties, paradols help protect cells from damage and support the immune system in fighting off the shingles virus.
- Zingerone: This compound exhibits analgesic and fever-reducing properties, helping alleviate pain and discomfort associated with shingles.
- Gingerdiols: Gingerdiols demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities, aiding in reducing inflammation and combating the shingles virus.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger tea for shingles.
- Peel and chop 1-2 inches of fresh ginger, then steep in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Strain the ginger pieces from the water, leaving behind a ginger-infused tea.
- Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of honey and the juice of half a lemon for added soothing properties.
- Allow the tea to cool down to a warm temperature, but not hot enough to irritate shingles.
- Sip the ginger tea slowly, aiming to drink 2-3 cups throughout the day for relief.
8. Turmeric
Turmeric tea provides relief from shingles due to its active ingredient, curcumin, which has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.
This compound inhibits the shingles virus from replicating, thus reducing the severity and duration of the outbreak. Additionally, curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects soothe the painful rash and nerve inflammation caused by shingles. Furthermore, its potent antioxidant properties protect nerve cells from oxidative stress, promoting faster healing and recovery.
Moreover, turmeric tea enhances the immune system, helping the body fight off the shingles virus more effectively.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in turmeric tea that help with shingles.
- Rhizomes: Contain curcumin, a compound with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help alleviate shingles pain and inflammation.
- Leaves: Rich in antiviral compounds, helping to reduce shingles virus replication and ease symptoms.
- Flowers: Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that support the immune system and help decrease shingles-related discomfort.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in turmeric tea that aid with shingles.
- Curcumin: Possesses potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping alleviate shingles-related pain and inflammation.
- Demethoxycurcumin: Displays antiviral activities, inhibiting the replication of the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles.
- Bisdemethoxycurcumin: Exhibits immunomodulatory effects, enhancing the body's immune response to shingles and preventing complications.
- Turmerone: Provides neuroprotective benefits, aiding in nerve regeneration and reducing neuroinflammation caused by shingles.
- Ar-turmerone: Possesses antinociceptive properties, helping to alleviate pain and itchiness associated with shingles.
- α-Turmerone: Demonstrates antioxidant activities, combating oxidative stress and promoting tissue repair in shingles-affected areas.
- β-Turmerone: Enhances wound healing, supporting the recovery process in shingles-related skin lesions.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic turmeric tea for shingles.
- Boil 4 cups of water in a saucepan for 10 minutes.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a teapot or mug.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey (optional) and 1/2 lemon juice (optional) to the tea.
- Serve the tea hot and drink up to 3 times a day for relief from shingles symptoms.
9. Echinacea
Echinacea tea boosts the immune system by activating the white blood cells, which helps the body fight off the virus causing shingles.
This tea contains anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate the pain and reduce swelling associated with shingles. Echinacea's antiviral and antimicrobial effects inhibit the shingles virus from spreading and stimulate healing. Furthermore, echinacea's ability to reduce inflammation helps prevent complications such as postherpetic neuralgia.
Therefore, drinking echinacea tea strengthens the immune system and promotes a faster recovery from shingles.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in echinacea tea that help with shingles.
- Roots: Contain echinacoside and other beneficial compounds that possess anti-viral properties, helping to reduce shingles outbreaks.
- Leaves: Rich in tannins and volatile oils, leaves help reduce inflammation, promote wound healing, and alleviate shingles-related pain.
- Flowers: Packed with antioxidants, flavonoids, and essential oils, flowers enhance the immune system and offer anti-viral support to combat shingles.
- Seeds: Contain phenolic acids and other bioactive compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, aiding in shingles symptom management.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in echinacea tea that aid with shingles.
- Alkylamides: These compounds in echinacea tea interact with the body's cannabinoid receptors, helping to reduce inflammation caused by shingles.
- Polysaccharides: These complex sugars boost the immune system, aiding in the body's ability to fight off the virus causing shingles.
- Cichoric acid: This antioxidant found in echinacea tea helps protect cells from damage, reducing the severity of shingles symptoms.
- Essential oils: The volatile oils in echinacea, like echinacein and caryophyllene, have antiviral and analgesic properties, helping to stop the spread of the shingles virus and relieve pain.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic echinacea tea for shingles.
- Gather 2-3 teaspoons of dried echinacea root and 1 cup of water.
- Pour the water into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
- Add the echinacea root to the boiling water, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the spent echinacea root.
- Drink the tea while warm, up to three times daily for relief from shingles symptoms.
10. Burdock
Burdock tea assists with shingles through its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
This herbal tea contains Arctiin and Arctigenin, compounds that directly fight the varicella-zoster virus causing shingles. Furthermore, burdock tea strengthens the immune system, enabling the body to combat shingles-related symptoms more effectively. Additionally, it offers pain relief, reducing discomfort for those suffering from shingles.
Lastly, burdock tea boasts antioxidant and detoxifying qualities that aid in eliminating toxins and speeding up the healing process.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in burdock tea that help with shingles.
- Roots: Contain anti-viral properties that help in reducing the shingles virus replication.
- Rhyzomes: Rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that alleviate pain and swelling caused by shingles.
- Leaves: Have a cooling effect on the skin, reducing itchiness and discomfort from shingles rash.
- Flowers: High in antioxidants that support the immune system and accelerate shingles healing.
- Seeds: Contain essential fatty acids that promote skin regeneration and speed up recovery from shingles.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in burdock tea that aid with shingles.
- Arctiin: Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce shingles-related inflammation.
- Arctigenin: Possesses antiviral properties, aiding in inhibiting the shingles virus.
- Luteolin: Exhibits immune-boosting effects, helping the body fight off the shingles virus.
- Quercetin: Known for its antioxidant properties, helping to reduce oxidative stress caused by shingles.
- Resveratrol: Demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects, assisting in minimizing shingles-related pain and inflammation.
- Tannins: Act as astringents, helping to dry up blisters caused by shingles.
- Sesquiterpene Lactones: Possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, alleviating shingles-related pain.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic burdock tea for shingles.
- Obtain 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of dried burdock root.
- Bring the water to a boil in a pot.
- Stir in the burdock root and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Let the tea steep for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup and drink up to three times a day.