Shingles: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful and potentially debilitating condition characterized by a rash and blisters that appear on one side of the body.

Caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox, shingles occurs when the virus re-emerges in later life, often triggered by stress, weakened immune systems, and age. If left untreated, shingles can lead to long-term nerve damage, chronic pain, and complications such as postherpetic neuralgia. However, herbal remedies like calendula, aloe vera, and turmeric, in the form of ointments, creams, or teas, may help alleviate shingles symptoms.

To use these herbs safely, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional and follow proper preparation and dosage instructions to avoid interactions with medications and exacerbating the condition.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of shingles, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of shingles?

The main causes of shingles are the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in the dorsal root ganglia after a person has had chickenpox.

This reactivation is triggered by a decline in immune function, such as that experienced during old age, stress, or certain medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS, cancer, and immunosuppressive therapy. Weakened immune function allows the virus to multiply and travel down the nerve pathways, causing inflammation and the characteristic shingles rash. Additionally, factors that may contribute to the risk of shingles include stress, fatigue, and certain medications, such as steroids and immunosuppressants.

Research suggests that approximately 1 in 3 people will develop shingles at some point in their lifetime, typically between the ages of 50 and 60.

• VZV Reactivation: VZV reactivation is the most common cause of shingles due to the re-emergence of latent varicella-zoster virus from dorsal root ganglia, which can occur in individuals with weakened immune systems.
• Chronic Stress: Chronic stress is a significant cause of shingles, as it can suppress the immune system and lead to the reactivation of latent VZV.
• Immunosuppression: Immunosuppression, whether due to disease, medication, or other factors, can impair the body's ability to suppress VZV reactivation, thereby contributing to the development of shingles.
• Older Age: Older age is a risk factor for shingles due to the natural decline in immune function that occurs with aging, making it more likely for latent VZV to reactivate.
• Weakened Immune System: Weakened immune systems, whether due to disease, chemotherapy, or other factors, can increase the risk of shingles by allowing latent VZV to reactivate.
• Cancer: Cancer, particularly blood cancers and lymphomas, can increase the risk of shingles due to the immunosuppressive effects of cancer and its treatment.
• HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS can increase the risk of shingles due to the severe immunosuppression associated with these conditions.
• Chronic Inflammation: Chronic inflammation, whether due to chronic disease or other factors, can contribute to the development of shingles by creating an environment in which latent VZV can reactivate.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs, can increase the risk of shingles by suppressing the immune system.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy can increase the risk of shingles due to the immunosuppressive effects of pregnancy and the potential for latent VZV to reactivate.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for shingles?

The main medicinal herbs used for shingles are Zingiber officinale, Echinacea purpurea, Aloe barbadensis, Capsicum annuum, Hypericum perforatum, Ginkgo biloba, Avena sativa, Aloe vera, Allium sativum, Echinacea angustifolia.

Zingiber officinale, containing gingerols and shogaols, has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation associated with shingles. Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia, with their immunomodulatory effects, may enhance the body's immune response to combat the varicella-zoster virus, while Aloe barbadensis and Aloe vera soothe and calm skin irritation with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Capsicum annuum's capsaicin can help reduce pain by blocking the production of a chemical that transmits pain signals, while Hypericum perforatum, or St. John's Wort, has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate shingles symptoms.

Avena sativa and Ginkgo biloba may help manage stress and anxiety, common symptoms of shingles, by promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation, and Allium sativum's allicin has antimicrobial properties that may aid in preventing secondary infections.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with shingles.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea, or coneflower, may stimulate the immune system to fight off the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles, reducing the severity of the condition.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that may help soothe and calm the skin lesions associated with shingles.
• Capsicum annuum: Capsicum annuum, or cayenne pepper, contains capsaicin, which may help reduce pain by blocking the production of a chemical called substance P that transmits pain signals to the brain.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum, or St. John's Wort, has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the severity of shingles symptoms.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba, or ginkgo, may improve circulation and reduce inflammation, which can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with shingles.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa, or oat straw, has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with shingles.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that may help soothe and calm the skin lesions associated with shingles.
• Allium sativum: Allium sativum, or garlic, contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate the pain associated with shingles.
• Echinacea angustifolia: Echinacea angustifolia, or narrow-leaf coneflower, may stimulate the immune system to fight off the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles, reducing the severity of the condition.

What are the main herbal preparations used for shingles?

The main herbal preparations used for shingles are Tincture, Salve, Topical Cream, Ointment, Decoction, Capsule, Gel, Suppository, Poultice, Capsules.

Tincture, a concentrated liquid extract, is often made from herbs such as Echinacea and Ashwagandha to boost the immune system. Salve and Topical Cream are applied directly to the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation, typically containing ingredients like arnica and calendula. Ointment, Decoction, and Capsule are used to internally treat the condition with herbs such as turmeric, which reduces inflammation, and licorice root, which soothes the skin.

Additionally, Gel, Suppository, and Poultice are used to locally reduce pain and inflammation, while Capsules are used to internally treat the condition with herbs such as St. John's Wort, which relieves nerve pain.

• Tincture: A tincture of the herb Zingiber officinale (ginger) helps with shingles by reducing pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory compounds such as gingerols and shogaols.
• Salve: A salve made from the herb Plantago major (plantain) helps with shingles by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Topical Cream: A topical cream containing the herb Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) helps with shingles by reducing pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory compounds such as aloin and aloe-emodin.
• Ointment: An ointment of the herb Calendula officinalis (marigold) helps with shingles by promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Decoction: A decoction of the herb Echinacea spp. (echinacea) helps with shingles by boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory compounds such as alkylamides and caffeic acid.
• Capsule: A capsule of the herb Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) helps with shingles by reducing stress and anxiety and boosting the immune system due to its adaptogenic and immunomodulatory compounds such as withanolides.
• Gel: A gel made from the herb Arnica montana (arnica) helps with shingles by reducing pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory compounds such as flavonoids and arnica acids.
• Suppository: A suppository of the herb Cannabis sativa (cannabis) helps with shingles by reducing pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the herb Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) helps with shingles by reducing pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds such as hyperforin and hypericin.
• Capsules: Capsules of the herb Lactuca virosa (prickly lettuce) help with shingles by reducing pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds such as lactucarium.