Updated: Nov 30, 2024
8 Herbal Creams For Shingles
If you're experiencing shingles, you might want to try using herbal creams to help soothe the pain and itching.
These creams are made from natural ingredients like herbs, which can be very effective in relieving symptoms. One of the reasons herbal teas can help with shingles is because they contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce swelling and pain. For example, Echinacea purpurea is an herb that's known for its ability to boost the immune system, which can help your body fight off the virus that causes shingles. Aloe barbadensis, on the other hand, is a soothing herb that can calm the skin and reduce itching. It's often used in creams and lotions to help with burns and skin irritations, but it can also be effective in relieving shingles symptoms.
Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, is another herb that's been used for centuries to treat pain and inflammation. It contains compounds that can help reduce nerve pain and promote healing. Using herbal creams for shingles can be really beneficial because they're often gentle and non-irritating, making them a good option for people who are sensitive to medications. They can also be used in combination with other treatments, like medications or topical creams, to help manage symptoms. Additionally, herbal creams are often free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, which can be irritating to the skin.
By using herbal creams, you can help reduce your reliance on prescription medications and promote a more natural approach to healing.
This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for shingles and wh.
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Table of Contents
1. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea creams contains bioactive constituents like alkylamides, glycosides, and phenolic acids.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that can help alleviate the symptoms of shingles. The alkylamides in Echinacea purpurea creams have been shown to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system, which can help to ease the pain and discomfort associated with shingles. The glycosides in Echinacea purpurea creams also have antioxidant properties that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by the shingles virus.
By applying Echinacea purpurea creams to the affected area, you may be able to reduce the severity and duration of shingles symptoms.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of distilled water, 1/2 cup of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of shea butter, 2 tablespoons of Echinacea purpurea tincture, 2 teaspoons of vitamin E oil, and 10 drops of tea tree oil.
- Melt coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Add shea butter to the melted mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add Echinacea purpurea tincture, vitamin E oil, and tea tree oil to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into small containers or a tin. Let cool and harden completely before use. Store in a cool, dry place.
2. Aloe barbadensis
Aloe barbadensis creams contains active constituents like glycoproteins, vitamins A, C, and E, and aloin.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help with shingles. The anti-inflammatory properties of glycoproteins and aloin can reduce pain and inflammation caused by shingles. The antioxidant properties of vitamins A, C, and E can help protect the skin from damage and promote healing.
The cooling and soothing properties of aloe vera can help calm irritated skin and reduce discomfort associated with shingles.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of Aloe barbadensis gel, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of shea butter, 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil, and 10 drops of tea tree oil.
- Melt coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix Aloe barbadensis gel, shea butter, and vitamin E oil until well combined.
- Slowly pour the melted coconut oil and beeswax mixture into the Aloe gel mixture, stirring constantly until smooth and well combined.
- Add tea tree oil and mix well. Pour the mixture into small containers and let cool before use.
3. Hypericum perforatum
Hypericum perforatum creams contains a high concentration of hypericin and hyperforin, which are active constituents responsible for its therapeutic properties.
Hypericin has potent antiviral activity, which helps to reduce the severity of shingles symptoms by inhibiting the replication of the varicella-zoster virus. Hyperforin has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and discomfort associated with shingles. The flavonoids present in Hypericum perforatum creams, such as quercetin and kaempferol, also exhibit antioxidant activity, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
By reducing inflammation and protecting the skin, Hypericum perforatum creams can provide relief from the painful and itchy symptoms of shingles.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of shea butter, 2 tablespoons of Hypericum perforatum oil (or St. John's Wort oil), and 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil.
- Melt coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
- Add shea butter and stir until it's fully melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in Hypericum perforatum oil and vitamin E oil.
- Pour the mixture into a clean container and let it cool and solidify before using it as a cream for shingles.
4. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis creams contains sesquiterpene lactones, triterpenoids, and flavonoids.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help soothe and calm shingles blisters. The sesquiterpene lactones in calendula creams, such as calendolide and calendin, reduce inflammation and promote healing by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. The triterpenoids, including oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, have antimicrobial properties that help prevent infections and promote tissue repair.
By reducing inflammation and preventing infection, calendula creams can help alleviate shingles symptoms and promote healing.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of Calendula officinalis infused oil, 1/4 cup of beeswax, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of shea butter, and 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil.
- Melt the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
- Add the Calendula officinalis infused oil and vitamin E oil to the melted mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool until it reaches 120-130°F. This is an important step to prevent overheating.
- Pour the mixture into a clean container and let it cool and solidify. Once solid, your Calendula officinalis cream is ready to use.
5. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale creams contains active constituents like gingerols and shogaols, which are responsible for its medicinal properties.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce pain and swelling associated with shingles. The warming properties of ginger can also increase blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing the risk of complications. Additionally, ginger's antimicrobial properties can help prevent infections that may occur due to the open sores caused by shingles.
By applying Zingiber officinale creams topically, the active constituents can directly target the affected area and provide relief from shingles symptoms.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of shea butter, 1/4 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder, and 2 tablespoons of ginger powder.
- Melt coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
- Add beeswax to the melted mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Remove from heat and stir in turmeric and ginger powders. Pour the mixture into a heat-proof container.
- Let the mixture cool and solidify completely. Once set, use a spoon to scoop out the desired amount and apply it to shingles-affected areas.
6. Melaleuca alternifolia
Melaleuca alternifolia creams contains active constituents like cineole and terpinen-4-ol.
These compounds have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties that help combat the virus causing shingles. Cineole, in particular, has been shown to inhibit the growth of herpes simplex virus, which is linked to shingles. Terpinen-4-ol, on the other hand, has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain and itching associated with shingles.
By applying Melaleuca alternifolia creams to the affected area, the compounds can help soothe and calm the skin, promoting a faster recovery from shingles.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of distilled water, 1/2 cup of beeswax, 1/4 cup of shea butter, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil.
- Melt beeswax and shea butter in a double boiler over low heat.
- Add coconut oil and distilled water to the melted beeswax and shea butter mixture. Stir well.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a container and let cool completely before use. Store in a cool, dry place.
7. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus creams contains active constituents like eucalyptol and cineole, which have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
These properties help soothe and calm the skin, reducing pain and discomfort associated with shingles. Eucalyptol, in particular, has been shown to inhibit the replication of the varicella-zoster virus, the virus responsible for shingles. Cineole, on the other hand, has potent anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce swelling and redness in affected areas.
By applying eucalyptus globulus creams to shingles, you may be able to alleviate some of the symptoms and promote healing.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of eucalyptus globulus essential oil, and 2 tablespoons of tea tree oil.
- Melt coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water.
- Remove melted mixture from heat and stir in eucalyptus globulus essential oil and tea tree oil.
- Pour mixture into a glass jar or tin and let it cool and solidify at room temperature.
- Once solid, your eucalyptus globulus cream for shingles is ready to use. Apply as needed to affected areas.
8. Curcuma longa
Curcuma longa creams contains a compound called curcumin, which is responsible for its therapeutic properties.
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, which can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with shingles. Curcuma longa creams also contain demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), which have been shown to inhibit the replication of the varicella-zoster virus, the virus responsible for shingles. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcuma longa creams can also help reduce the swelling and redness associated with shingles, promoting a faster recovery.
By targeting both the virus and the inflammation, curcuma longa creams may provide relief from the symptoms of shingles.
- Mix 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of beeswax, and 1/4 cup of shea butter in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture until the beeswax and shea butter melt.
- Remove the mixture from heat and add 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder (Curcuma longa) and 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil.
- Stir the mixture well and let it cool until it reaches a temperature of around 100°F to 110°F.
- Pour the mixture into small containers and let it cool completely before use.
FAQ
Can drinking herbal tea prevent shingles from forming?
Drinking herbal tea may help prevent shingles from forming, but it's not a guarantee.
Some herbal teas, like those containing Echinacea and sage, have antiviral properties that may boost the immune system and reduce the risk of shingles.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of herbal teas on shingles prevention.
Is it safe to consume herbal teas for shingles every day?
Some herbal teas, like peppermint and chamomile, may help with shingles symptoms.
However, consuming them daily can have interactions with medications or worsen underlying conditions. It's essential to be cautious and monitor your body's response.
If you experience discomfort or side effects, consider reducing the frequency of consumption or trying alternative remedies.
How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in shingles?
Herbal teas can help with shingles symptoms, but it's hard to say exactly when you'll feel better.
Some people notice a difference within a few days, while others may take a week or two to start feeling relief from pain and discomfort.
It's different for everyone.