Updated: Nov 30, 2024
8 Herbal Tinctures For Shingles
Herbal tinctures can be a helpful addition to your treatment plan if you're experiencing shingles.
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. When it comes to herbal teas, they work by reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Some herbs are more effective than others in this regard. For example, Echinacea purpurea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the severity of shingles symptoms. Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, has been traditionally used to treat nerve pain, which is a common symptom of shingles.
It contains compounds that can help to reduce nerve inflammation and promote healing. Ginger, specifically Zingiber officinale, has anti-inflammatory properties as well, and it's often used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the body. Drinking a tea made from these herbs may help to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with shingles. By incorporating herbal tinctures into your treatment plan, you may be able to reduce the severity and duration of your shingles symptoms. This can bring numerous benefits to your life, including improved mood, reduced stress, and enhanced overall well-being.
When used in conjunction with conventional treatments, herbal tinctures can provide an extra layer of support and relief.
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 tinctures contains alkylamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and polysaccharides as its bioactive constituents.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which can help alleviate shingles symptoms. Alkylamides, in particular, have shown to stimulate the immune system and increase its response to viral infections, making it beneficial for shingles treatment. Caffeic acid derivatives have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce pain and discomfort associated with shingles.
By modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation, Echinacea purpurea tinctures may help alleviate symptoms and support the body's natural healing process.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Echinacea purpurea roots and flowers.
- Combine the roots and flowers in a clean glass jar and add 2 cups of 80% vodka or other high-proof alcohol.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking it every day to help the mixture.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Store the tincture in a cool, dark place and take 20-30 drops, 2-3 times a day, as needed to help with shingles symptoms.
2. Hypericum perforatum
Hypericum perforatum tinctures contains bioactive constituents like hyperforin and hypericin, which have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
These compounds help reduce the severity of shingles symptoms by limiting the spread of the virus and reducing inflammation in the affected area. Hyperforin, in particular, has been shown to inhibit the replication of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles. By reducing viral replication and inflammation, Hypericum perforatum tinctures can help alleviate pain, itching, and discomfort associated with shingles.
The antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of hyperforin and hypericin make Hypericum perforatum tinctures a potential natural remedy for shingles symptoms.
- Get 250g of dried Hypericum perforatum leaves and flowers.
- Combine the dried Hypericum perforatum with 1 cup of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Close the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container.
- Discard the solids and store the tincture in a dark glass bottle. Use 20-30 drops, 3-4 times a day, as needed.
3. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale tinctures contains a compound called gingerol, which is responsible for its therapeutic properties.
Gingerol has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and swelling associated with shingles. Shogaols, another active constituent, has antiviral and antioxidant properties, which can help combat the herpes zoster virus and protect the body from damage. The warming and drying properties of Zingiber officinale tinctures can also help relieve itching and numbness caused by shingles, while its analgesic properties can help manage pain and discomfort.
By reducing inflammation and fighting off the virus, Zingiber officinale tinctures can help alleviate symptoms of shingles and promote recovery.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Zingiber officinale (ginger) roots and 2 cups of 80% vodka or high-proof liquor.
- Peel and chop the ginger roots into small pieces, then fill a clean glass jar with the chopped ginger.
- Pour the vodka or high-proof liquor over the ginger, making sure the ginger is fully covered.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
4. Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis tinctures contains bioactive constituents like linalool, linalyl acetate, and rosmarinic acid.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which help reduce the severity of shingles symptoms. Linalool, in particular, has been shown to inhibit the replication of the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes shingles. Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant properties that may help reduce pain and inflammation.
By reducing inflammation and inhibiting the virus, Melissa officinalis tinctures may help alleviate shingles symptoms and promote healing.
- Gather 1 cup of Melissa officinalis leaves and flowers, and 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Combine the Melissa officinalis leaves and flowers with the vodka in the jar, making sure they are completely covered.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
- Store the Melissa officinalis tincture in a cool, dark place and use 20-30 drops, 3-4 times a day, to help relieve shingles symptoms.
5. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba tinctures contains flavonoids and terpenoids as its main bioactive constituents.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with shingles. Flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol have potent antioxidant effects, which can help alleviate the itching and burning sensations caused by shingles. Terpenoids, particularly bilobalide, have neuroprotective properties, which can help reduce nerve pain and promote healing.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Ginkgo biloba tinctures can help alleviate the symptoms of shingles, making it a potential natural remedy for this condition.
- Gather 1 cup of Ginkgo biloba leaves, 2 cups of 80% vodka, and a clean glass jar.
- Chop the Ginkgo biloba leaves into small pieces and place them in the glass jar.
- Pour the vodka over the Ginkgo biloba leaves, making sure they are completely covered.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discard the solids.
6. Aloe barbadensis
Aloe barbadensis tinctures contains aloin, aloe-emodin, and acemannan, which are bioactive constituents that contribute to its healing properties.
Aloin has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the pain and swelling associated with shingles. Aloe-emodin has antiviral properties, which can help combat the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles. Acemannan, a polysaccharide, has immunomodulatory properties, which can help stimulate the immune system to fight off the virus.
These properties make aloe barbadensis tinctures a potential natural remedy for shingles.
- Gather 1 cup of Aloe barbadensis leaves and 2 cups of 80% vodka.
- Chop the Aloe leaves into small pieces and place them in a clean glass jar.
- Add 2 cups of 80% vodka to the jar, making sure the leaves are completely covered.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discard the solids.
7. Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale tinctures contains bioactive constituents like sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with shingles. The sesquiterpene lactones in Taraxacum officinale can inhibit the replication of the herpes zoster virus, which causes shingles. The flavonoids and phenolic acids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce pain, inflammation, and scarring.
By targeting the virus and reducing inflammation, Taraxacum officinale tinctures may help alleviate symptoms and promote healing in shingles patients.
- Gather 1 cup of Taraxacum officinale roots and leaves. Wash and dry them completely.
- Use a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle to crush the dried Taraxacum officinale into a fine powder.
- Combine 1 cup of the powder with 2 cups of 80% vodka or glycerin in a clean glass jar.
- Seal the jar and store it in a dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids and store the tincture in the fridge.
8. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis tinctures contains triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and carotenoids as its bioactive constituents.
These compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with shingles. The flavonoids in Calendula officinalis tinctures, particularly quercetin and kaempferol, have been shown to inhibit the replication of herpes viruses, including the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles. The triterpenoid saponins also have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce redness and swelling in the affected area.
By using Calendula officinalis tinctures, individuals may be able to alleviate some of the symptoms of shingles, such as pain, itching, and inflammation.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Calendula officinalis flowers, 2 cups of 80% vodka, and a glass jar with a lid.
- Combine the Calendula flowers and vodka in the glass jar, making sure the flowers are completely covered.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another glass jar, discarding the solids.
- Store the tincture in the glass jar and use 20-30 drops, 3-4 times a day, as needed for shingles relief.
FAQ
Can drinking herbal tea prevent shingles from forming?
Drinking herbal tea may help prevent shingles in some people.
Certain teas, like ginger and turmeric, have anti-inflammatory properties that might reduce the risk of shingles.
However, the relationship between herbal tea and shingles is not fully understood, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Is it safe to consume herbal teas for shingles every day?
Consuming herbal teas for shingles every day can be safe if you choose teas that are known to help with pain and inflammation, like ginger and chamomile.
However, some teas like peppermint can cause stomach issues if taken in large amounts.
Be mindful of your body's reaction and adjust your tea intake accordingly.
How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in shingles?
Herbal teas like calendula and ginger may help with shingles symptoms.
Some people find relief after a few days of drinking these teas, while others may take up to a week or more to notice any difference.
It's hard to predict when results will show, as it varies from person to person.