Shingles is a very painful skin rash. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus. Shingles usually appears in a band, a strip, or a small area on one side of the face or body. It is also called herpes zoster. Shingles are most common in older adults and people who have a weak immune systems, a lot of stress, a recent injury, and from certain medicines.

 If you had chicken pox as a child, you have the virus already in your body. It can lay dormant for years and then   become active later in life.  Early symptoms of shingles include headache, sensitivity to light, and flu-like symptoms without a fever. You may then feel itching, tingling, or pain where a band, strip, or small area of rash may appear on your body or face. The rash can appear anywhere on the body but will be on only one side of the body, the left or right. (Mine looked like a few spider bites when it first came on) The rash will first form blisters, then scab over, and finally clear up over a few weeks. This band of pain and rash is the clearest sign of shingles. (Mine felt as though someone  was  putting out cigarettes on my body. It was difficult to wear clothes and nearly impossible to sleep).

The rash caused by shingles is more painful than itchy. The nerve roots that supply sensation to your skin run in pathways on each side of your body. When the virus becomes reactivated, it travels up the nerve roots to the area of skin supplied by those specific nerve roots. This is why the rash can wrap around either the left or right side of your body, usually from the middle of your back toward your chest. It can also appear on your face around one eye. It is possible to have more than one area of rash on your body.

How to fight back and/or reverse the symptoms.

Personally, I don’t like taking drugs due to the side effects of them. Drugs can destroy your vital organs (heart, kidneys and liver). So I look for home remedies that work just as well. Instead of running to the doctor to get 5 prescriptions and poison the virus out, I decided to use my brain and go to the source for healing. Since the nerve endings are causing so much pain, we should consider the central nervous system (spine) for relief. The only Doctor visit I needed was a quick Chiropractic adjustment. After that, the symptoms quickly reversed and I was back to normal within a couple of days.

My home remedy for the sores, itching, viruse and stress: 3 drops of Bergamot Essential oil in the palm of my hand and 1 teaspoon of Organic Coconut Oil. Mix with your finger and apply to the sores.

The Bergamot  essential oil fights infection, acts as an antiseptic and even helps with anxiety & stress.

The Organic Coconut Oil helps fight infection, kills bacteria and is an anti-viral. (I tried Neosporin on my sores and it burned all day, partly because it’s made from petroleum.) Then I tried my own concoction of Bergamot and Coconut oil and it worked. 

Sunshine – helps build your immune system and heal the sores.

Chamomile tea – helps calm your stress and kills pain.

Baking soda – helps the sores dry up quicker and fights infection.

I took over –the-counter pain medication (like aspirin or ibuprofen.) You may need something stronger, but I personally don’t take narcotics.

With shingles, you cannot wear clothing that rubs against the sores. (I found myself wearing my husband’s boxers for a week, with skirts.) If you have to get dressed and go to work, you will want to dress according to where your shingles are at. I don’t recommend going to work braless because of shingles around your rib-cage, but if you must go back to work while you have shingles, wear loose clothing and a baggy shirt. I’m sure your boss will understand.

Shingles strike when your immune system is weakened.  

Knowing this, as soon as I found out I had shingles, I made home-made soup and fresh fruit juice. I spent the next two weeks rebuilding my immune system. It’s very important to eat foods that fight virus and disease and avoid sugar, red meat, dairy (cheese), starchy food and alcohol.

Foods that help rebuild your immune system are:

Fresh organic fruits and vegetables, garlic, green tea, basil and many other herbs and spices. When I feel like I am getting sick, my diet consists of 80% fruit and vegetables and 20% whole grain and lean meat. Remarkably, I normally feel better within 24 hours.

On the other hand:

Most medical doctors will prescribe several drugs when you have the “Shingles Virus”.

These drugs may include some or all of the following:

• Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline.
• Topical medicines, such as a lidocaine patch.
• Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin or pregabalin.
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone.
• Nerve block injections.
• Prescription Pain Relievers, such as codeine, oxycodone, and morphine.

In all my research, taking prescription medication is putting your liver, kidneys and heart at risk every time you take them. Doctors are handing out antidepressants like candy and they are among the most dangerous drug available. They give you thoughts of suicide. If you have a doctor prescribed drug that you are currently taking, google the side effects and consider the outcome if you continue to take them. Do NOT stop taking a drug without first consulting with your healthcare provider.