Category: SHINGLES (Herpes Zoster)

Natural Cure For Shingles or Herpes Zoster

Abstract

Skin is one of the largest organs and is helpful in covering the body from any kind of infection. It attacks like a shield for our body but there are times where our skin itself catches infection. Infection of skin is caused due to many other germs which could lead to mild or serious problems. This infection includes the viral infection which is caused by the virus and this includes Shingles or Herpes Zoster. In this article we are going to discuss Shingles in detail along with its herbal treatment.

shingles

What are Shingles

Shingles or Herpes zoster are the type of viral infection causing rashes that are painful. Shingles can occur anywhere on the body but it mostly appears as a single strip wrapping around the right or left side of the torso. It is caused by the virus called varicella zoster virus and this is the same virus that causes chickenpox. It is not a life-threatening condition but sometimes can be very painful for the patient. But vaccinations can help in reducing the risk of developing shingles. If treated in the early stages it can reduce the risk of having any other complications in the patient. Some of the common complications that can be seen are postherpetic neuralgia causing pain even after the blisters have disappeared.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Shingles

Here are some of the clinical features that can be seen in shingles including

If limited to one side then it leads to signs like:

  • Sensations like burning, tingling and numbness on skin along with pain.
  • Rashes might appear on skin which last for more than 2 to 3 days.
  • Sometimes the blisters are filled with fluid which can last for more than 2 to 3 weeks.

Other clinical features:

  • Chillness
  • Fever
  • Weakness of muscles
  • Headache
  • Pain in joints
  • Photophobia
  • Swollen glands
  • Fatigue

Other areas that can be affected are:-

  • Rashes commonly include the area of the spine and extend to the chest as well as abdomen.
  • This might also include the area including mouth, ears, face as well as eyes.

Complications

This can include complications like:-

  • Loss of vision:- If shingles spreads around the eye then that can cause painful infection in eyes leading to difficulty of vision.
  • Neurological problem:- It depends on the affected nerve and herpes zoster can also lead to encephalitis, hearing problem or facial paralysis.
  • Postherpetic neuralgia:- The pain can last for a longer duration even if the blisters have gone. This is known as postherpetic neuralgia. This can also cause damage to the nerve fibers and send confused messages to the skin.
  • Skin infection:- If the blisters are not treated properly then it might lead to further bacterial skin infection.

What causes Shingles

The main causative factor for Herpes Zoster or Shingles are Varicella-Zoster infection which is a type of viral infection. Any person who has been infected with Chickenpox in the past has a risk of developing shingles as the virus can remain dormant in the root ganglia for years. Maybe the virus can activate again resulting in herpes zoster or shingles.

Risk Factors

  • Older than 50 years:- It is most commonly seen in patients who are older than 50 years old.
  • People going through cancer treatment like chemotherapy or radiation might trigger their shingles.
  • People who have weak immune systems or have HIV or AIDS have high risk of developing shingles.
  • People who are taking certain types of drugs like steroids are at greater risk of having shingles.

How Can Shingles be Diagnosed

Commonly Shingles are diagnosed by the history of the patient as rashes and blisters can be easily seen on either side of the torso. Along with that tissue scraping or culturing is done for the examination.

Herbal Medicine Provided By Planet Ayurveda For Shingles

Planet Ayurveda provides a combination of herbal medicines not only in India but also other parts of the world. Each and every remedy is made from natural herbs that are free from chemicals, preservatives as well as additives. All of the medicines are made under the supervision of an MD Ayurvedic Doctor making it safe to use and free from side-effects.

  1. Mahamanjisthaghan Vati
  2. Pitta Balance
  3. Neurogenie Capsules
  4. Kaishore Guggul
  5. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula

shinglesHerbal Supplements for Migraine

Product’s Description

1. Mahamanjisthaghan Vati

It is made from different herbs like Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia),  Vacha (Acorus calamus), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata),  Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa),  Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and many more. It is one of the effective medicines for treating any kind of skin ailments including Shingles too. It helps in detoxifying the body and rejuvenating the skin along with reducing any kind of inflammation from the body.

Dosage:- Two tablets twice daily with water after meals.

2. Pitta Balance

It is helpful in balancing the Pitta Dosha of the body and is made from the combination of herbs like Praval Pishti, Jahar Mohra Pishti, Kamdudha Ras, Giloy satva etc. It is effective in restoring the good health of skin and clearing the complexion. As it helps in purifying the blood and naturally helps in reducing the disease. It helps in reducing any kind of muscle cramp from the body and relaxing them.

Dosage:- One capsule twice daily after meals with water.

3. Neurogenie Capsules

It is made from two powerful herbs especially beneficial for people who suffer from neurological disorders and it is common in patients with Shingles.The main two ingredients are Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and also Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It helps in reducing any kind of inflammation from the brain and also helping in paralysis by improving the health of nerves. It acts as a nerve tonic as it helps in providing all the nourishment to the nerves and also increasing the strength of muscles as well.

Dosage:- Two capsules with water after meals twice daily.

4. Kaishore Guggul

It is made from different herbs like Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) etc. It helps in removing all kinds of toxins from the blood and also supports metabolism as well. It helps in reducing inflammation from tendons or any other type of swelling from the body. By purifying the blood it naturally helps in making the skin healthy and improving the complexion as well.

Dosage:- Two tablets with plain water twice daily after meals.

5. Gleaming Skin Hair Nails Formula

This herbal medicine is best for removing any kinds of skin disorder and is formed from herbs like Pit papda (Fumaria officinalis), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) etc. It is packed with anti-inflammatory properties which makes it naturally helpful in reducing all kinds of inflammation.   As the name suggests it is effective in protecting skin and hair as well by protecting them from any kind of infection. Being a blood purifier it naturally helps in making the body healthy both internally as well as externally. It is effective in treating ailments like rashes or blisters from the skin.

Dosage:- One capsule after meals with water twice daily.

Conclusion

Above mentioned article discusses everything about Shingles and its effect on skin which could be painful. Allopaths might provide medications for pain or other complaints but that won’t last forever and also might not remove the root cause of disease. While in Ayurveda there are many herbal medicines as mentioned above will help in removing the root cause and making the skin healthy. In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com. For more queries, you can send your queries to our email id herbalremedies123@yahoo.com.

What is SHINGLES (Herpes Zoster)? – Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

ABSTRACT

In this article, you’ll get to know all about the Shingles or Herpes zoster in one place. The causative virus of this particular infection is Varicella-zoster, which results in red rashes on the skin accompanied by pain and burning on the affected area. Shingles is only caused to the people who have already suffered from chickenpox at some point of their life, putting clearly it is the reactivation of the same virus. Let’s learn in detail about the infection and role of Ayurveda in treating the infection naturally.

INTRODUCTION TO THE SHINGLES

Shingles is also termed as herpes zoster which causes painful rashes on the body. Vaccines are given to decrease the risk of getting this infection but nothing is hundred percent guaranteed. Herpes zoster or shingles is not a deadly disease but can cause long-lasting pain and burning. When a person gets chicken pox, the virus may remain in latent state even after recovering from the infection completely. This virus lives in the nervous system of a person for many years only to reactivate as shingles. Rashes may appear on any part of the body but the predominant locations are neck, torso or face.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF SHINGLES

As per the Ayurveda, shingles or herpes zoster is caused due to the aggravation of Pitta dosha in the body. Pitta dosha can be flared due to excessive oiliness or heat, building up of toxins in the body, excessive increase in vata, pitta and kapha dosha or improperly digested food. Owing to any of these factors skin gets affected as it is an organ of elimination.

symptoms of herpes

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THE SHINGLES

Usually the small part of the body is affected by shingles, generally including one side of the body. Some of the major signs and symptoms of this infection are:

  • Pain occurring in small patches usually on one side of the body
  • Burning is also accompanied with pain on affected areas
  • Rashes which are red in color are followed after a few days
  • Itching in the rashes
  • Appearance of blisters which breaks and crust is formed over them
  • Some of the less common symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and photosensitivity.

Pain is the most common and can be the most severe symptom of the infection. In some cases there might be pain without any rashes. Right or left torso is the common location for the appearance of blisters.

RISK FACTORS OF SHINGLES

People who got affected by Chickenpox whose chances are more likely to get affected by shingles or herpes zoster are:

  • Having low immunity or immunocompromised people
  • Having life threatening conditions like HIV, cancer, or who have had organ transplant
  • Age above 50 years
  • Prolonged illness
  • Experiencing stress for a long time
  • People gone through trauma

CAUSES OF SHINGLES

Herpes zoster or shingles is caused by the virus called Varicella-zoster. It is the same virus which causes chickenpox. When a person suffers from chickenpox which means first infection, the symptoms are treated or resolved on its own without the virus leaving the body. This virus stays in the body passing to the nervous system and remains dormant for maybe years and due to unknown reasons get reactivated at any point of life causing shingles. When this reactivation occurs, the virus travels to the skin along the nerve pathways and develops the signs and symptoms of herpes zoster. However not everyone who got chickenpox will get affected from it. Probably the risk factors discussed above are the reasons for its reactivation.

DIAGNOSIS OF SHINGLES

The typical distribution of the rashes on the body is the most useful tool for the diagnosis of the shingles. Rashes and blisters of shingles are usually present on one side of the body which is a characteristic feature. However certain laboratory tests including the fluid swab from blisters or its scraping will confirm the presence of virus in it.

TREATMENT OF SHINGLES

As shingles is considered to be an incurable condition, in orthodox system of medicine (Allopathy) the medication is given to relieve the complaints. Main mode of treatment is antiviral medicines to decrease the duration of symptoms and relieve the discomfort caused by shingles. Painkillers are given to ease the pain. At times there can also occur bacterial infection along with shingles, hence antibacterial medications are given for it. However all of these medicines have certain side effects when taken in the long term and shingles generally takes 2-6 weeks in order to resolve. When an immunocompromised person gets shingles (herpes zoster), these drugs can worsen their immunity. Hence opting the natural science, i.e. Ayurveda would be a better option.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF SHINGLES

As per the Ayurveda diseases are caused due to the imbalance of any of the three doshas, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha and hence restoration of their balance is the main aim in order to restore health. As per the Ayurvedic concept, shingles can be correlated with Pittaj visarpa. As we already discussed, due to the increase in Pitta dosha disease is manifested on the skin in the form of red rashes, burning and pain. In Ayurveda not a single part or area is treated but the person as a whole is treated which results in restoration of complete health of a person as a whole. Holistic approach of treatment includes correction of physical exercise (Vihaar), diet (Ahar) along with the natural medicines (Aushadhi). Certain external processes to let out the toxins can be done like therapeutic purgation or bloodletting. External applications like mukhalepa and pralepa (herbal pastes) can be used on the affected areas. Further we will discuss the medicines which can be used to treat shingles naturally.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR SHINGLES

Planet Ayurveda is one of the leading herbal brands in India. It is very well known in India and abroad for the amazing herbal products which are used to treat various acute as well as chronic (obstinate) diseases. All the products manufactured here are produced following the strict Ayurvedic principles under the supervision of MD Ayurveda doctors who have expertise in this area. All the medicines and products manufactured in Planet Ayurveda are purely herbal, vegetarian, organic and devoid of chemicals, preservatives, fillers, dye, colors, additives and yeast. These medicines and products are further prescribed to the patients by experienced MD Ayurveda doctors as per the disease or complaints one is suffering from. For Shingles, Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal medicines that works efficiently in treating and managing the infection naturally.

Herbal Supplements for Herpes

Herbal Supplements for Herpes

Product List

These herbal formulations are selected for treating the infection as they contain herbs and compounds which have healing effects on the shingles. These herbal medicines help in relieving the pain, burning, rashes, blisters and eradicate the infection naturally without causing any further harm to the body.

  1. Mahamanjisthadi Ghan vati
  2. Pitta balance
  3. Neurogenie capsule
  4. Kaishore guggul
  5. Gleaming skin hair nails formula

Product Description

1. Mahamanjisthadi Ghan vati

These herbal tablets are prepared from the extract of Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) which is known for its amazing therapeutic effect on skin. Owing to these factors, Mahamanjisthadi Ghan vati helps in treating the rashes and blisters which is one of the main complaints in shingles and clears the skin naturally.

Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water

2. Pitta balance

Praval pishti (Coral calcium), Akik pishti (Agate calcium), Kamdudha ras (An Ayurvedic calcium compound), Jawar mohra pishti (An Ayurvedic calcium compound), Giloy satva (Tinospora cordifolia) and Mukta pishti (Pearl calcium) are used in the preparation of the Pitta balance. All of these components altogether acts in a synergistic manner to alleviate the Pitta dosha, hence eradicating the root cause and restoring the health.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

3. Neurogenie capsule

These herbal capsules are prepared from standardized extract of two therapeutic herbs, i.e. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Neurogenie capsules as the name suggests are used to treat neurological complaints. In shingles pain and burning is due to the affected nerve, hence these capsules help in relieving the mentioned ailments naturally.

Dosage-Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

4. Kaishore Guggul

It is prepared from the combination of numerous herbs, i.e. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Long pepper (Piper longum), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Indian jalap (Ipomoea turpetheum), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), and Red physic nut (Baliospermum montanum). Kaishore guggul helps in eliminating the accumulated toxins from the body in the case of shingles or herpes zoster and relieves the condition by purifying the blood.

Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water

5. Gleaming skin, hair, nails Formula

These are the multi herbal capsules which helps in clearing the rashes, itching and redness from the skin in the people suffering from shingles and helps in maintaining healthy skin. Herbs like Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Pit papda (Fumaria officinalis) and Ghrit kumari (Aloe barbadensis) are used in the preparation of Gleaming skin, hair, nails capsules.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

CONCLUSION

Shingles or herpes zoster is not a fatal condition however it can cause severe and long lasting pain. Natural medicines discussed above can help in relieving and treating the condition naturally and gently without causing any further damage to the body.