Homeopathy and herbal treatments for shingles?

[Rikki Jean]

I'm 25 weeks pg, and I just found out that I have shingles.  I'm on day 3 or 4 of the rash, which is thankfully in a spot where it is pretty well protected from being touched and from impulsive scratching.  I'm not having any pain, at this point, although it does hurt some if I touch it directly (which I'm avoiding anyway), and sometimes it's just slightly annoying. 

I really do NOT want to take anti-viral meds.  Does anyone have any recommendations for homeopathy or herbal remedies?

[Virginia Mom]

How close are you to Escondido? There's an amazing classical homeopath that way........initial visit is kind of pricey, but he's amazing. PM me for more infol.

[tribalmax]

Oh man, I am sorry! I don't post much on here but wanted to reply because I also had shingles as a young woman. My daughter (now 7) was 2 and still actively nursing. She ended up getting chicken pox from the exposure. :(

Anyway, are you sure it is shingles? Being on day 3 or 4 and not having any pain doesn't sound right to me. Is it just on one side of your spine? Because I believe shingles only affects one side of the body -- but don't quote me on that -- it has been a LONG time since I have studied about this.

The best natural remedies I know about are licorice, proteolytic enzymes, lemon balm, St. John's Wort,  and skullcap. I would suggest talking to your midwife or OB about these remedies though. There are different opinions out there about licorice and pregnancy.  Skullcap and Lemon Balm are generally regarded as safe during pregnancy. Also, mixing cayenne pepper in your lotion or oil and applying topically is a good remedy for itching, pain and to speed healing.

Here are a few websites that give specific dose information.

http://www.holisticonline.com/remedies/shingles/shingles_herbs.htm

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsdisease/a/shingles.htm

Good luck!

Rachel
 

[Rikki Jean]

Originally Posted by Virginia Mom 

How close are you to Escondido? There's an amazing classical homeopath that way........initial visit is kind of pricey, but he's amazing. PM me for more infol.

Thank  you!  I was able to schedule a phone consult for tomorrow with a homeopath in Del Mar (I'm actually in Riverside County, though).  I went to a seminar that she did a few weeks ago, so I contacted her right away!

Originally Posted by tribalmax 

Oh man, I am sorry! I don't post much on here but wanted to reply because I also had shingles as a young woman. My daughter (now 7) was 2 and still actively nursing. She ended up getting chicken pox from the exposure. :(

Anyway, are you sure it is shingles? Being on day 3 or 4 and not having any pain doesn't sound right to me. Is it just on one side of your spine? Because I believe shingles only affects one side of the body -- but don't quote me on that -- it has been a LONG time since I have studied about this.

The best natural remedies I know about are licorice, proteolytic enzymes, lemon balm, St. John's Wort,  and skullcap. I would suggest talking to your midwife or OB about these remedies though. There are different opinions out there about licorice and pregnancy.  Skullcap and Lemon Balm are generally regarded as safe during pregnancy. Also, mixing cayenne pepper in your lotion or oil and applying topically is a good remedy for itching, pain and to speed healing.

Here are a few websites that give specific dose information.

http://www.holisticonline.com/remedies/shingles/shingles_herbs.htm

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsdisease/a/shingles.htm

Good luck!

Rachel
 

Thank you for the info, Rachel!  I'm about 99% positive that it's shingles.  I've done a LOT of Googling in the last 36 hours, and there just isn't anything else that matches up with it.  I have read about younger people sometimes having less pain, so I'm guessing that's why I'm not hurting too much.  I did discover a little bit ago that if I put any pressure on it or just touch it lightly, it does hurt. 

Just before reading this, I sent my mw an text about lemon balm.  :)