Shingles is a latent form of the Herpes or Varicella Zoster Virus, reactivated from previous chicken pox, or contracted when one does not have the natural immunity developed from exposure. The virus lies dormant in the nerve cells adjacent to your spinal cord and can reactivate under various conditions. Known triggers for reactivation are: STRESS, which can be from emotional causes or from a physical cause such as trauma or injury. Stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, or other illness can all weaken the immune system.
Shingles appear as a painful rash and/or itching blisters, running in a band or belt, usually confined to one side of the body or face. This can be accompanied by fever, aches, and general malaise. Although shingles is not contagious itself, the rash gives off the varicella zoster virus, which could cause someone who comes into contact with it to develop chicken pox.
Allopathic medical treatment prescribes medications to treat the symptoms of shingles. These may be antivirals or corticosteroids in severe cases. The drugs can be expensive, may or may not work depending on how soon they are started, do not help ward off future attacks, and carry the risk of side effects or potential drug interactions associated with every prescription.
One natural regime, which is outlined below, has produced excellent results with acute shingles attacks and rashes of many types, including those caused by severe drug reactions, such as man-made antibiotics.
IF-C is a Chinese herbal formula developed by Dr. Sabuti Dharmananda for relieving and clearing all conditions of excess heat, including rashes, pain, head-aches and sinus infections. In Chinese terminology, these conditions are classed as “heat-rising”. For maintenance after the acute episode, some people will follow-up with HRP-C (CA) VS-C (US), which is explained below under Herpes. This formula is available both in capsules and liquid.
Dosage at which people have had success: every 3 – 4 hours (4 –6 times) /day
IF-C 4 capsules
InFlammation, InFection Chinese formula that clears and relieves excess heat
Stress Formula (CA) / NutriCalm (US) 2 Tablets
Contains balanced B complex, C, plus calming herbs Hops, Valerian and Passion Flower to relax the nervous system
Burdock (US only) 4 capsules OR Oregon Grape Extract (CA & US) 2 ml.
Both are gentle blood and liver cleansers with specific soothing and healing properties for the skin.
Take full dose until pain and inflammation is noticeably less. Results will depend on the person, the length and severity and condition, but relief may be noticed within the first two days. Three days after symptoms decrease, you can reduce frequency to every 3 times/day, then several days later decrease dosage by half, but still 3 times per day. Consult with a qualified natural health consultant to aid you, or contact us for personal assistance in placing an order at discounted prices. See below for external aids.
Herpes
Besides shingles, there are many other types of herpes virus, which affect a very large percentage of the population, up to 60%. Herpes simplex 1, cold sores, can occur on any part of your body including nose, elbows, fingers, stomach, or anus. Genital herpes is called Herpes simplex 2, but it is really just a different form of the same disease, and one can cause the other. Some people have sub-clinical, subtle outbreaks and can shed the virus even when they are asymptomatic, which is one reason this disease has become so prevalent.
Herpes can be effectively treated by a combination of diet, stress reduction and herbal medicine or by drug therapy. Although allopathic medicine says there is no cure, it is possible to go years between outbreaks with management using natural therapeutics.
For all types of herpes, including shingles, consider a program of HRP-C (CA) VS-C (US) for three months, at 6 – 9 per day. Dosage is dependant upon your size, the severity of condition, personal immune status, and lifestyle. HRP-C is a Chinese formulation developed by a Chinese medical doctor, to address Herpes virus, AIDS, and all other viral stressors, which include the common cold and flu. It helps increase overall immunity, and detoxify the liver and eliminate heavy metals. It is also very effective for Candida and other yeast/ parasitic infections.
For regular or periodic herpes, the above dosage of HRP-C can gradually be lowered after 3 months, until a maintenance dose keeps herpes under control. This dosage will be different for everyone, dependent on their size, other aspects of lifestyle and overall health. During times of stress, which can exacerbate an outbreak, the dosage should be increased. If tingling is felt, which can signal an outbreak, taking full dosage will ward off an outbreak or minimize it.
L-Lysine (US) , an essential amino acid, can also be taken at a dosage of three 500mg. capsules per day during an outbreak, and one per day as maintenance. Use some thought when supplementing one particular amino acid for long term, as all amino acids work in synergy. If however, you have some other symptoms of l-lysine deficiency, such as a feeling of helplessness, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, anemia or depression, maintenance with l-lysine may help alleviate these symptoms. L-lysine can be found in fish, chicken, eggs, garbanzo beans and comfrey.
For External Relief: HRP-C /VS-C in liquid glycerine form can be applied to sores. Tei Fu Oil or Tei Fu Massage Lotion, a blend of essential oils, is helpful for pain and itch relief and to help sores heal more quickly.
Silver Shield Gel also destroys viruses, decreases inflammation and speeds healing. This would be highly recommended for use in any opening, such as eyes, ears, vaginal, cervical, etc.
Contact author for separate write-up on helpful external applications and recipe options. Ordering via Canada and US is different, so why not have the expert help you with personal service?
References:
The Ultimate Healing System by Donald LePore, ND
Your Nature, Your Health by S. Dharmanada, PhD
Lorene Benoit, BEd, CHC, MHH
June Cobb, Herbalist/ Chinese Herbal Educator
Christopher Scipio, Homeopath/Herbalist
PLEASE watch this 3 minute video in which 2 doctors explain why Shingles is on the increase: Chickenpox vaccine and relation to increased Shingles
To discuss if this program is right for you, please contact our office. First 10 mins. of email inquiry or phone consult is free. We will set up a wholesale account so you can obtain the same professional therapeutic quality herbs we have used since 1985.
