Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection of the nerve and the skin around it. This infection is caused by varicella-zoster virus, which is also the virus responsible for causing chickenpox.
Shingles generally affect a particular area on one side of the body and do not cross the midline of the body (it is an imaginary line on your body running from between your eyes down beyond the belly button). The major symptom of Shingles can be an aching rash, which later develops into itchy blisters that carry the particles of the virus. Here are few other signs and symptoms that are commonly seen in people suffering from Shingles:
- An individual may experience throbbing, stabbing pain and or deep burning sensation that may last long in some cases.
- There might be a prickling sensation over the affected areas of the skin, which may later be followed by the appearance of cluster of fluid-filled blisters over the red and inflamed base of the skin.
- Some individuals may experience pain on one side of the body or face, which is often followed by headaches, chills, upset stomach or fever.
There is no known cure for Shingles and that is why people turn to Home Remedies including Essential Oils.
Facts About Shingles
The two images below show 13 facts about Shingles.
6 Best Essential Oils To Use For Painful Skin Conditions Like Shingles and PHN Symptoms
One of the most effective remedy for long lasting relief in conditions like Shingles is Aromatherapy. Many essential oils like Bergamot, Lemon and Eucalyptus can be quite helpful in clearing the infection in a natural manner and without being harsh on the skin. Having said that, here are some of the good essential oils that are proven to be effective in conditions like Shingles:
1. Ravintsara essential oil
Ravintsara has been in use since ages for its ability to clear any kind of skin infection. You can have your pain and inflammation alleviated in just a few days of the use of this oil. In addition, the strong antiviral nature of this essential oil makes it most suitable for topical use. In order to amplify the affect, use this oil with Tamanu Oil (Calophyllum).
2. Bergamot essential oil
Bergamot is known for its healing affect. When used for Shingles, it will not only heal the blisters but also get you long lasting relief from the pain. While being a potent analgesic, Bergamot is also an anti-viral and a powerful anti depressant.
3. Geranium essential oil
My experience says that Geranium when rubbed on the skin begins its action immediately and relieves the pain within 2 to 10 minutes. However, for a sustainable relief it is necessary to use the oil continuously for 10-15 days.
4. Chamomile essential oil
Due to its highly relaxing nature and its ability to heal, Chamomile is quite useful as a treatment for the Shingles. It is very relaxing for the nerves and soothing for all kinds of skin.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Aborigine tribes used Tea Tree oil as an antibacterial for centuries. While Tea Tree is an astringent that works to treat and ease many skin ailments, the antiviral nature of this oil makes it more popular as an alternative treatment for several skin conditions like Shingles. Furthermore, Tea Tree oil has anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties that minimize the pain. Due to its antibacterial property, you can also expect to prevent further infection and scarring.
Use of Tea Tree Oil for Shingles
There are different ways you can use Tea Tree oil to benefit in conditions like Shingles. Here are some of best-known ways of using Tea Tree oil:
- Combine Tea Tree oil with Lavender oil and apply it gently on your Shingles rash. Lavender is an analgesic and antiviral agent and a combination of these two oils to treat and soothe Shingles is fantastic. Individuals who are not comfortable in using these oils directly can combine each of them with a body lotion and then apply it on the rashes. Apply the mix several times in a day to get maximum relief.
- Mix Lavender and Tea Tree oil to make a cold or hot compress. Just add 10-20 drops of each of these oils in a pan of water. Thereafter, soak a cloth in this blend of essential oils and wring it out. Your compress is now ready for use. Put it on the Shingles rash for about 15 minutes or until it matches your body temperature.
- Another mix to cure Shingles is to blend 7 ml of Olive oil with 3 ml of Tree Tea oil to prepare a massage lotion and then gently applying a thin layer of the mixture over the affected area as many times as possible in a day. This will get you substantial relief from itching and pain. Not to forget, avoid wearing clothes over the affected area for at least 15-20 minutes to give oil enough time to get absorbed into the skin.
Follow these procedures for not less than 4 times in a day and continue this treatment regimen for at least 15 days to speed up the healing.
6. Lavender oil
Lavender is one of the most used essential oils in the world of Aromatherapy. When it comes to offering relief in the pain caused by Shingles, the effect of all-natural Lavender can be compared to any high acting painkiller or a prescription drug.
How To Use Lavender For The Treatment Of Shingles
- Once you are diagnosed with the signs of Shingles, start applying Lavender oil on the spinal column and on the area where you see rashes appearing.
- Apply Lavender on the neck and forehead to get relief from nausea and headache. This will also help in preventing any future complications arising due to Shingles. Apply this two times in a day for a faster relief.
- Use 20-30 drops of Lavender oil along with Ravensara, Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, Lemon or Tea Tree, for best results.
- Add 20-30 drops of Lavender to your bath to help relieve the Shingles pain.
Different Ways Of Using Essential Oils For Conditions Like Shingles and PHN Symptoms
1. External Application
The best way to use essential oils for treating Shingles is to mix a few drops of them in a tablespoon of carrier oil such as Jojoba, Olive or Almond oil and applying the mix straightaway to the lesions at the first indication of an outburst. The lesions will generally dry up and disappear within 3 to 5 days. Taking it further, you may choose to bath the affected area with a blend of essential oils. Here is a simple recipe telling you how to do that:
Ingredients:
- 6 drops of essential oils
- 50ml of witch hazel tincture
- 50ml of pure water
Instruction:
Just add 2 or 3 drops of each essential oil to the lukewarm water before getting inside the bathtub and having a gentle bath. Do not have the water running as that may cause more dilution of the essential oil than required.
Few Cautions To Keep In Mind When Using Essential Oils Topically
- Most of the essential oils should not be used over bare skin without diluting them in the carrier oil as that may cause itching on the skin.
- If you are an expectant mother then do not use essential oils unless your doctor recommends them.
- Do not use the oil on young ones as they have delicate skin.
- Essential oils can occasionally irritate your skin, especially if you are allergic to some of the oils. You may conduct a small patch test to check whether you are allergic to any of the essential oils you plan to use or not. In the event your skin becomes irritated or develops rashes, discontinue using essential oils immediately. It may be worth consulting your medical practitioner or herbalist to figure out the oils that are right for your mind and body.
2. Using a capsule
Please note that you need to consult your doctor before ingesting any essential oils in a capsule form. And make sure that they are edible therapeutic grade essential oils.
Most of the individuals that have had success in treating Shingles with the use of essential oils have an opinion that the best way to use essential oils for this condition is taking them in a capsule two or three times daily. Just add the required amount of essential oils in a capsule and swallow it with water.
For capsule therapy, you can use 1 drop each of Lemon, Frankincense and Oregano. Another mix that works really well is the blend of the essential oils of Peppermint, Wild Orange and Frankincense. However, since each individual is different, I would recommend that you check other essential oil combinations too.
Here is a blend that you can easily prepare when using essential oils in a capsule:
Ingredients:
- 1 drop of Oregano
- 1 drop of Frankincense
- 1 drop of Lemon
Instruction:
Add the abovementioned essential oils in a capsule, fill up with olive oil and take the capsule once a day.
3. Using a spray
Using a spray gets you fast relief from pain. The essential oils you can use in the spray include Wintergreen, Lavender, Geranium, Frankincense and Marjoram. Here is a recipe for instant relief in painful skin conditions like Shingles:
Spray For Shingles Recipe 1
Ingredients:
- 30 drops Lavender
- 30 drops Melaleuca
- 30 drops Eucalyptus
Instruction:
Add all the above ingredients in a 4-ounce spray bottle, add fractionated coconut oil and spray over the affected location as frequently as required to relieve the pain. Shake well before every use.
Spray For Shingles Recipe 2
Ingredients
- 30 drops Wild Orange
- 20 drops Marjoram
- 20 drops Wintergreen
- 40 drops of Frankincense
Instruction:
Add all the above ingredients in a 1-ounce spray bottle with fractionated coconut oil and spray over the affected areas.
Remember that those who are suffering from Shingles may have sensitive skin, so test the oils before applying them and use carrier oil when needed.
7 Other Essential Oil Recipes You Can Use For Shingles and PHN Symptoms
Recipe 1 – Chamomile Blend for Shingles
Ingredients
- 2 drops Geranium
- 4 drops Sandalwood
- 10 drops Roman Chamomile
- 5 drops Lavender
Apply 5-7 drops of the mix over the affected areas three to four times in a day.
Recipe 2 – Sandalwood Blend for Singles
Ingredients
- 2 drops Ravensara
- 5 drops Blue Cypress
- 10 drops Sandalwood
- 4 drops Peppermint
Apply 6-10 drops of this blend (undiluted or diluted 50/50) over the affected area, down the spine and back of the neck, one to three times on a daily basis.
NOTE: Presence of Shingles on the forehead or near the eyes may cause blindness. If such outbreaks occur, consult an opthamologist (MD eye specialist) immediately.
Recipe 3 – Geranium, Calophyllum & Ravintsara Blend for Shingles
Ingredients
- Geranium
- Calophyllum
- Ravintsara
Mix equal quantities of Tamanu oil (Calophyllum) and Ravintsara essential oil and apply over the impacted areas for remarkable improvement. Using this blend, you can expect to have your Shingles cured within one to two weeks. You can also add Geranium to this blend because of its skin and nerve regeneration properties.
Recipe 4 – Chamomile Oil For Shingles
Combine 10 ml (2 tsps) of Almond carrier oil and 5 drops of Chamomile oil. Rub this mix into (or near) the affected area as required.
Recipe 5 – Tea Tree and Lavender Oil for Shingles
Dab with Tea Tree oil or Lavender oil over the affected area for significant improvement in the condition. If required you may dilute these oils in lukewarm water.
Recipe 6 – Eucalyptus Blend for Shingles
Combine a few drops of the essential oil of Eucalyptus, Cypress, Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender and Sage into a base oil of Sweet Almond oil and use this blend in the compress, or apply straight to the affected area.
Recipe 7 – Ravintsara Essential Oil for Shingles
A mix with equal parts of Foraha fatty oil and Ravintsara essential oil is considered as the standard choice for the treatment of Shingles. Ravintsara is the anti-viral element in this particular blend and Foraha fatty oil offers an atypical and highly valuable quality of stimulating phagocytosis.
How to use this blend
When applying this blend directly over the lesions, the procedure can easily be executed using cotton swab (Q-Tip) or just by dabbing a couple of drops over the lesion using the finger. Repeating the procedure 4 to 5 times on the first day of the treatment will be helpful.
The Bottom Line
Shingles is one of the skin conditions where essential oils work like magic. However, it is important to note that Shingles make the skin highly sensitive, so I would recommend only the use of essential oils that are gentle and non-irritant over the skin. My experience indicates that if a patient is able to overcome an outbreak successfully with the help of essential oils, the severity and frequency of subsequent outbreaks reduces significantly.
Thanks for the very informative article. I have just one question. I am currently trying to get over the shingles it’s been almost 6 days. The infected area is starting to scab with a some areas still filled. The pain has subsided but itching is starting. What is the best essential oil combination at this stage to help speed up the healing process?
Thanks a million!!!
Hi Tyrone,
I’d use 8 drops roman chamomile and 6 drops patchouli diluted in 1/2 oz. each of jojoba or sweet almond and argan oil. Apply to the affected areas twice a day. You can read more about itching in general here:
https://essentialoilbenefits.com/essential-oils-for-itching-the-ultimate-guide-to-relieving-your-itchy-little-world/
Regards,
Olivia
can i suggest you remove the suggestion of peanut oil as a carrier oil as peanuts in all forms are to be avoided by those suffering from herpes and therefor logically shingles or PHN as well.
[Foods high in ARGININE and low in lysine, two of the eight naturally occurring amino acids, may be your worst enemies if you have herpes. The virus needs arginine to grow, reports Michele Picozzi, author of “Controlling Herpes Naturally,” on the Herpes.org website. The worst arginine-rich foods if you have herpes include peanuts, chocolate and carob, wheat and wheat germ, oats, soy foods, some types of nuts, peanuts, and sesame seeds, according to Dr. Deborah Gordon, an integrative medicine practitioner.]
🤢🥜ARGININE =BAD
😇🥑L-LYSINE =GOOD
Hi Prism,
Thanks a lot for your comment. The change has been made.
Regards,
Olivia
I need to know what oil or oils will cure my shingles pain. I take care of my disabled husband. But its hard to do with the pain from shingles in my back. I need help in getting rid of this pain. Please, I dont have many oils but I will order them if I dont have them. Please can anyone please give me a recipe on what kind, how many drops, for how long. Please my dr wants me on nerve pain and I dont want to go on pills that wont cure me.
Hi Christine,
You could try 5 drops lemon, 7 drops each geranium and thyme diluted in 1 ounce coconut oil (30ml) and apply twice a day to the back areas. For soothing purposes, you may use 6 drops each of lavender and roman chamomile diluted in 1 ounce sweet almond oil.
You can also check Vicki’s recipe that works well for her dated October 25, 2016 in the comments section.
You can make your purchases are Plant Therapy or RMO as they have good oils.
Regards,
Olivia
Hello,
Thank you so much for your helpful article. I mixed some essential oils and they seem to help better than anything else I tried.
I have some essential oils but I don’t know how to mix them: Tea tree, peppermint, Eucaluptus, Lavender, Clove, lemon and nutmeg. Could you give me a recipe for shingles?
Many thanks for your help.
Hi Lily,
You can use 3 drops each of tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, clove, lemon diluted in 30ml carrier oils such as almond oil. Apply twice a day on the affected area. You can also use 3 drops lavender in 1 tsp carrier oil to provide soothing comfort to the area once or twice daily.
Regards,
Olivia
Many thanks for your help Olivia
Hi Lilly,
You’re welcome.
Regards,
Olivia
Hi Olivia,
Can I use grapeseed oil as carrier oil?
Thanks
Hi Lily,
Yes, absolutely.
Regards,
Olivia
Hi Olivia,
My husband suffers from sinus congestion, he had 2 surgeries and it did not help much. Would you recommend some essential oil treatment?
Many thanks!1
Lilly
Hi Lily,
You can refer to the article below for info about essential oils for sinus congestion:
https://essentialoilbenefits.com/7-ways-you-can-use-essential-oils-for-relief-in-sinus-congestion-headaches-and-infections/
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate.
Regards,
Olivia
Hello Olivia,
I have recurring shingles,
Is there a recipe that could help with that?
Are there any essential oils that one can take orally to stop the shingle virus?
How can I treat inflammation due a nerve damage?
Many thanks for your great help.
Lilly
Hi Lily,
Don’t get overwhelmed by the info. There’s a recipe that you can try orally under “Using a capsule”. Just start with the recipe and use it consistently for 2-3 weeks and assess the outcome.
If you are satisfied, you can continue, alternatively, you can switch to another recipe.
For info on nerve damage, please refer to the post below:
https://essentialoilbenefits.com/14-best-essential-oils-for-nerve-pain/
Regards,
Olivia
Olivia, thank you for the great article. I’m highly motivated to try your various recipes as I seem to get shingles quite regularly these days. During my first three episodes, I merely applied aloe vera, but then essential oils came into my life and there was no turning back! I’m actually thankful for those first miserable times I had shingles, because they gave me something to compare to the amazing benefits from using essential oils. Friends and family barely believe the results. I can barely believe them myself! As I mentioned in another post, the only recipe I’ve ever used is equal amounts of clove, lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint and Tea Tree oils – diluted 10% in a carrier oil. The shingles burn is gone in 24 hours; blisters in 4 days! I intend to experiment with the mixtures you’ve posted. Thanks again.
Hi Jojuan,
No worries, my pleasure.
Regards,
Olivia
I blend essential oils for my clients and make recipes. You mention the oil Ravensara but you spell it differently. Recipes are made according to medications, blood pressure and many other factors even emotional. Also some people have different chemistry. Sometimes oils have the opposite effect on different people.
Hi Bettina,
Sure, thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Olivia
Question from S:
Hi, I was just checking out your site. My mom got diagnosed with Shingles about 3 weeks ago and is experiencing “Knife” like stabs, so the doc has increased her Gabapentin dosage and we’re hoping that works over the next few weeks. In the mean time, are there any particular oils you would suggest she try that mix OK with her pain killer and other meds? Anything, other then Calamine (which isn’t that great) would be worth a try! Thank you.
Olivia’s Response:
You can refer to the article on shingles here:
https://essentialoilbenefits.com/best-essential-oils-for-shingles-and-phn-symptoms/
Hello – my grandmother had had shingles now for over a month.. she lives two hours from me so I don’t see her very often. My parents are going to visit tomorrow and I just thought now maybe I could send some oils along with them for her to try. (I am limited in what I have)
I have tea tree, lavender and lemon.. as well as thieves from YL. I also have roller ball containers and fractionated coconut oil…
I saw Tea tree and lavender work wonders… but im wondering how to dilute them properly for her? (And your article didn’t mention if coconut oil would work well?)
Thanks for any advice you can give
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
You can add 8 drops of tea tree and 6 drops of lavender to 30ml (1 oz.) of fractionated coconut oil. For best results, add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil. You can increase / decrease the ratios depending on how big your roller ball container is. Coconut oil is perfectly fine as a carrier oil to dilute the essential oils.
Regards,
Olivia
My comment comes too late for the sake of Rachel’s gramma, but for future readers, like Rachel, who might be wanting to help family members, a word of caution. I have had shingles many times myself, but I would never use roller balls. Most of them require a good deal of pressure to rotate the ball to release the oils. That’s not the best method of application to inflamed skin covered with blisters that are full of virus, very fragile, and painful. I keep my treatment mixture in a bottle with an eye-dropper. It’s easy to drop oils directly onto the lesions or onto my fingers to apply manually to my spine. The last thing I want to do is break blisters. My favorite recipe is a 10% dilution of equal amounts of clove, lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint and Tea Tree oils. Shingles are gone in 4 days! Hard to believe, I know, but absolutely true.
Hi Jojuan,
I really appreciate your sharing what works for you and the recipe you provided. Indeed, hard to believe, but as I say many times, its a matter of trial and error. Other than clove, all 4 other oils are available in my L’orpur organic kit.
Regards,
Olivia
I have internal shingles and they cause what is called a saddle bag. Mine is on the right side and I have stabbing pain sometimes, especially after I eat. Do you have any suggestions on what I could take internally? Thanks so much.
Hi Nyla,
Unfortunately I cannot advise on this, you’ll have to visit your doctor.
Regards,
Olivia
Hi there!
I’m a lover of essential oils, and after having gone to the doctor twice in the last two days, the consultations ending with them scratching their heads and me leaving with a powerful topical ointment for itching, I am now going to turn to home remedies.
Before that, though, I do have a question: I’m only 23 year old, and am experiencing red bumps, all in clusters that follow my rib cage in a line, on my right side. I also have tenderness where the clusters are as well. Is it possible for me to get shingles this young?
The reason why the doctors said they were reluctant to diagnose it was because I’m outside the typical age range AND the bumps are not blisters (yet).
PLEASE HELP! <3
Hi Mark,
Shingles is more common in people over the age of 50 than in younger people, however it can occur at any age. Based on the description you have given, it could well be shingles, however a doctor will have to diagnose you. Shingles is generally accompanied by redness and pain with the red blotches turn quickly into blisters which can be very itchy.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate
Regards,
Olivia
Do you have a recipe for a homemade soap bar that I can you make at home myself.. I’m trying to help my grandma she has shingles
Hi Laura,
You can make a few bar soaps for shingles as follows:
Ingredients:
1lb. goat milk’s soap base
1tsp fine ground loofah
2 tsp white cornmeal
1 tsp fine pumice
1tsp bentonite clay
2 tsp tea tree essential oil
1 tsp lavender essential oil
Melt soap in a double boiler, once melted, add a small amount of the melted soap mixture to the bentonite clay. Stir in all the other ingredients. Mix well, allow to cool slightly before pouring into moulds. Allow to harden and use for shingles.
Regards,
Olivia
Mark, my daughter is 26 years old and got diagnosed with shingles yesterday (4/11/17). Her line of rash started on her shoulder, right where her bra strap sits. It started out very itchy then started becoming very tender with a burning sensation. She is developmentally disabled and doesn’t like the smell of a lot of “strong” essential oils. I am going to make her a blend using 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and start with one drop of lavender essential oil and frankincense essential oil. She doesn’t seem to mind those two scents. I’m then going to apply it to her skin with a Q-tip.
Hi A.Marie,
I feel for your daughter. Thanks for sharing and I hope she overcomes shingles and gets better promptly using essential oils. You could also try sandalwood essential oil as it has a very pleasant smell.
Regards
Olivia
I recently had a bout of facial shingles. It is now 2 1/2 months later & I still have some postherpetic neuralgia but each week shows improvement. I am taking olive leaf extract & St. John’s wort as anti-virals & will continue for a year. I’m also rolling an essential oil blend mixed w Tamanu oil similar to the recipe listed w frankincense, helichrysum, & lavender on the area to help with healing & scarring. Any other oils you’d suggest for scarring & redness?
Hi Jody,
I think you are doing a great job. Neuralgia is never easy to deal with.
The essential oils you are using are perfectly fine. You could also try geranium, rosemary and myrrh – of course diluted in a carrier oil. Perhaps, use each different blend on alternate days for best results.
Regards,
Olivia
Helichrysum is the nerve oil. You may want to check it out, it’s not very expensive and is just amazing for healing skin as well.
Hi Ryan,
Thanks for sharing, much appreciated.
Regards,
Olivia
How to apply? Dilute with carrier? I am desperate and I have that oil!! Thank you!!
Hi Monica,
Yes, you’ll need to dilute approx 12-18 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce carrier oil for topical application. Alternatively, follow the recipes in the post.
Regards,
Olivia
I am trying to help my mom who is suffering with the shingles. I would be interested in finding Rod London’s recipe. She is 87 years young & is suffering with pain & itching. It is hard to watch her suffer. Would be grateful for the help.
Thanks.
Hi Donna,
I have been in touch with Rod who advised that he will provide a copy of his recipe for PHN/shingles, however to date, I have not received the recipe. I will get in touch again.
Regards,
Olivia
Question from CA:
Please let me know what you recommend for the pain of shingles?
Olivia’s Response:
You can refer to the following article for essential oils for shingles:
https://essentialoilbenefits.com/best-essential-oils-for-shingles-and-phn-symptoms
If you need further help, do not hesitate.
You should NEVER take eucalyptus internally except under a doctor’s supervision. And 3 drops is extraordinarily high. Bad advice, potentially very harmful. This kind of irresponsible recommendation has a negative impact on our industry. Please edit your post.
Hi Janet,
Thanks for your comment. You are absolutely correct. Eucalyptus essential oil should not be ingested – essential oils that are to be ingested need to be edible therapeutic grade under medical advice as pointed out in the article. I am unsure about your reference of eucalyptus oil in the article though.
Regards,
Olivia
Hi Olivia,
It seems that, for whatever reason, my family, aunts/uncles/parents etc, are very susceptible to Shingles , some multiple episodes, and have severe cases of PHN, most of your suggested recipes have done wonders, especially Geranium and Lavender with variable proportions. Due to the age my people, I prepare the mix for them, almost on daily bases for use within couple days. Since I travel often, I wonder if you have information and tips about – efficacy and duration of already mixed oils, (how long good if mixed), and storage condition of already prepared mixes.
Second question, I gather that due to prevalence of childhood chickenpox vaccination, older people getting Shingles are increasing, so I am interested to get vaccinated, age 55, but am a bit worried that that very action may make me vulnerable in getting it later !
I appreciate your reply.
Best
Hi Amir,
It is great to know that Lavender and Geranium essential oils are getting rid of Shingles and PHN. You can make up the blends and store them in dark colored jars/bottles (not clear) for a month without any loss of their therapeutic properties. Make sure not to expose to sunlight and try to keep at 25 deg. Celsius or below.
I see no issues with the vaccination, however please discuss with your doctor in the first place as I don’t know your underlying health condition.
Regards,
Olivia
Comment from Amir:
Hi Olivia, I wrote you last week, re trying to premix various oils, i.e Lavender and Geranium or Lavender and Bergamot, suggested by you to deal with Shingles, I have family members that are severely affected by the disease and due to my travels, I was wondering about effectiveness of ready made, in advance mixes, so all they have to do is apply the mix and not worry about the ratios, etc. If OK, then for how long and storage condition, please.
Olivia’s Response:
Please refer to my response of 24 July 2016.
Take care.
I have PHN after having come down with the shingles on 2/12/15. To date, I have tried about everything to relieve the pain where my shingles rash appeared…around my left mid-section and half way up my back. I have been on meds, had 2 intercostal nerve blocks, had deep muscle massages and used creams/gels mostly to no avail. My pain is ‘textbook” in that it is a burning, itching and stabbing sensation. Clothes that have any elastic in them greatly irritate the area where the rash originally appeared. I have no residual scars, or redness where the rash once was…..just constant pain in and under the skin in the same area. If anyone has found a remedy for this kind of discomfort I am open to suggestions. I am hopeful there is light at the end of this long, dark tunnel, but not so sure.
Hi Lynn,
Your comment has been posted in the hope that someone can help you out.
I assume that you have tried the essential oil recipes for PHN/shingles as well.
Looking forward to your response.
Regards,
Olivia
For pain relief I am using an oil blend of:
10 drops of Tea Tree Oil
10 drops Lavender
10 drops Frankincense
10 drops Helichrysum (not only for pain but for healing the nerves)
(Mixed into 2 oz coconut oil)
Two things I am taking internally for pain as well as actually healing the nerves are:
Hypericum Perforatum (St. Johns Wort pellets for under the tongue)
Nerve Eight by Nature’s Sunshine
I just started this but it was recommended to me by a nutritionist I highly trust and has helped me before. I hope to stay in touch on how it goes.
Hi Vicki,
Thanks for sharing your recipe. I really appreciate it. Please keep us all informed about the results.
Take care.
Regards,
Olivia
First off I would like to say that I have found this essential oil site very helpful,,, and I would just like to add my input if that’s okay.. I have been plagued with shingles for the last 7 years.. I have least 1 break out a month, and sometimes I can get some relief taking something called valtrex but I hate and do not believe in man-made chemicals… I have recently here in the last 6 years gotten into the essential oil business and the benefits in healing powers of introducing CANNABIS infused butter, that is topical butters mango coconut Shea so on and so forth along with some oils such as evening primrose, borage seed oil, walnut oil, peach kernel, comfery, and neem seed.
It’s been an extremely overabundance of stress for me over the last two months because of an impending shoulder replacement I need in 2 weeks. I have used my cannabis infusion in combination with Propolis and Black Seed oil,, in combination with the essential oils mentioned above in her website Recipe version. Turned it into a topical rub after infusing it for 4 days. And bottom line is 10 minutes after first using this combination the itching stopped totally. I had just begun a break out two days prior so it wasn’t to the blister point yet, after getting up and taking a shower the next morning I again use the same combination that I had made up the the week before, rubbing it in good clockwise,, never rub anything into your body counterclockwise always rub clockwise.. for the first time in 7 years, by the end of that evening and after applying it two more times I noticed the redness started to shrink.. within 72 hours there was no trace that the breakout had it even began..
So I would like to give big props to This web community,, along with my research and investigation into cannabis infusions in combination with Propolis and Black Seed Oil…. truly hun,, I was able to drive the next day,, and was not snapping everybody’s heads off…
Hi Staria,
Thank you so much for making such a profound statement.
Although I do not advocate the use of Cannabis, I am glad that you have been able to treat your shingles with the use of essential oils. Isn’t it amazing how quickly the redness and itching stopped with one of the recipes on the website.
And thank you for pointing out that you always need to rub in a clockwise motion. I wish you all the best in your recovery and hopefully it is one of your last shingles episodes. If you need more help with shingles or pain management of your shoulder, please reach out.
Regards,
Olivia
You may consider taking Manuke honey for its powerful antibiotic and aniinflammatory properties as well, besides who doesn’t like honey. It also comes in medical dressings you can cut to size and place directly on the breakout. It should reduce inflammation significantly and protect against and infection from any open blisters. Cheers
Sorry manuka honey from South Africa. Not cheap but super effective
Hi Ryan,
You can also get excellent quality manuka honey from New Zealand.
Regards,
Olivia
Hi Ryan,
Absolutely correct and I agree with you, further, manuka honey is one of the best honey that you can get.
Regards,
Olivia
Starla, where does one find a cannibus butter?
Monica
Hi Monica,
Apologies, I am not sure where to source cannabis butter. An alternative is to try hemp seed products although there is a subtle difference between the two.
Regards,
Olivia
Regards,
Olivia
Did you find any relief? My husband has the same problems you have. I would like to know if you found anything that reduced your pain?
Thanks,
Betsy
Dear Lynn, I had shingles (the second time in life) back in January 2012 in the hospital while undergoing transplant! As afterwards your immune system is permanently immunosupressed, I had PHN since! Every medicines you can think of, even sub-cutaneous PENS, what I find (on top of amitriptyline in the evening and pregabalin twice a day), is a massage oil prepared according to several clinical studies. The recipe contains menthol and a mixture of aromatic oils in a carrier oil (sweet almond and jojoba).
Drop me an email if interested,
Rod
Hi Rod,
Thank you so much for sharing. I will get in touch with Lynn and let her know that you are able to assist.
Regards,
Olivia
Hi Rod London
I am interested how do i get in touch I need real help i am going thru hell
Hi VS,
Please post your comment / issue that you are currently facing so that Rod can assist further.
Regards,
Olivia
Rod could I get your recipe for this my mother is suffering from nerve pain from shingles that she had in May of 2015
Thanks
Hi Angela,
I will try to get in touch with Rod and ask him to share more details about the recipe he used to get rid of shingles/PHN.
Regards,
Olivia
I, too, am interested in this recipe for PHN. Thanks, Monica
Hi Monica,
Hopefully, we’ll get the recipe emailed and I’ll publish it.
Regards,
Olivia
Rob, my daughter underwent a kidney transplant and has just been very recently been diagnosed with Shingles. I feel she is already on enough medication and would love to find a more wholistic solution for her to deal with the pain and discomfort she is experiencing. Seemingly, you have a similar background. Would you be willing to share the recipe of essential oils, etc. that you use to alleviate pain. Thanks.
HI to those who have made coments on this PHN /pain. I have had head shingle’s pain since Oct.2015. I have been on Gaberpentin ,Horizant and pain meds. I take Biotin ,Folic Acid to help repair my hair loss. My pain comes and goes in stabing form. I have tried many things to relieve my pain so now I thought maybe some Essential oils might help. Does anyone have more answers for me?? Thanks Blenda
Hi Blenda,
I have posted your comment and hopefully, we’ll get some responses.
Regards,
Olivia
What about skin irritation from Oral Chemo
Hi Gloria,
Indeed, Chemo often causes dry, irritated skin. You can start dealing with this issue a week before starting Chemo and continue thereafer. To prevent skin irritation, you could also do the following:
– Use moisturizers and creams day and night.
– Use fragrance-free soaps.
– Avoid long, hot showers / baths.
– Use a sunsreeen with at least an SPF 30 if going out in the sun for long periods of time.
There are also some hydrocortisone creams and steroids that can be taken, however check with your doctor prior.
Thanks,
Olivia
Interesting article.
In case of shingles or herpes simplex on forehead or anywhere near the eyes, suggest consulting with an opthamologist ( MD eye specialist) rather than an optometrist, as the article states.
Hi Jeanstar,
Thank you for your comment, really appreciate. I have updated the words in the article accordingly.
Thanks,
Olivia