Many people turn to natural remediessuch as essential oilsto help ease the pain and discomfort caused byshingles.
These extracts have therapeutic properties that may offer health benefits and pain relief.
Some essential oils have been proven to have antiviral effects in clinical studies.
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This may make them a good addition to your treatment plan for shingles.
This condition can cause severe pain and impact a persons quality of life.
However, there are few treatments available.
Applying rose geranium oil topically (directly on the skin) may help reduce postherpetic pain.
It must be reapplied for ongoing relief.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oilis popular thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
It is commonly used for cleansing the air and surfaces to eliminate bacteria.
Inhalation of eucalyptus oil (known as aromatherapy) may decrease pain and inflammation, too.
Clove Oil
Cloveessential oil has been used throughout history as a natural painkiller.
It is rich in flavonoids, which are plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
This provides temporary relief.
In animal studies, clove oil was shown to alleviate neuropathic (nerve) pain.
Its important to dilute the clove oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil.
Then a small amount can be applied to the shingles rash or blisters.
It has a warming effect at first.
This is followed by numbing relief, which may provide temporary pain relief for minor cases of shingles.
Research found that thyme oil has an antiviral effect against certain viruses.
Do not consume thyme essential oil.
It is most effective for pain when applied topically.
The chemical constituents can be absorbed and build up in the body.
This has a potential for adverse effects.
Never apply essential oils to broken skin.
Discontinue use if a rash develops, with symptoms such as redness, itch, irritation, or blisters.
Essential oils should never be taken orally without consulting a provider knowledgeable in their therapeutic applications.
Treatment of Shingles
There is currently no cure for shingles.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe conventional treatments to help reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the outbreak.
Antiviral medications such as Valtrex (valacyclovir), famciclovir, or Zovirox (acyclovir) may be prescribed.
How Shingles Is Treated
Treating shinglestypically involves a multipronged approach.
You may also take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce inflammation and pain.
This can prevent recurring shingles outbreaks.
It is important to take any medications recommended by your healthcare provider.
Speak to your healthcare provider before adding essential oils to your treatment plan.
Some oils may worsen symptoms or interfere with the medications you are taking.
Summary
Certain essential oils may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
They can be applied to the skin or as aromatherapy.
Essential oils might be used in addition to conventional treatment.
As with any virus, shingles will eventually run its course and go away.
This may help prevent future outbreaks.
Part two: treatments and applications.Pain Ther.
2020;25(18):4125. doi:10.3390/molecules25184125
Cleveland Clinic.Shingles.
