By Andrew Gaeddert
This is the second of a two part series on skin issues, from Andrew Gaeddert’s book, Healing Skin Disorders.
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus can remain dormant in nerve cells for many years after the onset of chickenpox. The first symptom of a herpes zoster attack is usually pain or tingling over the area that is to be affected. A few days later, a red rash appears. The red bumps soon turn to virus-filled blisters, which then dry, crust, and turn yellow. Eruptions usually occur on only one side of the body, either over the ribs, on one half of the face, or as a strip on one half of the neck and adjoining arm, or on the lower body.
Typically, shingles strikes the elderly and those with suppressed immune systems. Postherpetic neuralgia is pain due to nerve damage. It may be serious and persist for many months. A herpes zoster attack accompanied by eye pain should be reported to a physician immediately, as ophthalmic herpes zoster may have serious complications. Standard biomedical treatments for herpes zoster include analgesics for pain, soothing lotions, wet compresses, and steroids. Acyclovir taken at the first sign of an outbreak may lessen the severity of the attack.
SELF-TREATMENTS
- Myrrh tincture: Take internally one-half to 1 dropperful (3 to 4 times daily); and apply topically to affected area (3 times daily).
- Antioxidant formula that contains zinc and selenium (follow label instructions)
- St. John’s wort oil: Apply topically to affected area (3 to 4 times daily). This is effective for pain in many patients.
- Lemon balm tea: Steep 1 tbsp. dried lemon balm leaves in 1 cup boiled water for 15 minutes. Strain and apply as a warm or cool compress, depending on preference (3 to 4 times daily). Lemon balm stops viral replication.
PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS
Chinese herbal therapy includes the administration of tonic herbs to strengthen the immune system, herbal antivirals, and the use of specific pain-relieving herbs used topically as well as internally.
- Astra Isatis (3 capsules three times a day): Use to strengthen the immune system and to clear virus. For fever and areas that feel hot to the touch, add Clear Heat (1 to 3 capsules three times a day). Clear Heat can also be used as a wash (3 to 4 times a day) and as a poultice (change 2 times a day).
- Mobility 2 (3 capsules three to four times a day) is especially useful for pain that migrates. Combine with Clear Heat for heat signs or Astra Isatis if the patient is weak
- Power Mushrooms (2 to 3 capsules three times a day): Use to boost the immune system. This is especially useful for cold signs when combined with Astra Isatis long-term
- Resinall K (one-half dropperful three to four times a day taken internally): Massage into affected area several times a day. This can be combined with powdered selenium or Clear Heat to form a poultice, which is applied twice daily. Cover with gauze.
- Channel Flow can be used (2 to 3 capsules three to four times a day) with the above measures to reduce pain.
- Use a moxa stick to warm the painful area for thirty minutes each day for three consecutive days. If the client’s skin becomes too warm, temporarily move the moxa stick to L14, ST36, or points along the liver channel, before returning to the affected area. Moxibustion is used to reduce pain and attack virus.
CASE STUDIES
CASE 1
Larry, a retired seventy-nine-year-old, had shingles with burning pain affecting the left side of his face and scalp. Because the pain was severe, he was being treated with Ativan, Darvocet, and valproic acid. Larry was referred to our clinic by an acupuncturist who had been able to control the pain for only short periods of time. Larry’s pulse was irregular, and his tongue was reddish-purple and dry.
We recommended Clear Heat (2 capsules four times a day) to reduce toxic heat. Resinall K was also suggested to be taken internally (one- half dropperful four times a day), and applied topically twice daily after washing his face with soap and water. After one week, Larry reported slightly less pain, but indicated that he had developed diarrhea, which he believed was caused by the herbs. When we probed Larry, he admitted that the diarrhea could have been caused by some spoiled food he had eaten from a deli. Nevertheless, we added Astra Isatis (2 capsules four times a day) to his protocol, as it contains strengthening herbs that would counter the cooling nature of Clear Heat in case it was in fact the cause of the diarrhea.
After three weeks, Larry came in unhappy about the number of pills he was taking and about the taste of Resinall K; however, he reported being able to cut back on the Darvocet, which helped him feel less drowsy. Over the next couple of months, as his pain and heat signs diminished, the Clear Heat was stopped. He remained on the Resinall K for another two months and on the Astra Isatis for six months. When we followed up with him at this point, Larry indicated that his pain was much improved.
CASE 2
Harold, an eighty-year-old, suffered from shingles following chemotherapy treatments for colon cancer. His pulse was sinking and rapid, and his tongue was scarlet.
We recommended Astra Isatis (3 capsules four times a day) and that he apply Resinall K topically to the affected parts of his body by massaging it into the area twice per day. He was also asked to take Resinall K internally (one-half dropperful four times a day). Within three weeks, Harold obtained substantial pain relief. He continued on the Resinall K for another two weeks before discontinuing it, and continued on the Astra Isatis for another six months. Harold reported no further outbreaks of shingles.
Updated 3/14/23.