Shingles is an illness which affects both the skin and the nerves. The major cause of this condition is a viral infection of the nerves. Also, known as herpes zoster, this illness is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that is responsible for chickenpox. The first symptoms that are commonly observed are itching or pain in the nerve, and a blister or rash that generally develops along the path of the affected nerve. Fever and muscle pain are also few other symptoms.
There are no proper medications for shingles but people who prefer holistic medicine try natural remedies and, in fact, a few essential oils are believed to be effective in providing a long lasting relief from this condition. However, you need to seek your doctor’s advice before using any such essential oils for shingles. There are several essential oils that have antiviral and antimicrobial properties which can be used for topical application for shingles. You need to dilute these essential oils with carrier oils before topical application to avoid burning and irritation.
Here Are The Top 7 Essential Oils For Shingles:
1. Ravensara Essential Oil:
Native to the Madagascar Island and used for centuries for combating infections, ravensara essential oil has potent properties and is extremely good for shingles. It also works well for bacterial infections, cold sores, colds, achy muscles, respiratory problems, and pain relief. It blends well with other essential oils such as frankincense, tea tree, geranium, eucalyptus etc. For best results, use it along with tamanu oil (1).
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2. Lemon Balm Essential Oil:
Lemon balm contains compounds with anti-herpes properties. It works effectively for shingles. Use lemon balm essential oil topically by diluting it with little olive oil. Use it regularly until you experience results (2).
3. Bergamot Essential Oil:
Bergamot essential oil which is known for its signature aroma works effectively for warding off herpes infections as well. It is being used in aromatherapy for dealing a variety of conditions including shingles, where it is often combined along with eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil. It helps minimize the discomfort and fastens the healing process of cold sores and other herpes infections.
Bergamot essential oil helps alleviate the pain caused due to shingles, an infection that is caused due to the herpes virus. It works effectively for reducing skin irritation, thus making it an excellent choice for shingles (3).
4. Chamomile Essential Oil:
Chamomile essential oil works effectively for dealing with shingles. It is often used along with balm, lavender, bergamot, and geranium. A poultice prepared using all these essential oils works effectively for shingles. It creates a relaxing effect on the nerves and is extremely soothing as well (4).
5. Eucalyptus Essential Oil:
Eucalyptus essential oil might be helpful in providing pain relief that is caused due to shingles. Apply a few drops of eucalyptus oil topically on the skin to get instant relief from the pain and itching (5).
6. Lavender Essential Oil:
Lavender essential oil is considered to be effective in providing relief from the pain caused due to shingles. It has antiviral and antimicrobial properties and can be used for topical application for shingles. Dilute it with any of the above essential oils for best results. Using this blend could be helpful in providing relief from the pain caused due to shingles (6).
7. Geranium Essential Oil:
Geranium essential oil is often included in the blends that help uplift your mood. However, recent research studies have mentioned that geranium essential oil has the potential to help manage pain. Blended with any carrier oil or mixed into a salve, geranium essential oil is considered helpful for dealing with nerve pain, neuropathy, and shingles (7).
