Shingles - Herpes zoster

Shingles is an infection which is caused by the virus known as varicella zoster. The virus is a member of the herpes family. The common symptom is a rash of painful sores and blisters. Shingles may appear on any part of the body. When it appears on the person's forehead by the eyes or around the nose, then the eyes are very likely to become affected, and cornea damage can even occur. By taking the proper nutritional and herbal supplements when the shingles blisters first appear a person can ease the discomfort and cause the blisters to dry up sooner. Other symptoms include: flu like problems, chills, fever, aches and pains which often occur for 3-4 days prior to the shingles attack.

Shingles causes include: stress, cancer, using anticancer drugs, and immune system deficiency. Physical or emotional stress can be a factor. Even a minor injury or cold may trigger an attack. Shingles affects every year over 875,000 Americans. It can affect people of any age, but is more common in people over 50 years old. Since this is when the body's immune function naturally starts to decline. Shingles normally lasts only a few weeks, however, severe cases may last longer and require special treatment. There are some cases, where the pain lasts for months and even years. This type syndrome is known as postherpetic neuralgia. If shingles develop near the eyes, the cornea may be affected and blindness may result. About 20% of people who get shingles suffer repeats of the disease.

For people who have immune system deficiencies, shingles can be very damaging. It is capable of affecting the internal organs, and causing damage to both kidneys and lungs. Shingles can also cause permanent injuries including: blindness, deafness, and paralysis. If shingles goes untreated, death may even occur.

Nutrient / Supplement	Helpful notes
Calcium & Magnesium	these two minerals combined help nerve function, healing, and also help combat stress
Essential Fatty acids	promotes healing of both nerve and skin tissue. They are found in fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage seed oil
Multi-vitamin Mineral supplement	contains vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B complex, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc which all are helpful in both the treatment and prevention of shingles (herpes zoster). The nutrients in a daily supplement are required for general good health and well being.
Selenium	this mineral is an important antioxidant
Bioflavonoids	bioflavonoids are natural antioxidant and free radical destroyer. They also boost the body's immune system to help it fight the shingles herpes virus
vitamin A	important in helping the immune system and thus protection from infection. It is good for eye function and health. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant to promote healing.
Echinacea	herb that helps the immune system and it works well with reishi mushroom in an herbal blend
vitamin C	works with bioflavonoids to promote healing in the body
vitamin E	helps body healing process and it also serves as a powerful antioxidant to help prevent formation of scar tissue
B vitamins	is needed both for nerve health and eye cell metabolism
Zinc	strengthens the body's immune system to protect against infection. It has been shown that a zinc deficiency is linked to many various eye disorders

All information presented on this web page is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any
physical ailments. In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed practitioner.
All Information on this web page & pages linked to it are provided by GBS International training pack 1995/2002;
Dr. Mark Crapo nutritional seminars; The Herb Encyclopedia & Sara St.Louis RN, CIC, NP, MPA