How do you treat shingles and psoriasis? - Ask the Herbalist

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  Feb-March, 2004  by Andrew Gaeddert

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Shingles

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.

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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 1/2 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 (Isatis extract Da Qing Ye & Ban Lan Gen, Astragalus Huang Qi, Bupleurum Chai Hu, Laminaria Kun Bu, Codonopsis Dang Shen, Epimedium Yin Yang Huo, Lycium fruit Gou Qi Zi, Dioscorea Shan Yao, Brousuuonetia Chu Shi Zi, Atractylodies Bai Zhu, Licorice Gan Cao--3 tablets three times a day): Use to strengthen the immune system and to clear the virus. For fever and areas that feel hot to the touch, add Clear Heat (Isatis Extract Ban Lan Gen & Do Qing Ye, Oldenlandia Bai Hua She She Cao, Lonicera Jin Yin Hua, Prunella Xia Ku Cao, Andrographis Chuan Xin Lian, Laminaria Kun Bu, Viola Zi Hua Di Ding, Cordyceps Dong Chong Xia Cao, Licorice Gen Cao--1 to 3 tablets 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 (Red Peony Chi Shao, Tang kuei Dang Gui, Ligusticum Chuan Xiong, Rehmannia Shu Di Huang, Persica Tao Ren, Atractylodes Bai Zhu, Poria Fu Ling, Citrus Chen Pi, Siler Fang Feng, Vitex Man Jing Zi, Gentiana Qin Jiao, Achyranthes Niu Xi, Chianghuo Qiang Huo, Clematis Wei Ling Xian, Ginger Gan Jiang, Angelica Bai Zhi, Licorice Gan Cao--3 tablets 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 (Ganoderma (Rei Shi) Ling Zhi, Tremella Bai Mu Er, Poria Fu Ling, Polyporus Zhu Ling--2 to 3 tablets 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 (Dragon's Blood Xue Jie, Tienchi root San Qi, Catechu Er Cha, Corydalis Yan Hu Suo, Carthamus Hong Hua, Myrrh Mo Yao, Frankincense Ru Xiang, Borneol Bing Pian, Alcohol, Glycrine--one-half dropperful three to four times a day taken internally): Massage into affected area. Can be combined with powdered selenium or Clear Heat to form a poultice, which is applied twice daily. Cover with gauze.

* Channel Flow (Corydalis rhizome Yan Hu Suo, Angelica root Bai Zhi, Peony root Bai Shao, Cinnamon twig Gui Zhi, Tang-kuei root Dang Gui, Salvia root Dan Shen, Myrrh resin Mo Yao, Frankincense gum Ru Xiang, Licorice root Gan Cao--2 to 3 tablets three to four times a day) can be used 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 LI 4, ST 36, or points along the liver channel, before returning to the affected area. Moxabustion is used to reduce pain and attack virus.

Case Studies

Case #1: Larry, a retired 79 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 tablets 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 tablets 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.