Homoeopathic Remedies for Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
Also indexed as: Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster (commonly known as shingles) is a viral infection that causes extremely
painful blisterlike eruptions to break out along the course of nerves. After a period of fever
and malaise, the eruptions appear on parts of the ribcage area (back, sides, or abdomen) or
sometimes on the face. Homoeopathic remedies are often very helpful for pain relief and
recovery. Outbreaks near the eyes require medical attention.
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also
“Using Homoeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homoeopathy?
Arsenicum album: If a person feels chilly, anxious, restless, and exhausted during
fever—and the burning pain of the eruptions is relieved by heat—this remedy may be
indicated. Discomfort is often worse around midnight.
Apis mellifica: Swollen, tender eruptions with burning, stinging pain and itching
suggest a need for this remedy. Symptoms are aggravated by warmth, and relieved by cold
applications or exposure to cool air. The person may be irritable and very sensitive to
touch.
Clematix: Red, burning, blisterlike eruptions with terrible itching, worse from
washing or contact with cold water, may indicate a need for this remedy. The person feels
worse at night and from the warmth of bed—being better in open air. People who need this
remedy may also have a tendency toward genito-urinary conditions.
Iris versicolor: This remedy is often helpful for herpes zoster infection that is
accompanied by stomach problems with burning sensations and nausea. Eruptions may appear
especially on the right side of the abdomen.
Mezereum: When this remedy is indicated, intense burning is followed by bright red
eruptions that itch intolerably. The local pain of the eruptions is worse from heat and
relieved by cold applications, and cool fresh air is soothing—although the person is
chilly in general and worse from getting cold.
Ranunculus bulbosus: This remedy is indicated for intensely itching shingles on the
ribcage (either on the back or chest), which are also very sore, and worse from contact with
clothing or any kind of touch. The blisters may look bluish. The person may feel worse from
alcoholic beverages, and from exposure to cold air.
Rhus toxicodendron: This remedy may be indicated for a rash that begins with many
small blisters, is red and intensely itchy, and is relieved by hot baths or hot wet
compresses. Restlessness makes the person want to pace the room or constantly move around.
Homoeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homoeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homoeopathy? and Understanding Homoeopathic Potencies.
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only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical
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necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
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making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.