Alternative treatment for Shingles

I have been asked a lot about Zostavax the zoster vaccine for shingles.  I have spoken to a number of older people who are concerned about shingles and they have heard a lot about this new vaccine.  I will always tell my patients it is necessary to speak to your doctor and do the appropriate research before making any decisions about getting a vaccine or deciding to not to do so.  It has to be your own decision and one about which you are confident and happy.  I will not advise you as to what to do.  However, what I can do is tell you that there are homeopathic remedies to help you should you get shingles.

If you need more information about what shingles is, you can read up about it at the Mayo Clinic website:http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/basics/definition/con-20019574

There are more than a hundred number of homeopathic remedies for shingles and so you need to observe closely to match your particular symptoms to the right remedy.  I list below only a handful of the most common remedies for shingles.  Try a remedy from below of it seems to fit your picture and consider consulting a professional homeopath if you see no results on self-prescribing.  Remember that with homeopathy the success of the prescription depends on matching the picture well.  Only take a remedy up to 3 times and if it offers no improvement move onto your next choice.  I would recommend you use 30C.

If you are already seeing a homeopath you should contact him or her first but if you cannot reach anyone and you have your constitutional remedy - it would be the first place to start.  Take that remedy and see if it helps you.

Rhus Toxicodendron (Rhus tox) is a classic remedy for chicken pox.  It also happens to be rather useful for shingles.  Rhus tox is in fact the poison ivy plant and it is significant to note that the rash one would have after brushing against such a plant produces a very similar looking rash as that produced by the shingles (zoster) virus.  There is inflammation, intensely painful blisters and unrelenting itching.  In order for this remedy to work it must fit the picture: you get temporary relief on applying a warm compress or having a warm bath; you are very restless and moving about a lot in an attempt to feel better; you are more likely to have left sided symptoms with this remedy picture.

Ranunculus Bulbosus is an effective shingle remedy when there is severe nerve pains that can feel like stabbing pains around the ribcage; these are worse for the slightest touch; and moving makes the pain worse.  This remedy picture can include a rash on the left side of the chest that are slightly bluish in hue.

Iris Versicolor is indicated when the rash is worse on the right; often on the right side of the abdomen and under the right arm.    There could also be headaches, burning in the stomach and vomiting which are ameliorated with a walk outside in fresh air.

Arsenicum Album is another useful remedy for someone who is very chilly, extremely restless and anxious, tremendously fatigued and worse after midnight.  The interesting thing with this remedy type is that they have burning pains that paradoxically feel better for warmth.  This patient is usually very thirsty for cold drinks and will sip their drink frequently.

Mezereum is worth trying if the rash is intensely painful and itchy where the blisters are oozing, bright red and the blisters may burst to form brown scabs.  The rash is made worse for hot applications or getting warm in bed and may be better for cold compresses.  This remedy's rash is found most often on the scalp and face. This patient feels "cold to the bone" or "frozen".

Other remedies for shingles include:  Apis; Cantharis; Lachesis; Mercurious; Natrum Muriaticum; Petroleum; Pulsatilla; Sepia; Sulphur; Thuja; and Variolinum (to name but a few of the many options.)

Wondering what can help you get through a stressful holiday season?

It has been a busy fall and I can't believe it is already December.  I have been growing much busier with my home-based practice and I also joined the wonderful team at Ottawa Holistic Wellness and have been going there 2 days a week to see patients.   Since its inception in the spring I have also been teaching at the Canadian Homeopathic Institute in Ottawa every second weekend.  All this to say, I have been extremely busy and remiss in writing here on my blog.  That said I want to provide some useful information as the holiday season is quickly approaching and it can be a stressful time of year.  

Homeopathy works best if it is individually prescribed.  This means that one person's stress can look very different from another person's stress and it is the individuality and uniqueness of each person's symptoms that need to be examined and prescribed for in order to find a successful homeopathic remedy.   For example, one person might suddenly become very restless, experience shallow breathing, agitation and palpitations.  They could begin to see a tendency of quickly getting into a state of panic.  If this person's symptoms fit a particular picture they might benefit from the homeopathic remedy Aconite.  But there are many different remedies used in homeopathy that are useful during times of stress.  If you find yourself often feeling the effects of stress you might consider visiting a professional homeopath who can help you regain balance so that the stress doesn't begin to create more serious physical, mental or emotional symptoms.

In the meantime for the holiday season you might find it helpful to keep a bottle of Bach Flower Rescue Remedy on hand.  This is a combination of wild flower remedies that is very useful at times of anxiety, tension and crisis.  You can put a few drops straight on your tongue or put a few drops in a glass or bottle of water that you can sip on from time to time as you need a dose.  It will help to take the edge off and will make you feel more relaxed, focused and calm.  Use this remedy for stressful work holiday parties, visits with family and in-laws,  for stressful road trips and air travel (especially if you are nervous flying.) By the way, Rescue remedy is also useful for your pets if they don't travel well and you are travelling over the holidays with your furry family members!

Here is a link to the official website if you would like more information about this product.

http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-information/


I wish you all happiness, health and joy going into this holiday season.