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Effective Natural Remedies for Shingles

Written by Institute for Natural Medicine Staff
Medically Reviewed by Sarah Hung, ND, MSOM, LAc
  • Last Updated July 27, 2025
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In this article:

Varicella–zoster virus (VZV) is the virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from a chickenpox infection, VZV remains dormant in the body and may resurface years later as shingles.

Although a doctor can prescribe antiviral drugs to shorten the illness, there is no cure. Most natural strategies focus on soothing the nervous system and skin while prioritizing rest and recovery. Certain herbs, topical treatments, and lifestyle interventions also help relieve itching and support the body’s natural healing process.

Who’s at risk for shingles?

Shingles strikes approximately one third of U.S. adults.1Parikh R, Spence O, Giannelos N, Kaan I. Herpes zoster recurrence: a narrative review of the literature. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2024 Mar;14(3):569-592. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-024-01101-7 Although the virus can affect almost anyone, cases in children are rare. A weakened immune system, co-existing medical conditions, aging, and even excessive stress can contribute to an outbreak. 

Michelle Suber, ND, of Hawaii-based Iris Integrative Health, says shingles infections are on the rise. “We are certainly seeing more cases in the past few years—almost exclusively in patients in their 60s, followed shortly thereafter by those in their 70s and 50s.”

Shingles symptoms

Pain is typically the first symptom of shingles, followed by a red, pustular rash that appears a couple of days later. Some people also experience fever, sensitivity to light, and general malaise.

“Shingles has a distinctive vesicular appearance, almost always follows a dermatome (nerve path), and rarely crosses the midline of the body,” says Dr. Suber, who notes that symptoms can be deceiving. “[Because of] increased public awareness, we are seeing more adults worried about having shingles, but [who] actually have a different disease or manifestation of a viral illness. A correct diagnosis is key.”

Natural remedies can relieve itching and pain

close-up photo of red clover flower

“I suggest that my patients build restorative moments of self-awareness into their days, get ample quality sleep, exercise regularly, and nourish themselves with a seasonal, whole foods diet,” says Dr. Suber. “The daily habits that protect us from shingles also build enduring resilience.”

Dr. Suber recommends herbs, nutritional supplements, and topical treatments to support the immune system, soothe inflammation, and promote healing, including botanical medicines like Trifolium pratense (red clover), Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice). These herbs have antiviral, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties.2Kazlauskaite JA, Ivanauskas L, Marksa M, Bernatoniene J. The effect of traditional and cyclodextrin-assisted extraction methods on Trifolium pratense L. (red clover) extracts antioxidant potential. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022 Feb 21;11(2):435. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35204317,3Behzadi A, Imani S, Deravi N, et al. Antiviral potential of Melissa officinalis L.: a literature review. Nutr Metab Insights. 2023 Jan 12;16:11786388221146683. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36655201,4Schnitzler P, Schuhmacher A, Astani A, Reichling J. Melissa officinalis oil affects infectivity of enveloped herpesviruses. Phytomedicine. 2008 Sep;15(9):734-40. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711308001128?via%3Dihub,5Wang L, Yang R, Yuan B, Liu Y, Liu C. The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely used Chinese herb. Acta Pharm Sin B. 2015 Jul;5(4):310-5. Epub 2015 Jun 17. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211383515000799?via%3Dihub

Vitamin therapy for a shingles rash

The immune system relies on numerous vitamins to function properly. For shingles recovery, Dr. Suber recommends a quality B complex (always with food) and vitamin C. Both support immunity and regulate inflammatory response.6Mikkelsen, K., Apostolopoulos, V. Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6 and the immune system. In: Mahmoudi, M., Rezaei, N. (eds) Nutrition and Immunity. Springer, Cham. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16073-9_7

Vitamin B12 specifically has shown promise as a treatment for peripheral neuropathic pain, a distinctive shingles symptom.7Julian T, Syeed R, Glascow N, Angelopoulou E, Zis P. B12 as a Treatment for peripheral neuropathic pain: a systematic review. Nutrients. 2020 Jul 25;12(8):2221. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082221

Emerging research suggests intravenous vitamin C may provide pain relief from shingles8Schencking M, Vollbracht C, Weiss G, et al. Intravenous vitamin C in the treatment of shingles: results of a multicenter prospective cohort study. Med Sci Monit. 2012 Apr;18(4):CR215-24. https://medscimonit.com/abstract/index/idArt/882621 and other herpes viruses. Vitamin C is also essential for immunity, wound healing, and collagen production.9Colunga Biancatelli RML, Berrill M, Marik, PE. The antiviral properties of vitamin C. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2019 18(2):99–101. https://doi.org/10.1080/14787210.2020.1706483,10Bechara N, Flood VM, Gunton JE. A systematic review on the role of vitamin C in tissue healing. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022 Aug 19;11(8):1605. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/8/1605

Topical therapies soothe irritation

honey dripping from wand into glass jar

When shingles strikes, the pain and irritation may feel relentless. Topical home remedies can offer significant relief, easing itching, burning, and inflammation in gentle, natural ways:

  • Cool compresses. Try soaking a few cloths in advance and keeping them chilled in the refrigerator.
  • Colloidal oatmeal baths. Bundle one to two cups of finely ground rolled or quick oats in a cheesecloth or washcloth for a 10- to 15-minute lukewarm bath.
  • Baking soda as a bath additive or topical paste. Add one cup of baking soda to lukewarm water, and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. A paste combining two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of clean water can be applied directly to shingles blisters. Leave the mixture on for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently rinse skin with cool water or wipe away using a damp cloth.
  • Calamine lotion. Apply a small amount to blisters, allowing the lotion to absorb naturally.
  • Essential oils. Used with care, wintergreen essential oil has soothing effects. Always dilute the oil in a carrier oil or lotion.
  • Honey. “There is some interesting evidence that honey (Manuka and clover) is useful as a soothing topical antiviral,” notes Dr. Suber.11Carter DA, Blair SE, Cokcetin NN, et al. Therapeutic manuka honey: no longer so alternative. Front Microbiol. 2016 Apr 20;7:569. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2016.00569,12Shahzad A, Cohrs RJ. (2012). In vitro antiviral activity of honey against varicella zoster virus (VZV): a translational medicine study for potential remedy for shingles. Transl Biomed. 2012;3(2):2. https://doi.org/10.3823/434 Apply a thin layer of honey to the rash, let sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse with cool water or carefully wipe it off with a soft cloth.

On the other hand, not all popular shingles remedies are beneficial. Apple cider vinegar, for example, may do more harm than good. “ACV has not been adequately studied in this setting, [and] from a physiologic perspective, I would not recommend it,” says Dr. Suber. “It has greater potential to irritate than calm the skin.”

What to do at home to maximize healing

Downtime is essential, as is avoiding products and activities that could further irritate the skin or intensify symptoms. As Dr. Suber advises, “Hydration, rest, and ease are priorities. We want to focus on treatments that are calming, so it’s wise to avoid saunas, hot showers, excessive sweating, and massage or acupuncture directly around the lesions (though both of these modalities can be helpful when applied thoughtfully).”

In addition to rest and gentle care, Dr. Suber recommends steering clear of alcohol and sugar. Both can suppress the immune system, making recovery more difficult.

How to prevent shingles

The virus that causes shingles isn’t spread through air or saliva, but it can be transmitted by direct contact with the fluid in shingles blisters. Preventive protocols are important, especially for vulnerable individuals.

One of the most effective tools for prevention is the shingles vaccine. The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is recommended for people 50 and older. The CDC also advises immunization for anyone 19 or older who is or may become immunodeficient or immunosuppressed.13Shingles Vaccine Recommendations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October 22, 2024. Accessed June 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html

Dr. Suber frequently discusses the vaccine with her patients, but she also emphasizes other forms of prevention—particularly stress management.

“Without exception, each person I’ve seen with shingles reported a significant life stressor associated with the onset (or recurrence) of shingles symptoms,” she says. “I believe the most useful natural preventive approach is thoughtful modulation of stress.”

When to see a doctor

Timely medical care can make all the difference in shingles recovery. An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment.

Although most people heal from shingles without complications, secondary infections can occur. In rare cases, they may become serious and require immediate medical attention.

Footnotes

This article is provided by

The Institute for Natural Medicine, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. INM’s mission is to transform health care in the United States by increasing public awareness of natural medicine and access to naturopathic doctors. Naturopathic medicine, with its person-centered principles and practices, has the potential to reverse the tide of chronic illness overwhelming healthcare systems and to empower people to achieve and maintain optimal lifelong health. INM strives to fulfil this mission through the following initiatives:

  • Education – Reveal the unique benefits and outcomes of evidence-based natural medicine
  • Access – Connect patients to licensed naturopathic doctors
  • Research – Expand quality research on this complex and comprehensive system of medicine

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Institute for Natural Medicine Staff

Our dedicated content team of professional staff writers represents decades of experience covering essential natural health topics in an accessible, evidence-based, and engaging way. Guided by a shared passion for holistic well-being, each and every one of our writers strives to empower our readers to take charge of their health.

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