Shingles is known medically under the name herpes zoster. Varicella zoster is part of a group of viruses called herpes viruses, which causes cold sores, mononucleosis, genital herpes and chickenpox.
Link Between Immune-Stress, Shingles, and Other Viruses
The human immune system is a very important “control center” for stress. Stress can weaken our immune system and a weakened immune system can increase the risk for shingles and other viral related diseases from this group. Stress can affect the immune system in several ways by reducing neutrophil activity and decreasing cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and natural killer cell activities (NK Cells). In case of too much stress (and/or a low stress resistance), we can be sure that our immune system is down. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is the middle point of stress. Our immune system watches and guides this axis. It is our own protecting wall against viruses and any other enemy that may assault our body.
Nutritional Supplement to Treat Shingles
L-Lysine
Studies have shown that supplement Lysine (a natural amino acid) can reduce the frequency and intensity of herpes and cold sore outbreaks. L-Lysine is recommendable in case of Epstein-Barr-Virus, Mononucleosis, and/or Shingles (Herpes Zoster). Lysine is more effective with vitamin c (as ester-c/ascorbyl-palmitate). A dosage of 4-6 g/d of L-Lysine plus at least 1 g/d of Ester C is recommended.
L-Lysine and Possible Drug Interactions
A high dosage of Lysine (10 to 30 grams) can increase the toxicity of antibiotics such as neomycin, gentamycin and streptomycin.
Arginine, Lysine Antagonist
Arginine increases secretion of epinephrine and nor-epinephrine. A dietary supplement of Arginine and/or food with a high level of this amino acid is of great support to short term (acute) stress. However, Arginine is an antagonist of Lysine. Therefore, patients with viral diseases from herpes can benefit on a diet high in lysine and low in Arginine. Nuts or chocolate (especially with high concentration of cacao) contain a lot of Arginine.
Oregano Oil, A Natural Antibiotic
Oregano Oil is a natural substance that is extracted from wild Oregano, typically known as Marjoram. Two key compounds carvacrol and thymol are found in it. Studies have shown that both compounds have significant effects on harmful microorganisms.
I recommend an initial dosage of at least 3 capsules per day. I prefer a 150 mg softgel on a base of extra virgin olive oil. Also I know nutraceuticals of oregano leaf powder. These are good as well. Instead of oregano nutraceuticals, you can also use dried oregano in your daily meals.
Vitamin C
This vitamin is a typical anti-stress vitamin. It is very important for short term stress situations, but also in long term stress phases.
In case of viral related diseases such as herpes I prefer vitamin C as a proprietary blend of ascorbyl palmitate and mineral ascorbate such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium and ginger for a better utilization. Ester C is a natural booster for zinc. The natural metabolites of Ester C provide quicker absorption and longer retention than other forms of vitamin C such as ascorbic acid. Ester C is a neutralized form of vitamin C with non-irritating effect on the digestive system.
I recommend 2-4 g of buffered Vitamin C or 1-2 g of Ester C. Pure Ester C or Ester C Complex on a base of rutin and other bioflavonoids is recommended. Bioflavonoids also have anti-viral properties.
Zinc
Zinc helps to strengthen the immune system which as we know is our body’s key defense against infection and disease. Zinc in form of zinc chelate, zinc orotate, zinc gluconate or picolinate is important in my nutrition consultation. Zinc in combination with vitamin c (f.e. ester-c or ascorbyl-palmitate) may have a better potential. A dosage of 20-50 mg of Zinc for 3-4 weeks is recommended.
Herxheimer Reaction of Anti-Viral Nutritional Supplements
Herxheimer Reaction is a detoxification reaction and not a side effect of anti-viral nutritional supplements. Patients who have this may experience greater fatigue, diarrhoea, headaches, muscle/joint aches or flu-like symptoms. This reaction can be inhibited with:
- Vitamin C (Possible Dosage: 1 to 2 g/d)
- Milk Thistle (standardized extract contain 80 % of the flavonoligan mixture silymarin; Possible Dosage of 1 to 3 capsules/d)
- L-Glutathione Reduced (Possible Dosage: 1 to 3 capsules/d from 500 to 1500 mg)
- Plenty of Rooibos Tea, Bamboos Leaf Tea, Green Tea or Water
Natural Anti-Viral & Stress Support
Lemon Balm
Varro Tyler, Ph.D., at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, suggests using Lemon Balm to treat viral infections. Lemon Balm has properties that induce relaxation and it has benefits for acute and chronic stress forms.
Lemon Balm Tea
Boil 2 tsp. of dried leaves in one cup of boiling water and let steep for at least 10 minutes. I recommend two cups per day. The best time in drinking Lemon Balm Tea is on mornings and evenings.
Lemon balm-Pear Smoothie
Pears contain an antiviral substance, called caffeic acid. It works directly on the virus causing shingles. The juice from any fresh pear contains large amounts of the antiviral caffeic acid.
The pear is also a good source of the immune power substance, called Arabinogalactan. Arabinogalactan (also known as “healthy sugar”) is a water-soluble polysaccharide that generally supports immune system function and the immune-stress-balance. It especially reduces an overproduction of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
Ingredients:
At least 1 cup cold lemon balm tea
1 ripe pear, peeled and diced
Stevia white extract powder or other natural sweeteners
Mix all ingredients in a blender and enjoy!
Goji Berry
These berries are good sources of glyconutrients (polysaccharides) for natural regulation of immune system. Moreover, they also contain powerful provitamin A such as alpha-carotene and betacarotene. Provitamin A makes antibodies more responsive to various kinds of infections and increases the rate at which macrophages engulf and stimulates Natural Killer (NK) cells. The Goji Berry is an inhibitor of stress as well.
I recommend 10 dried Goji berries in the morning, 20 dried Goji berries midday, and 10 dried Goji berries on evenings.
Goji Tea
Boil 1 cup of water with 4-6 tsp. of dried Goji Berries. Let steep for at least 30 minutes. I recommend at least one cup of Goji Tea per day. Best time in taking it is during mornings.
ABM Mushroom
This mushroom contains effective vital substances such as polysaccharides beta-1, 3 glucan and beta-1, 6 glucan, ribonucleic acid, protein compounds, lectin, etc. It enhances the activity of macrophage and thus significantly activates our immune system. The substance Betaglucan is known for its anti-stress effects.
ABM Mushroom Tea
Macerate 3-4 chopped dried ABM Mushrooms in a bowl with a cup of cold water overnight. Mix it in a blender and let it boil slightly. I recommend at least 2 cups of this tea per day.
Nutritional Supplements to Prevent and Treat Shingles and
Viral-induced Stress Factors
Consult your health care practitioner before using the general recommendation.
| Nutritional Supplement/Herb | Daily Dosage to Prevention | Daily Dosage to Treatment | Stress related Benefits | Precaution |
| AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) | At least 500 mg | At least 1 g | - Reduces high level of long term induced adrenaline and cortisol. - Ideal for long term stress and is a great immune booster (immune-stress balance) |
|
| Arabinogalactan (from Larch) | At least 500 mg + B-complex 50 | At least 3x 500 mg + B-complex 50 or 100 | - Reduces high level of long term induced stress adrenaline and cortisol - Ideal for long term stress and is an immune booster (immune-stress balance) |
Do not take Arabinogalactan if you have autoimmune diseases such as lupus or macular degeneration, any kind of eye problems, any kind of thyroid problems, and if you take the drug thyroxin. |
| Acai (freeze dried) | At least 1000 mg to 1500 mg | At least 1500 to 3000 mg for 10 to 14 days (initial) | - Ideal to treat stress, esp. long term. It is a great immune support and has anti-viral properties | |
| Beta-1, 3/1, 6-D-Glucan | At least 100 mg | At least 500 mg (1 to 2x per day) | - Natural stress inhibitor and great immune modulator | |
| Coriolus Versicolor Mushroom Extract | at least 250 to 500 mg | at least 750 to 1000 mg | - Regulates the immune-stress balance and has anti-viral properties | Do not take Coriolus if you have autoimmune diseases such as lupus. |
| Coriolus Mushroom Powder | At least 500 to 1000 mg | At least 1500 to 2000 mg | - Regulates the immune-stress balance and has anti-viral properties | Do not take Coriolus if you have autoimmune diseases such as lupus. |
| ABM Mushroom Extract | 250 to 500 mg | At least 1 g for 10 to 14 days (initial) | - Provides overall natural immune support & general stress support | |
| ABM Mushroom Powder | At least 500 to 750 mg | At least 2 g for 10 to 14 days (initial) | - Provides overall natural immune support & general stress support | |
| Colostrum | At least 500 mg | At least 1 to 2 g for at least 7 days | - Lowers cortisol & adrenergic overproduction. - Works as an immune modulator |
|
| Goji Berry (standardized) | At least 1 capsule | At least 2 to 3 capsules | - Stress regulator - Provides immune support |
Do not take Goji berry supplements if you take medical drugs for high blood pressure. |
| Astragalus (standardized) | At least 1 to 2 caps. (450 to 500 mg) | At least 2 to 4 caps (450 to 500 mg) for at least 14 days (initial) | - Stress regulator - Immune booster (immune-stress balance) |
Do not take Astragalus if you have autoimmune diseases such as lupus. |
| Echinacea Flowers Tea | At least 1 to 2 cups | At least 4 to 6 cups for at least 10 days (initial) | - Contains Arabinogalactan, but it is not as powerful as pure Arabinogalactan for stress related functions | Do not take Echinacea if you have autoimmune diseases such as lupus or if you have an allergy against Echinacea. |
Other Treatment Options for Shingles and Other Viral Diseases
Here are other anti-viral herbs/nutraceuticals which may help treat viral diseases.
- Red Marine Algae (RMA)
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Leaf (standardized)
- Neem Leaf/Neem leaf Extract
- Bioflavonoid-Complex
- Anti-Viral Herbal Blends by several manufacturers
I know all these nutraceuticals and herbal products and have good experiences with them, but I always recommend a stress support as well. First, drop your stress level – then you have a good chance to drop your risk for shingles and other viral diseases.
By Mirko Albrecht, Dipl.-qualified NC.
