The orthodox approach uses the drug aciclovir, which eases the symptoms, but doesn’t cure it. Alternative medicine, on the other hand, offers a large array of ways to rid yourself of this painful condition.

Orthomolecular medicine
This therapeutic approach suggests 6 g of ascorbic acid together with 1 g of the amino acid L-lysine daily, and a 1-mL intramuscular injection of vitamin B12 twice a week. According to the cases reported, all pain was gone within 24 hours and the lesions had begun to heal (Hoffer A, Orthomolecular Medicine for Physicians, New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, 1989). The B12 injections can be replaced by a 20-mcg/day oral dose of B12 taken under the tongue.

Nutritional medicine
Many studies have shown that proteolytic enzymes (160 mg of trypsin, 160 mg of chymotrypsin and 400 mg of papainase), taken five times daily, are as effective as aciclovir against shingles (Fortschr Med, 1995; 113: 39-44; Phytomedicine, 1996; 2: 7-15).

In one Russian study, 150 patients with acute shingles received trypsin alone. Compared with 200 similar patients on the standard antiviral drug therapy, trypsin proved highly effective in reducing symptoms during the acute stage. None of the trypsin group had recurrences or developed postherpetic neuralgia during the three-year follow-up (Vrach Delo, 1991; 3: 86-9).

Supplementation
Adenosine-5’-monophosphate (AMP), a naturally occurring purine nucleotide, is needed for nucleic acid synthesis. Patients with shingles have abnormally low levels of AMP as well as high levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (JAMA, 1977; 237: 871-2).

In one double-blind study, shingles patients received intramuscular 100-mL AMP injections three times a week for four weeks. The AMP reduced herpetic pain almost immediately and, after four weeks, 88 per cent of the AMP-treated patients were pain-free vs 43 per cent with placebo.

To prevent the chest pain that may follow AMP injection, take half the dose, followed 20 minutes later by the other half (Med Sci Bull, 1985; 7: 86-9; Nutr Heal, 1996; 3: 58-61). One concern is that AMP readily converts to adenosine, which can suppress immune function, although these dosages appear to be too small to have any significant effect. Nevertheless, scientific studies haven’t yet ruled out the possibility.

Acupuncture and cupping
Never use acupuncture or cupping (using glass cups to create suction on the skin) on patients with herpes zoster (Shanghai College of Traditional Medicine, O’Connor J, Bensky D, transl, Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text, Seattle, WA: Eastland Press, 1984: 618).

African medicine
In Africa, the leaf of Plantago major (common plantain), whole or bruised, is applied to the skin affected by shingles lesions.

Experiments have confirmed the plant’s microbial-killing action, which facilitates healing (Int Abstr Biol Sci, 1960; 16: 817). The leaves are also reported to be anti-inflammatory and to aid new skin growth, with no adverse side-effects (Am J Pharm, 1950; 122: 24; Int Abstr Biol Sci, 1959; 15: 5414).

European folk medicine
Applying the fresh juice or pulp of the ordinary leek to the affected skin is said to be soothing and to speed up the healing process (Bartram T, Bartram’s Encyclopaedia of Herbal Medicine, London: Robinson Publishing, 1998: 227).

Homoeopathy
Paraphenylenediamine can bring on the symptoms of herpes in healthy individuals (Ann Homéop Françaises, 1963; 10: 57/777-65/785). Try this first at the 6CH potency.

Osteopathy
The headaches and myofascial pain syndrome that accompanies shingles and prevents sleep may be effectively relieved by osteopathy (Travell JG, Simons DG, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1983).

Herbs
Chinacanthus nutans (or phaya yo in Thai) has been shown to promote healing. In a controlled clinical trial of 51 patients, this herb, in the form of a poultice, was applied five times a day to the skin affected by shingles lesions, for seven to 14 days. This resulted in rapid healing (J Med Assoc Thai, 1995; 78: 624-7). A larger randomised, controlled trial reported the same positive results (Int J Dermatol, 1996; 35: 665-6).

Applying capsaicin (the alkaloid derived from the pod of Capsicum frutescens, cayenne pepper) to the affected skin can relieve long-term pain after an episode of shingles, according to a review of three randomised controlled trials (Fam Pract, 1996; 13: 84-91).

At the very first signs of blisters, applying Melissa (balm) ointment onto the skin can ameliorate the later progression of the shingles outbreak. Tolerance is excellent (Zeitschr Phytother, 1981; VI: 229).

Harald Gaier is a registered homoeopath, naturopath and osteopath.

ACONITUM: This remedy should be considered at the initial stages of chickenpox when there is fever, restlessness, and increased thirst.

Antimonium crud: Most characteristic of these children is their white-coated tongue and their irritable disposition. Other indications for this remedy are when children have pimples and pustules which itch, especially after a bath or exposure to water, in the evening, and from the heat of the bed. The children tend to experience a prickly heat which is aggravated by exercise and warmth.

Apis: Children who have itching and stinging pox that is worse from heat and in warm rooms and better from cold and in cool rooms should be given this remedy.
Belladonna: Chickenpox with severe headache, flushed face, hot skin, and drowsiness with the inability to sleep well should be treated with this medicine.

RHUS TOX: This is the most common remedy for chickenpox. These children experience intense itching, especially at night and from scratching. They are very restless.

Copyright 1992 by Dana Ullman, M.P.H. used by permission of the author from the book Homeopathic Medicine for Children and Infants published by Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam.

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• A heart attack.
  
• Lung problems like pneumonia, bronchitis, or an injury.
  
• A hiatal hernia – known in medical terms as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  
• Heartburn.
  
• Shingles.
  
• A pulled muscle.
  
• Mitral valve prolapse. A common disorder, especially in women, in which the mitral valve of the heart fails to close properly. In most people, this is not a serious problem.
  
• Anxiety.
  
• Swallowing too much air.
  

For chest pain that results from a pulled muscle or minor injury to the rib cage:

• Do not strain the muscle or ribs while pain is felt.
  
• Rest.
  
• Take a pain reliever such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. [Note: Do not give aspirin or any medication containing salicylates to anyone 19 years of age or younger unless directed by a physician, due to its association with Reye’s Syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.]
  
• Do call your doctor, though, if the pain lasts longer than two days.
  

• Lose weight if you are overweight.
  
• Eat 5-6 frequent meals, instead of 3 meals a day. Do not eat large meals.
  
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol, coffee, spicy foods, peppermint, chocolate, citrus juices and carbonated beverages.
  
• If you have heartburn, take antacids after meals and before going to bed.
  
• Do not eat food or drink milk two hours before going to bed.
  
• Avoid bending over or lying down after eating.
  
• Do not wear tight clothing, tight belts, or girdles.
  
• Raise the head of your bed about 3 to 4 inches (40 degree angle), when you sleep.
  

• Talk over the source of your anxiety with family, friends, and clergy. If this is not enough, you may need the help of a professional counselor or psychiatrist.
  
• When you hyperventilate, cover your mouth and nose with a paper bag. Breathe into the paper bag slowly and re-breathe the air. Do this in and out at least 10 times. Remove the bag and breathe normally a few minutes. Repeat breathing in and out of the paper bag as needed.
  
• Avoid using large amounts of aspirin or other salicylate-containing medicines. [Note: Do not give aspirin or any medication containing salicylates to anyone 19 years of age or younger unless directed by a physician, due to its association with Reye’s Syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.]
  

• Eat healthy foods. Avoid caffeine.
  
• After checking with your doctor, exercise regularly to improve cardiovascular fitness.
  
• Deal with and control stress and avoid anxiety-producing situations, if possible.
  
• Don’t smoke.
  

Questions to Ask

Is the chest pain accompanied by any of the following? Pain that spreads (radiates) to the arm, neck or jaw Feeling of pressure, especially on the left side Shortness of breath or trouble breathing Nausea and/or vomiting Sweating Uneven pulse or heartbeat Sense of doom
Did the chest pain result from a serious injury? Does it hurt all the time and/or is it getting worse?
Does the chest pain occur in a person who has had a recent operation or illness that has kept them in bed?
Does the chest pain occur in a person with a history of heart problems or in a person with angina and not respond to prescribed medicine?
Is there trouble breathing along with the chest pain? Does it get worse when taking deep breaths or when you touch your chest or ribs?
Are one or more of the following present? Fever Cough with sputum of any color (pink, green, yellow, gray, etc.)
Do you have any of these problems with the chest pain? Palpitations Light-headedness Dizziness, feeling faint Fatigue Anxiety A heart murmur heard by a health care provider
Does the chest pain last longer than two days?
Is the chest pain accompanied by belching and/or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen? Does it come and go before, during, or after eating, and does it worsen when bending or lying down?
Does the chest pain stop with antacids?
Do you have any of these describe the chest pain? It’s only on one side of the chest It’s unaffected by breathing It’s accompanied by a burning feeling and a skin rash at the pain site