Natural Antivirals
Unfortunately, there is no way to completely cure shingles, but a medical doctor may recommend antiviral medications to help you heal more quickly and keep complications at bay. Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famvir are all prescription medications intended to keep the shingles virus from continuing their development.
However, there are some natural options for attempting the same shingles treatment through at-home methods. According to some sources, colloidal silver taken orally is detrimental to viruses, claiming it essentially invades the virus and prevents it from continued replication. Other sources report that colloidal silver may be unsafe to take orally and suggest a topical cream instead. However, it’s important to note that the FDA advises against the use of colloidal silver.
Vitamin C is another natural method for fending off the shingles virus. Much like taking vitamin C supplements during a cold or flu, it may provide a boost to the immune system. A vitamin A deficiency may also wreak havoc on the immune system, although the science is still unsure as to whether or not supplementing intake can actually help fight off viruses. Always use caution when undertaking untested alternatives to combat illness.
Did you know...
- Just saying the words "thank you" can measurably improve your mood. Researchers can actually measure happiness and changes in brain structure when people practiced regular "grateful thinking." This included things like writing thank you notes, writing gratitude journal entries, mindfully counting their blessings, and thanking friends. It may be helpful in overcoming depression!
- Do you know what the strongest muscle in your body is? No, it’s not your biceps or your thighs. It’s actually in your head. The masseter is a muscle in the jaw that is used when chewing. When all of the muscles of the jaw work together, they can exert a force as strong as 200 pounds on the molars. That’s some serious pressure.
- Starting to feel claustrophobic? The smells of apples may help keep your claustrophobic feelings at bay according to a 1995 study by Dr. Alan Hirsch. Green apples, specifically, helped people change their perception of their space. Maybe they thought of expansive apple orchards? Cucumbers and barbecue made the feelings worse.
- Does your job make you stressed? We all know that stress is psychologically bad for you, but it also has an effect on…your allergies? A Harvard Medical School study has shown that stress causes your allergies to become worse because your body's defense response loses efficacy when repeatedly triggered by stress. Then, when you really need to physically fight something off, you're less able to!
- Are you currently or often tired? As contradictory as it may sound, one of the best things you can do is exercise! It gives you more energy by improving your blood flow and increasing your oxygen throughout your body. You don't need to do much; a brisk walk is all it takes!