EO for Shingles

A couple readers of my “I Have Shingles?!” blog post asked what essential oils (EO) I used to alleviate my symptoms.  This post will review what I researched for reducing the symptoms especially the rash.  I believe the application of EO reduced the duration and severity of my shingles.  It helped soothe away my crazy itch, nerve pain, calmed redness, severity and expedited healing of my skin from the blisters.  I hope no one has to go through this, but if you do, I hope the below information will help ease and reduce the time of your discomfort.

I used about a 10% dilution ratio or 60 drops of essential oil (equal drops of EO listed below) in 1oz of liquid/carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil is recommended, but olive oil works well in a pinch as well).  Standard suggestion for topically applying EO is 2% dilution ratio and is what I would recommend if you have not used essential oils topically before or regularly to know what your sensitivity level is to EO. I would also recommend doing a standard skin patch test to check you don’t have any negative reactions first.  Please be sure to use pure essential oil.  Just because it says pure on the bottle does not mean it actually is, you may be shocked to learn many bottles contain synthetic ingredients.  Do your own research because you want to make sure you are putting the real stuff on your skin – not chemically altered versions claiming to be pure EO.  Check this link if you want to know what brand I use.  Remember, you are applying this on an open wound (blisters) and it is better to be safe than cause more issues than you already have dealing with shingles!

Melaleuca/Tea Tree is an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory so helps soothe redness and irritation on and around the blistering skin. It is recommended to be used consistently to prevent scarring and further infection.

Lavender eases pain, reduces redness and inflammation of blisters and generally acts as a relaxant to aid sleep issues due to pain. Lavender can also treat nerve pain that may still be present after the blisters have already healed.

Peppermint is a cooling oil that calms inflammation and relieves itching, especially when the blisters begin to heal and dry.

Lemon has antiseptic qualities and brings down inflammation. Due to its high vitamin content, it is claimed to boost the immune system and improve circulation.  It is also known to be good for skin, helping to brighten and clear damaged areas.

Oregano has anti-fungal and antiviral characteristics to help with the itch while its anti-inflammatory properties soothes inflamed skin. I read it may be applied to the bottom of feet and along the spine to help fight the shingles virus, but I personally did not do this and applied directly to my blistered areas.

Eucalyptus is cooling like peppermint to reduce itching and also has analgesic properties for pain.

I recommend consistently applying oils, staying relaxed, and reducing stress while healing from shingles.  Since I had it mainly on my scalp, I saturated my scalp and left it on for several hours before washing my hair and then reapplying it and sleeping with it in my hair overnight.  However, depending on your skin sensitivity, you should monitor your reaction and wash it off if further irritation occurs.  Many of these oils can cause skin sensitivity, especially if not diluted properly.

There are other EO that are recommended for use, but I mentioned the above specifically because those are the ones I had available at the time and personally used, which worked well for me.  I do recommend you do your own research to see what information is available online and decide what you are comfortable using on your own skin based on what you have available as well.  I hope you never have to use this information!