Shingles and Aromatherapy

Herpes zoster or shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox.  This virus (varicella-zoster virus or VZV) can lay dormant within the body and re-emerge due to stress, weakened immune system, immunosuppressive drugs, or sleep deprivation.  It usually occurs in middle-aged or in older people but can happen at any age.

Shingles can produce a rash with blisters.  It is not contagious to healthy people who have already had a case of chicken pox in the past, but pregnant people should avoid contact with someone who has active shingles.   The rash is usually on one side of the body but can include both sides.  Since it usually lays dormant in a dorsal root ganglion of a nerve after an episode of chicken pox, the rash appears along this nerve line. 

A person with shingles may experience symptoms three or four days before the rash appears such as headache, tingling, itching, fatigue, or pains in the affected area.  Then the rash with blisters will appear. It will crust over and disappear in two to three weeks. During this time, it is important to keep the area clean to avoid a secondary bacterial infection.  There is no cure for shingles but there are antiviral medications that can help if taken with 72 hours of when the blisters appear.  Also, there is a shingles vaccine available taken in two injections, four months apart.

Aromatherapy has been very effective for shingles. The oils used for shingles are diluted in a carrier oil, usually tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) oil which is indicated for shingles.  The dilution rate of essential oils to the carrier oil is higher than normal and it best to consult a certified aromatherapist for recommendations or to obtain a formulated blend.  The blend is intended to reduce pain, speed healing and lessen or eliminate scarring.  The essential oils used may vary based on specific symptoms but usually include ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora), melissa (Melissa officinalis, which is the essential oil from the lemon balm plant), and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), among others that could be in the blend. These have antiviral properties as do many others. Essential oils with skin regenerative properties could also be included. It is best to consult a certified aromatherapist to address specific symptoms.