Question: Is there anything I can do to alleviate the symptoms of shingles?

Dr. Blaylock's Answer:

Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the reactivation of a dormant chickenpox virus, and affects a number of nerves in the face, chest, abdomen, or extremities. It is caused by a loss of immune function. This is why we see it in the elderly more often than younger people.

It can also be a sign of an underlying cancer for the same reason. Usually the pain develops in the distribution of a particular nerve several days before the rash appears, which is raised, red, and blistering. An intense, unrelenting pain called post-herpetic neuralgia can follow the outbreak of the rash. Early treatment, within 72 hours of the appearance of the blisters, can often terminate an attack and prevent the severe pain.

The most effective treatment I have found is a combination of: 5,000 IU of vitamin B-12 (methylcobalamin) twice a day;, vitamin B-6 (as pyridoxal 5-phosphate, 50 milligrams a day; vitamin B-1 (as benfotiamine), 200 milligrams a day; magnesium citrate, 500 milligrams twice a day; DHA oil (Neuromins), 600 milligrams a day; and a vitamin mineral tablet (Extend Core from www.vrp.com). This regimen should be taken for three months. Most of these you can get from the
Web site www.vitacost.com.

To prevent recurrences you should stay on the Extend Core permanently and use beta- 1,3/1,6 glucan 250 milligrams twice a week to be taken on an empty stomach. The latter supplement stimulates your immune system.