Shingles refers to skin rashes and blisters caused by Varicella zoster virus or VZV. This virus is highly contagious. Shingles is a very bad infection, and can leave ugly scars and blemishes on your face. The most terrible aspect of it is that even after an effective treatment has treated the rashes, the excruciating pain can last for years.

There are various treatment options available for shingles. However, a natural treatment for shingles is the best. This skin disease is best cured with natural remedies, which pose no threat of side-effects and provide efficient cure. There is an array of herbal treatments on hand for shingles. Propolis, golden seal, Echinacea and elderberry are some of the commonly used herbs for natural treatment of shingles. These can be taken in fluid form, for example, as tea. They can also be consumed in the form of syrups, tablets or powders. These herbs are a natural remedy to provide relief from pain and itching.

For a good topical solution, moist clay or cooked oatmeal can be used in place of calamine lotion. It is not only a good remedy for easing itch, it is also a good drying agent. Bathing with oatmeal is also recommended to help ease pain and inflammation. For after-bath application, coconut oil or aloe vera is highly recommended. Fresh aloe vera has anti-infection properties that helps to dry the rashes and gives the skin a soothing effect. You can use natural aloe vera gels off the shelves if fresh pulp of aloe vera is not available in your area.

Mix cayenne pepper and aloe vera together will get you the perfect shingles natural remedy to ease pain and itchiness. For every full tablespoon of aloe vera, add about 1/4th teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can also add one tablespoon of coconut oil to this mixture and mix it well. Dab a soft cotton ball into the mixture and apply it to the affected area for instant relief. It will slowly heal the rashes. Also, another remedy for pain, which works wonders, is eucalyptus oil, which can be gently rubbed and massaged to the skin. Lemon oil also relieves pain. You can also choose to apply moist towels or ice packs on the affected skin to relieve pain and itching. This can be repeated when necessary. It is really important to keep the rashes cool in order to provide relief from itching and pain from shingles.

Intake of healthy, vitamin-rich food is also very important for the treatment of shingles. Your diet should include good amount of fresh peaches, berries, melons, lemons, avocado, mangoes and tomatoes. One of the most popular natural treatment remedy is garlic as it has special antiseptic qualities. You will not go wrong with green, leafy vegetables and brown rice. Sugar must be eliminated from the daily diet. Also avoid caffeine, carbonated drinks and any form of meat. You must ensure a good intake of Vitamin C to boost your body's immune system. Following a healthy diet and building your immune system will keep the infection from worsening, thus saving you from any more pain.

You must be wondering if following a healthy regime and taking the route of natural shingles treatment is going to be effective for you. Well, it's obvious to think whether these self-help natural remedies will yield good results, give you clear skin and cure shingles. It is absolutely normal for you to think twice, but going with the above mentioned natural treatments, you won't go too far wrong -or a combination of them—and follow it religiously, and with full confidence. These natural treatments are tried-and-tested and are the safest way to get rid of shingles.

All these remedies are purely natural, and free of harmful side-effects, but you should always consult your doctor to decide the best options that will suit your condition and successfully treat shingles.