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...
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
- 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!
- Need a quick cool down? Try drinking some hot liquid. It's true! As counterintuitive as it may seem, the heat from hot liquids will raise your body temperature. This will heat you up and cause you to sweat. The increased perspiration will wind up helping you feel cooler as it evaporates. Try it out!
- There are many factors that contribute to your body odor, but one of the strongest links is our diet. This may be some bad news for meat-lovers because many studies have shown that those who refrained from or ate less red meat were judged as being more pleasant smelling. The meat sweats are real, and they don’t smell great!
- 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.