BACKGROUND

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Also known as herpes zoster, it often appears as a band of blisters that wraps from the middle of the back around one side to the breastbone. Other parts of the body can be affected as well, including the neck, face or scalp.

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox, the virus lies inactive (dormant) in the nerves and years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles.

According to Dr. Thomas E. Levy's work, published in Vitamin C, Infectious Diseases, and Toxins, shingles may develop during periods of stress because blood serum levels of vitamin C drop at this time, allowing shingles to develop. The same research demonstrates that once diagnosed with shingles, it can be treated and cleared with large doses of vitamin C.  Because of its anti-viral and anti-toxin properties, vitamin C inactivates the virus that causes shingles.

ORTHOMOLECULAR APPROACH

The orthomolecular approach to treating shingles will look at vitamin deficiencies, with a focus on vitamin C. It may also include the elimination of refined sugar. 

Orthomolecular treatment of shingles could include the use of the following supplements:

Vitamin C 

Vitamin B12 

Vitamin E

*A customized program must be developed by an orthomolecular practitioner

REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Articles and Resources

Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, June 15, 2005. SHINGLES [Herpes Zoster] TREATMENT THAT WORKS. http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v01n05.shtml

Hoffer, Dr. Abram. "The Megavitamin Revolution." Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 7.1 (1995)

Hickey S and Saul AW. Vitamin C: The Real Story. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub, 2008.

Hoffer A and Saul AW. Orthomolecular Medicine for Everyone. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub, 2008.

Kunin, Richard. "Principles That Identify Orthormolecular Medicine: A Unique Medical Specialty". Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 4 (1987)

Levy TE. Vitamin C, Infectious Diseases, and Toxins. 2002: Xlibris. p 80-85.

Klenner FR. Observations on the dose and administration of ascorbic acid when employed beyond the range of a vitamin in human pathology. Journal of Applied Nutrition, 1971. Vol. 23, No. 3 & 4. http://yost.com/health/klenner/klenner-1971.pdf 

Zureick M. [Therapy of herpes and herpes zoster with intravenous vitamin C.] J Prat Rev Gen Clin Ther. 1950 Nov 30;64(48):586. PMID: 14908970.

Murray, Michael T. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996.

Pauling, Linus. How to Live Longer and Feel Better. Corvallis: First Oregon State University Press, 2006.