About the Illness

Herpes zoster (shingles) is an illness caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.
It tends to affect adults, even if they had chickenpox as children, and is a very common  problem amongst HIV+ adults. If a line or patch of painful blisters suddenly appears on one side of your body, it is most likely Herpes zoster.

Common Symptoms

A rash of small blisters developing in a line on one side of the body.
They usually occur on the back, arms, face/neck, thighs, stomach/waist or chest and can cause weakness in the arms. Blisters usually disappear after 2-3 weeks.
Before they appear, a patient may experience fatigue, headaches, fever and stomach problems.
3-4 days before blisters develop the area feels sensitive and there is often an itching, tingling sensation.

Children's Issues

Children do not normally suffer from Herpes zoster, but it is quite common in HIV+ children.

Important Information

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Herbal Therapy

Firstly, you need to fight the infection from the inside. To do this take one of these tonics: Withania somnifera Tea and Inhalation Boil a handful of leaves in a covered pan of 1.5 ltr water.  Use as an inhalation and drink 1/2 glass 2x daily for 1 month. (6-10 yrs steam + 3 tbsp 2x daily; 2-6 yrs: steam + 3 tbsp 2x daily; up to 2 yrs: bathe in water + 2 tbsp 2x daily.) Do not take on an empty stomach. Symptoms should improve after 4 days. If you can, start treatment when you experience the tingling sensation, and this should prevent it developing into a full blown attack.	Tea/Decoction Close   This is a good method for extracting substances from thick leaves, roots or bark.   Boil 1 handful of plant material together with 1 ltr of water for about 20 minutes.   Try to use a clay pot or stainless steel saucepan. Do NOT use aluminium saucepans as they can react adversely with the medicine. Prepare a fresh decoction every day.   If you need to sweeten the decoction, use honey instead of sugar because honey has more medicinal value than sugar. Good for:Kids
Moringa and Wild Marigold Tea Place a handful of Moringa leaves and a handful of wild marigold leaves and flowers in 1 ltr water and boil for 30 minutes in a covered pan. Drink 1 glass 2x daily for 2 weeks. If you use dried and powdered leaves and flowers, dissolve 1 tsp of each in 1 ltr water and take 1 glass 2x daily.  Symptoms should improve after 1 week.	Tea/Decoction Close   This is a good method for extracting substances from thick leaves, roots or bark.   Boil 1 handful of plant material together with 1 ltr of water for about 20 minutes.   Try to use a clay pot or stainless steel saucepan. Do NOT use aluminium saucepans as they can react adversely with the medicine. Prepare a fresh decoction every day.   If you need to sweeten the decoction, use honey instead of sugar because honey has more medicinal value than sugar. Good for:All Moringa oleifera Tagetes minuta
If you do not catch it in time to prevent sores developing, clean the blisters 2-3x daily by using: Aloe vera Juice Apply juice to the wounds to clean them 2x daily for as long as necessary. This helps to prevent scarring.	Cold Water Extract Close   This is used to extract ingredients that are destroyed by heat.   For the best results, cut leaves into small pieces or pound roots with a mortar and pestle.   Soak plant parts in water overnight unless the recipe advises otherwise. Filter before use. Prepare freshly every day. Good for:All Aloe spp.
Moringa Leaf Bath Boil a handful of leaves in a covered pan with 1 ltr of water. Allow to cool and use the liquid to bathe wounds 2x daily for as long as necessary. Having cleaned the wounds, apply one of the following remedies to help soothe the pain, dry out blisters and prevent scarring:	Cold Water Extract Close   This is used to extract ingredients that are destroyed by heat.   For the best results, cut leaves into small pieces or pound roots with a mortar and pestle.   Soak plant parts in water overnight unless the recipe advises otherwise. Filter before use. Prepare freshly every day. Good for:All Moringa oleifera
Frangipani Sap After cleaning the wounds apply drops of the sap/milk from the flower onto the wounds.  Only use white and yellow flowers.	Cold Water Extract Close   This is used to extract ingredients that are destroyed by heat.   For the best results, cut leaves into small pieces or pound roots with a mortar and pestle.   Soak plant parts in water overnight unless the recipe advises otherwise. Filter before use. Prepare freshly every day. Good for:All Plumeria alba
Lantana camara Juice After cleaning the wounds, apply drops of juice from crushed leaves to blisters.	Cold Water Extract Close   This is used to extract ingredients that are destroyed by heat.   For the best results, cut leaves into small pieces or pound roots with a mortar and pestle.   Soak plant parts in water overnight unless the recipe advises otherwise. Filter before use. Prepare freshly every day. Good for:All Lantana camara

Food and Nutrition Advice

• Prevent infection by keeping immune system strong through diet and immunity boosters.
• Eat foods with high Vitamin C content.

Body Work and General Advice

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