Shingles are the other name for Herpes Zoster. The virus varicella-zoster causes it. It is the same virus that is typically responsible for the outbreak of chickenpox. The varicella-zoster virus is never cleared from the body. It tends to relapse even after a decade of chickenpox eruption. Sometimes, the condition surfaces in the form of blisters or inflammation in the skin and nerves. This is called shingles or herpes zoster.

The best-known remedy for shingles are antiviral medicines. These medicines help in reducing the severity of the rash if administered within 72 hours of the eruptions. Pain relieving medicines are recommended to ease out the pain. Pain relievers that can be administered along with the antiviral help a lot in the condition. Narcotic pain drugs are also prescribed to control the inflammation and pain. However, home remedies for shingles are also effective in the cure of shingles. Apart from the medicines prescribed, you can take care of yourself by following simple home remedies for shingles to cure shingles listed below:

• Cool Shower
  Cleansing the blisters will reduce the risk of spreading. The cool water will soothe your burning blisters and provide comfort. You can add colloidal oatmeal or cornstarch to lukewarm water and soak them for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not use hot water because that will increase blood flow and aggravate the rashes. Pat your skin dry and wash the towel used to prevent spreading the germs. This will calm your blisters and comfort you. This is one of the easiest remedies for shingles.
• Cool Compress
  Taking a bath once a day may not be enough to reduce the itchiness of the shingles. In addition to daily showers, you can compress your blisters from time to time. Use a clean cloth and soak it in water. Wring out the excess water from the cloth and apply it gently on the shingles. Ensure that the water isn’t ice cold as it will have an adverse effect on the shingles. You can repeat the procedure multiple times in the day. This will calm your sores and relieve pain. Cleaning your blisters from time to time is important. This is the second best remedy for shingles that you can try at home.
• Baking Soda and Cornstarch Paste
  You can make a paste out of baking soda and cornstarch. Both the ingredients are readily available at home. Mix a portion of the ingredients and add water to get the desired consistency. Apply the mixture to the shingles and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. Then wash off using water. You can repeat the process several times in a day. This will act as a catalyst to the healing process. This is one of the popular remedies for shingles.
• Lotions and creams
  If the above remedies for shingles fail to work, then try applying creams and lotions. These creams and lotions may not cure the shingles but will provide you with much-required comfort and respite. There are two types of cream and lotion for remedy of shingles. First, which contains capsaicin, found in chili peppers. It is best known for its anti-inflammatory property. The initial application may cause a burning sensation, but it will slowly ease out the pain. Second, you can apply a calamine lotion after bath. Calamine has cooling and healing effects and can help soothe blisters.
• Healthy Diet
  To cure yourself of shingles, you need a strong immune system. A weak immune system can aggravate the shingles and make you weak. Your body needs proteins and vitamins to help build a good immune system. So, you have to make some additions and subtractions in your regular diet.
  Food to be taken
  – Orange and yellow fruits
  – Leafy vegetables
  – Meat, fish, and eggs
  – Dairy products and whole grains
  – Beans, tomatoes, and spinach
  Food to be avoided
  – Food and juices with high sugar content
  – Chocolates, gelatins, and nuts
  – Carbohydrates
  – Food with saturated fats
  Maintaining a proper diet is a major remedy for shingles.
• Homeopathy
  Homeopathy has proved to more than one remedy for shingles. You can consult a homeopathic doctor or physician and determine the course of medicines for intake. It not only soothes the itchiness but is also popular because it cures the body of the virus.
• Herbal Medicines
  Apart from the above treatments, herbal medicines have proved to be a boon for remedy of shingles. Melatonin, oregano oil and lemon balm are some useful herbal medicines for shingles. Green tea and fatty acids are also effective remedies for shingles.

Each body is different, and so, each patient requires a different course of action. The remedy which will suit others may not suit you. So, you should be vigilant and check for a remedy that is best suited for your body type. Apart from this, avoid any scratching or peeling of the blisters. Wait patiently for them to peel off.