Shingles? What Are They and How Can Aromatherapy Play a Part In My Recovery?
Shingles are a viral infection caused by varicella zoster, or what is more commonly known as the chickenpox virus.
This virus remains dormant (inactive) in the body’s central nervous system after one recovers from chickenpox.
The virus can become active again when triggered, causing a painful rash or small blisters that generally develop on one side of the body or face. The rash or blisters are more common in people with weakened immune systems or over 50.
Although it is unknown what specifically triggers the virus to become active again, stress may play a part in leading to reactivation. Aromatherapy plays an integral part in helping to lessen the overall stress response.
When shingles develop, these essential oils and yarrow hydrosol help reduce the nerve pain associated with this condition while supporting the skin as it heals. Included is a dispersant called Solubol. Solubol is important as it disperses the essential oils into the hydrosol. Essential oils and a water-based product don't naturally blend together and need this additional step.
A spray is perfect for applying the essential oil blend to the skin as we want to minimize the need to touch the area when applying as the area is pretty painful.
Shingles Spray With Yarrow Hydrosol Recipe
Essential Oils & Ingredients:
10 drops Melissa Oil (Melissa officinalis)
10 drops Sandalwood Oil (Santalum album)
3.5 ml (87 drops) Solubol/Dispersant
0.75 fl oz (22.5 ml) Yarrow Hydrosol (Achillea millefolium)
1 oz (30 ml) Spray Bottle
Directions:
1. Add a little less than 1 fl oz (about 22-23 mls) yarrow hydrosol into a spray bottle.
2. Add Solubol.
3. Add essential oils and shake well before use.
The question is often asked, "What can I do to help manage the stress that could potentially activate this dormant virus?" Essential oils have been extensively researched on how they can support our nervous system and help us to deal with chronic stress. When stress is decreased, we minimize the risk of developing shingles.
Education is the key to success! Learn how to create effective products that help reduce pain when we need it!
References
John Hopkins Medicine, 2022. Shingles. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/shingles
Nguyen, V.L., Truong, C.T., Nguyen, B.C.Q., Vo, T.V., Dao, T.T., Nguyen, V.D., Trinh, D.T., Huynh, H.K., Bui, C.B. (2017) Anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of calophyllolide isolated from Calophyllum inophyllum Linn. PLoS One. 2017 Oct 11;12(10):e0185674. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185674. PMID: 29020015; PMCID: PMC5636079.
Léguillier, T., Lecsö-Bornet, M., Lémus, C., Rousseau-Ralliard, D., Lebouvier, N., Hnawia, E., Nour, M., Aalbersberg, W., Ghazi, K., Raharivelomanana, P., & Rat, P. (2015). The Wound Healing and Antibacterial Activity of Five Ethnomedical Calophyllum inophyllum Oils: An Alternative Therapeutic Strategy to Treat Infected Wounds. PloS one, 10(9), e0138602.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0138602 Cardoso, C.R., Favoreto, S. Jr, Oliveira, L.L., Vancim, J.O., Barban, G.B., Ferraz, D.B., Silva, J.S. (2011) Oleic acid modulation of the immune response in wound healing: a new approach for skin repair. Immunobiology. Mar;216(3):409-15. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2010.06.007. Epub 2010 Jul 23. PMID: 20655616.
