Did you have the chicken pox when you were a kid? Herpes zoster virus is the chicken pox virus, which is also the shingles virus, revisited. The chicken pox virus stays dormant until your immune system falls down on the job. The resulting painful, blistery flare-up is shingles.

St. John's wort is an antiviral, anti-inflammatory herb that can also strengthen the nervous system. Drink St. John's-wort tea to help you destress, and gently massage the tincture directly on the affected area. Both tea and tinctUre are available at health food stores.

Aloe vera gel is a soothing, cooling antiseptic. You can buy a bottle at a health food store or you can buy an aloe vera plant. They're inexpensive, easy to grow and they look a lot prettier than a refrigerated bottle. Look for aloes that have little spikes on the edge of the leaves.

When using the plant, cut off the lowest leaf, then cut that leaf into 2-inch pieces. Slice one of the pieces in half and apply the gel directly to the affected area. Individually wrap the remaining pieces of the leaf in plastic wrap and keep them in the freezer. Every few hours, take a piece of leaf from the freezer and apply the soothing gel. Lysine may help stop the spread of the herpes zoster virus. Take lysine pills, available at health food stores (follow recommended dosage on label) or eat flounder.

Natural home remedies
Make a paste of baking soda and water, and apply to the affected area for some relief.

Prepare a paste of Epsom salts and water. Place the paste directly on the affected area. Repeat the procedure as often as possible.

Apply any of the following to relieve the itching and speed the healing-witch hazel (an astringent), apple cider vinegar (an infection fighter), red raspberry tea (particularly good for viral eruptive problems) or aloe vera gel.

Take bayberry, cinnamon, ginger, lobelia, and valerian root to aid the healing process.
Drink pennyroyal tea frequently.