Singles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella - zoster virus that stays dormant in the nurse after childhood chickenpox, when immunity becomes slow, especially in diabetics or stress, the virus wakes up and travels along the narrow to the skin. This produces burning pain, sharp nerve, sensation, and clusters of blisters. When it appears around the neck and face, it means the cervical nerve roots are inflamed. This is why the pain is severe and the burning spreads along one side.
In Ayurveda, these conditions, we correlate to visarpa where excessive heat and inflammation aggravate pitta and weaken the bodies, natural resistance This imbalance dries the nerves, causing burning, redness, and lesions In diabetics, healing, becomes slower, and pain, may linger longer, if not treated early with cooling, anti-viral and nerve supporting remedies
She can start on
Giloy ghanvati Neem capsule Ashwagandha capsule Each tablet twice daily after food with warm water Mahamanjistadi kashyam-15, ML with equal amount of water twice daily after meals Coconut oil 200 ml + neem oil 50 ml mixed together and apply at night time If burning is more can apply sandalwood paste along with rose water
keep blood sugar under control because uncontrolled sugar levels may delay, Healing Avoid spicy, sore, fermented, fried food Take light meals, easily, digestible meals do not touch scratch or burst the blisters Avoid heat, hot water on the rash and sun exposure Keep the affected area clean, dry and lightly covered with soft cloth Get good sleep and minimum stress for quicker Healing
✔️ Do’s: ✔️ Millet roti Moong dal (green and yellow both are ok) All fruit vegetables Leafy vegetables (except methi and dil)
🧘♀️ Yogasan : 🧘♀️
1. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) 2. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) 3. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose) 4. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold) 5. Halasana (Plow Pose) 6. Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand Pose) 7. Matsyasana (Fish Pose) 8. Supta Matsyendrasana (Reclined Spinal Twist) 9. Surya Namaskar 10. Malasan (Squats Pose)
🧘♀️ Pranayam : 🧘♀️ 1. Anulo Vilom 2. Bhramari 3. Kapalbhati 4. Shitali 5. Sitkari
❌ Donot’s: ❌ NO DAIRY PRODUCTS AT ALL FOR 21 DAYS Tea Coffee Addictions Dals (except moong) Sour Packed food Processed food Achar (pickles) Papad Fried food Non veg products
💊 Medication: 💊
Tab. Live 52 DS 1 tab twice a day before food. Tab. Arogyavardhini Vati 2 tabs twice a day before food. Tab. Kamdudha Vati (praval yukt) 2 tabs twice a day before food. Tab. Gandhak Rasayan 2 tabs twice a day before food Syp. Amrutasav 2 tsp twice a day before food.
SHATADHAUT GHRIT For local application (if it is not pustulating)
DNT WOORY shingles due to viral infection in other person or in air born… it’s totally curable through ayurveda do follow instructions:-
DIVYA DERMAGHRIT TAB SEABUCKTHRON CAP=1-1 TAB BEFORE MEAL TWICE DAILY
KAISHORE GUGULU AROGYAWARDNI VATI NIMB GHAN VATI=1-1-1 TAB AFTER MEAL THRICE DAILY…
CANDIFADE OINT FOR LOCAL APPLICATION
AVOID SWEETS SOUR PROCESSED FOOD
AVOID TO CONCAT OTHERS MAINTAIN HYGINE …
ITS TOTALLY CURABLE
DR ATUL PAINULI PATANJALI YOGPEETH
Hello I completely understand your concern for your mother - shingles with severe pain on the face and neck, and the fact that it’s an elderly diabetic patient, makes it not only physically painful but also emotionally distressing. But don’t worry, we are here to help her out😊
YOUR CONCERN & PROBABLE CAUSES
Your mother is Age: 65 Years Diabetes Acute Severe Shingles (< 1 week) Pain Severity: 7–9/10 Already on Antiviral Medication
Elderly diabetics are at a very high risk of postherpetic neuralgia, secondary infection, and delay in wound healing after herpes zoster; therefore, this condition should be given proper attention.
INTERNAL MEDICINE (These support healing, immunity, nerve protection & inflammation control — to be started alongside antivirals)
1. Guduchi Satva 1-0-1 , 2 times daily after food (Enhances immune power, very useful in viral fever & diabetes)
2. Kamdudha Ras (Moti Yukta) – 1-0-1 before food (Controls Severe Pitta, burning, and Inflammation)
3. Kaishore Guggulu – 1-0-1 after food (Rakta Purifies, reduces skin inflammations)
4. Ashwagandha Churna – ½ tsp at night with warm milk (Nerve Protection & Revival)
5. Avipattikar Churna – ½ tsp at bedtime (Prevents internal heat and acid)
EXTERNAL CARE (VERY IMPORTANT)
SHINGLES DO NOT have to be treated with hot oils, heat, or irritating substances.
Once daily: Shatadhauta Ghrita – very gentle application over non-oozing areas
If oozing is present →Apply cold sterile gauze soaked in Triphala + Yashtimadhu decoction for 10 minutes
Make sure the place is clean, dry, and exposed to air Totally refrain from scratching
HOME REMEDIES (SAFE SUPPORTIVE CARE)
1. Coriander + Fennel + Yashtimadhu water – twice daily for cooling 2. Tender coconut water – once daily 3. Rice water (Kanji) – helps lowers the internal heat 4. Cold milk compress on cloth (not directly on the open wounds)
❌ Do not use turmeric, neem paste, essential oils directly on blisters in this acute stage.
DIET PLAN
✅ INCLUDE
Soft cooked rice Moong dal Bottle gourd, ridge gourd, ash gourd Pomegranate Buttermilk (diluted) Coconut water Warm water only
❌ STRICTLY AVOID
Spicy, sour, fried food Pickles Tamarind, vinegar Chicken, fish, eggs Bakery, sugar, sweets Tea, coffee Late-night meals
LIFESTYLE TIPS
Complete bed rest during the pain stage No sun exposure on the affected area Cotton loose clothing only Maintain strict blood sugar control Avoid emotional stress (very important for shingles recovery) Do not burst blisters
INVESTIGATIONS NEEDED
1. Fasting & Postprandial Blood Sugar 2. HbA1c 3. CBC 4. CRP / ESR (to assess inflammation) 5. Nerve assessment for post-herpetic neuralgia if the pain persists >3–4 weeks
ABOUT ONLINE AYURVEDIC CONSULTATION (VIDEO CALL)
Yes ✅ — Your mother surely needs a personalized online video consultation, because:
-She is old -Diabetic -Facial & neck shingles are severe -High risk of post-herpetic neuralgia
A video consultation will enable us to see:
–The blistering stage –Secondary infection –Nerve involvement Later Panchakarma (Basti, Nasya in the recovery phase) suitability
IMPORTANT TRUTH
Shingles can be managed well, but if delayed or wrongly treated at home in elderly diabetics, it may lead to long-term nerve pain that can last for months or even years. You are on the right track by taking early action.
Warm Regards, Dr Snehal Vidhate
Thank you for contacting ask ayurveda Herpes zoster / shingles are very common in diabetic patients The good sign is that it has not affected her eyes She can start on Madhusnuhi rasayana 2 capsule TID Giloy juice 10 ml daily Let her chew 5 to 6 neem leaves daily After taking this review after 3 days If you want to opt for video consultation kindly contact platform through WhatsApp no which they have provided at bottom, they will guide you regarding video consultation
Hi dear this is Dr soukhya no need to worry maa… As you mother on diabetic medicine I will not prescrib too much medicine Rx-punarnavadi kashaya 10ml twice after food Rajanyadi churna 1tsp twice before food T Arogyavardini vati 1-0-1after food
Take jayamangal ras 1tab bd, haridhrakhad 1tab bd,vibha ointment, mahamanjsiadhi gana vati 1tab bd enough, nishamalki 1tab bd
Dr RC BAMS
HELLO,
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) happens when the chickenpox virus wakes up again inside the nerves after many years
In older adults and diabetics, immunity slower, so the virus becomes active and travels along a nerve on one side of the body
WHAT THIS CAUSES: -burning/ severe pain (7-9/10) -bisters on one side of face/neck -redness, heat, swelling -sensitivity to touch -throbbing nerve pain even after blisters dry
WHY IT’S SEVERE FOR YOUR MOTHER -Age 65-> nerves are more sensitive -diabetes-> slows healing and increases inflammation -facial/neck involvement-> close to eye nerves -pain can be very high and long lasting
Shingles is not threatening but needs careful management to -control pain –prevent scarring -prevent long term nerve pain (postherapetic neuralgia) -avoid eye or ear complication
In Ayurveda, shingles resembles -Visarpaa/ pitta vata kustha
PITTA-> causes burning, redness, blisters, heat VATA->nerve pain, shooting pain, tingling KAPHA may cause oozing in some cases
ALSO Agni (digestive fire) becomes weak Ojas (immunity) is reduced Rakta + Twak (blood+skin) become inflamed
TREATMENT GOALS -control viral inflammation -reduce severe pain -heal the blisters safely -support immunity + diabetes -long term recovery
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
1) GUDUCHI CAPSULES= 500mg once daily in morning for 21 days =antiviral, reduces pitta inflammation, safe for diabetes , boosts immunity
2) AMALAKI CAPSULES= 500mg twice daily after meals for 4 weeks =rich in Vitamin C, pitta cooling, helps skin healing, strengthens immunity
3) YASHTIMADHU TEA= 1/2 tsp simmered in 1 cup water for 14 dats = soothes nerves and throat, anti inflammatory, moistens tissues
POST LESION DRYING PHASE TAKE -BRAHMI VATI= 1 tab at bedtime for 6 weeks =nerve calming, reduces neuralgia, helps sleep
EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS
1) NEEM WATER COMPRESS-boil 10-15 neem leaves in water -cool completely -use a clean cloth as a cool compress =reduces burning, redness, viral load
2) ALOE VERA GEL (pure only) -apply thinly on unbroken blisters =cooling, soothing, anti inflammatory
3) COW GHEE + TINY PINCH TURMERIC use after blisters begin drying =reduces scarring, repairs tissues
NEVER APPLY -coconut oil in fresh bliisters -garlic, onion , toothpaste -strong herbal powders -hot oils-mustard, sesame etc -steam on face
LIFESTYLE -rest is mandatory= the body heals nerves best during deep rest -avoid screen strain= especially since the rash is on the face/neck -keep stress low= stress increases herpes virus activation -avoid direct sunlight on the rash -wear loose cotton clothes
AVOID -daytime sleeping increases kapha + inflammation -cold exposure -physical exertion -emotional stress or anger (intensifies pitta)
DIET -moong dal soup -steamed vegetables- bottle gourd ,ash gourd, ridge gourd -roti with ghee -rice porridge (small quantity if diabetic) -amla -turmeric + black pepper in food -pomegranate small quantity daily
HYDRATION -warm water -coriander-seed water cooling
AVOID -spicy food -sour food- curd, buttermilk ,tomatoes -fermented food -pickles -deep fried items -sugar, bakery items -non veg except light fish
PRANAYAM -sheetali -chandra bhedana -deep belly breathing -yoga nidra
AFTER LESION DRY (day 15+) -simple neck rotatios -shoulder rools -slow walking
AVOID -kapalbhati -bhastrika -hot yoga -surya namaskar -neck heavy asanas
WHEN TO SEEK URGENT CARE -rash is near eye/forehead -vision blurring -sweling or pus -fever increases -pain becomes unbearable -blood sugar spikes -facial paralysis (rare but serious)
Shingles is painful, but with the right care -most people recover fully -ayurveda can significantly reduce pain, burning and inflammation -cooling, gentle care heals the skin -stregthening the nerves prevents long term complication -diabetes control is essential for healing
Your mother can heal well with a calm, balanced plan that combined modern antiviral medicine + safe Ayurvedic support + rest + a cooling diet
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Start with Amruthadi Guggulu Tab 2 bd after food Kamadugda rasa 1-0-1 before food Panchatiktaka Guggulu Tab 2 bd before food Application of Shatadouta gritham over the affected area Monitor blood sugar levels regularly
Start with Dermagrit 1-0-1 after food with water Kayakalp vati -DS extra strong 1-0-1 after food with water Kamdudharas moti yukta 1-0-1 after food with Apply shatdhaut grith 2-3 times in affected area. Follow up after 15days.
Medicines 1 Kaishore Guggulu: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water 2 Maha Manjisthadi Kashayam: 15ml mixed with 45ml cool boiled water, twice daily before food 3 Kamadudha Ras (Moti Yukta): 1 tablet twice daily 4 Giloy Ghan Vati (Guduchi): 1 tablet twice daily
External Therapy The “Burning” Relief: Apply Shatadhauta Ghrita (100 times washed Ghee) or fresh Aloe Vera pulp gently on the blisters. This provides immediate cooling. Lepa (Paste): Mix Neem Powder + Sandalwood Powder with Rose water. Apply gently. Do not rub. Wash off with cool water before it dries completely. Wash: Wash the area gently with water boiled with Neem leaves (cooled down to room temperature) to prevent secondary infection.
Dietary Advice Strict Exclusions: Totally avoid spicy foods (Chillies), Sour foods (Curd, Pickles, Tomatoes), and Sugar (crucial for Diabetes control).
Cooling Diet: Include Pomegranate, Bitter Gourd (Karela), and Green Gram soup. Hydration: Drink water infused with Coriander seeds or Fennel seeds (Saunf) to cool the body from within.
Lifestyle Advice Clothing: Wear only loose, soft cotton clothes. Synthetic fabric will aggravate pain. Hygiene: Isolate her towels and clothes. Do not touch or burst the blisters. Lighting: Keep her in a dimly lit room if the shingles are near the eye, as bright light may cause irritation.
For video consultation, contact this platform and opt for the doctor for video consultation.
Regards Dr Gursimran Jeet Singh MD Panchakarma
Since your mother is dealing with severe shingles and is diabetic, it’s very important to approach her condition carefully. Shingles, or ‘Visarpa’ in Ayurveda, calls for specific management due to its painful and complex nature. To begin, once you have ensured no emergency medical attention is needed, consider turmeric (Haridra) paste for its anti-inflammatory properties. Gently apply a paste made from turmeric powder and water to the affected areas to help soothe the rash and discomfort. However, monitor her skin for any irritation as sensitive skin may react differently.
Internally, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) can be beneficial for its immune-boosting effects. Guduchi can be taken as a decoction, prepared by boiling Guduchi stem in water until it reduces to half. Serve this once or twice a day, ideally on an empty stomach, but as she is diabetic, monitor her blood sugar levels closely. Carefully choose the quantity that suits her, possibly starting with a small amount.
In addition to these remedies, adjusting her diet to be easily digestible and Pitta balancing is crucial. Emphasize cooling foods such as cucumbers and leafy greens, while avoiding spicy and fried foods. Hydration is also key, so ensure she drinks plenty of warm water but avoids sugary beverages that could spike her blood sugar.
For pain management, consider using Mahanarayana Taila or Sahacharadi Taila for gentle application around the painful areas, but avoid directly on the rash. Regular Ayurveda consultations can precisely tailor these recommendations and monitor progress, which is crucial in managing both a significant outbreak of shingles and diabetes.
Regarding an online consultation, search for a qualified Ayurvedic physician who offers telemedicine services; many practitioners today provide such options due to increasing digital accessibility. Ensure they’re experienced with conditions where both diabetes and acute viral diseases intersect, as the treatment is a bit nuanced.
Be mindful, though, that severe shingles around the face and neck should be scrutinized closely by conventional medical professionals to prevent complications like postherpetic neuralgia, and vision complications. Balancing her system in alignment with Ayurvedic principles will be supportive alongside regular medical oversight.
Thank you, Doctor, for your detailed insights. At present, she is receiving antiviral medication along with topical ointment. Could you kindly suggest the appropriate protocol for transitioning her from Western medicine to Ayurvedic treatment methods?
I am also planning to have her admitted to the Kottakal Arya Vaidhyasala, Kerala, where I understand you are listed as a practitioner. Would it be possible to arrange an initial video consultation with you, followed by guidance on the timeline and inpatient treatment plan for my mother?
Thank you very much for your support.
For treating shingles in an elderly diabetic patient, especially when it’s severe, it’s crucial to approach carefully. The condition points to a vitiation of Vata and Pitta doshas. First and foremost, it is essential to have her condition effectively monitored by a health professional.
For immediate discomfort relief, a paste made from sandalwood powder and rose water can soothe the rash and reduce burning sensation. Apply this gently on the affected area once or twice daily. Turmeric powder mixed with coconut oil can be applied due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This combination is soothing, yet do ensure no allergies to these ingredients first by testing a small patch nearby.
Internally, sipping on light herbal teas like chamomile or tulsi can help calm the agitated doshas and reduce stress. These should be consumed mildly warm two to three times a day. Encouraging her to have light meals that are easy on digestion, such as soups and well-cooked vegetables, will maintain her Agni (digestive fire) without overburdening it.
Alongside, ensure her blood sugar levels are closely monitored and managed, as fluctuations could exacerbate symptoms. Her water intake should be consistent but moderate, avoiding any iced drinks or cold foods.
Regarding finding an Ayurvedic practitioner for online consultation, it depends on your regional access. Contacting reputable integrative medical centers or Ayurvedic colleges might be a way to find qualified professionals offering virtual services. Prompt medical attention is necessary if her symptoms escalate or worsen, as shingles, particularly on the face, can have complications.
