CBD for Shingles

CBD can help where other medications fail

Anyone who has ever suffered with shingles will tell you that it is excruciating almost to the point of madness. The pain from a shingles outbreak can last for months and even years in some cases. In this article we will explore what causes shingles, foods to avoid, foods to enjoy, and how CBD can be the answer that many sufferers are looking for to help ease the pain that accompanies this disease.


What is shingles?

Shingles is a blistery rash that is caused by the same virus as 
chickenpox called the Varicella Zoster Virus. After a person has had chicken pox the varicella zoster virus remains dormant in the central nervous system and can reactivate many years later in the form of shingles. It traditionally presents as a line of blisters across the right or left side of the torso but can show up in any part of the body. There are many symptoms of shingles, but the most notable for people who have suffered from this condition is pain. The pain can be incredibly intense and can drag on for years. Although shingles is not a physically life threatening condition, many people who suffer from it can develop extreme anxiety and hopelessness due to the never ending onslaught of pain.


What are the causes and risks of shingles?

Anyone who has had chicken pox can develop shingles. The virus that causes chicken pox can live dormant in the central nervous system for many years. Many things can cause the virus to reactivate allowing it to travel along the nerve channels and out to the skin forming a painful blistery rash. Science is still unclear on exactly why this dormant virus reactivates in some people, but most scientists believe it to be a weakened immune system. There are many risk factors for developing shingles, but the most commonly cited risks include:



Can shingles cause other complications?


  • Skin infections. Shingles begins with an itchy, blistery, rash. These blisters can open up and invite in a whole host of bacteria. Keep skin clean & dry and avoid harsh soaps when you are in the rash phase of shingles to avoid infection.
  • Prolonged pain even after rash has cleared (Postherpetic Neuralgia). Many sufferers will experience pain for longer than 3 months after the rash disappears. Some even report experiencing this pain for many years. This pain can present as a deep ache, stabbing pain, pain with light touch, painful itching, or deep numbness. Exposure to this level of pain can cause sufferers to develop depression, insomnia, fatigue, and trouble concentrating.
  • Neurological symptoms. Some people can develop neurological symptoms such as dizziness, facial paralysis, hearing loss, vertigo, and inflammation of the brain.


Is shingles contagious?
Shingles
can be transmitted when in the blister phase, but only to someone who has never had chickenpox. Once the rash has crusted over, the person is no longer considered contagious but should still practice caution. There are a few things you can do to limit exposing others when you are in the blister phase of shingles.

  • Keep the rash clean, dry, & covered. This is especially important when blisters are still fluid filled and/or oozing.
  • Try to avoid scratching or even touching the rash area.
  • Wash your hands more often than usual.
  • Avoid anyone who has never had chicken pox, pregnant and nursing women, & anyone with a weakened immune system


You need to consume foods low in arginine & high in lysine when suffering a shingles flare up. Arginine is an amino acid that the virus can use to reproduce in your cells and lysine is an amino acid that counteracts the effects of arginine.
Avoid foods high in arginine:

  • Soy
  • Gelatin
  • Grains
  • Nuts & seeds
  • Dark chocolate
  • Alcohol and caffeine
  • Certain muscle building supplements


Consume foods high in lysine:

  • Most poultry & meat
  • Yogurt
  • Most cheeses
  • Most fruits (especially apples, mangoes, & pears)
  • Fish


Can CBD help with shingles?
CBD has been shown to
inhibit viruses, and decrease inflammation that leads to cell damage. Using CBD can promote and maintain homeostasis to prevent the virus from becoming active and producing a shingles outbreak. Many people report that CBD aids in relieving the symptoms of a shingles outbreak, especially the pain that is associated with it. CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory, promotes homeostasis, calms overactive nerves and pain signaling, and helps reduce stress that can lead to an outbreak.


The most important thing to note when taking CBD for a shingles outbreak is consistency and finding your therapeutic window. Everyone's cannabinoid receptors are different and not a one size fits all therapy. When starting CBD you should:

  • Start low and slow: start with a low dose for a couple of days and increase little by little until you reach the dose that is giving you some relief
  • Be consistent: I warn people all the time to use CBD proactively. Once you have found your therapeutic window or your "sweet spot", take that dose every day and keep a journal of the relief and benefits that you experience.
  • Know the difference between an oral and a topical application: Topical applications are fantastic for localized pain. Finding a product that is penetrating and concentrated can bring fast pain relief to shingles outbreaks. Using an oral (CBD oil, water soluble, edible, etc.) allows the CBD to travel throughout your system and hit the many receptors that are found on nearly every cell type in your body.
  • Be patient: While some lucky people will report almost instant relief from symptoms when beginning their CBD journey, for others it will take some time for their Endocannabinoid System to catch up. Taking CBD on a regular basis will help your body to achieve and maintain homeostasis leading to a healthier you.


* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

Rustic Oils CBD Of Lee's Summit LLC Blog

By Rachel Crawford January 28, 2026
We’ve all had that moment.... . During a belly rub, you feel it—a new "lump or bump" that wasn't there last week. Your heart sinks, and suddenly, nothing else matters than the health of your fur baby This is where the ancient wisdom of mushrooms like Turkey Tail and Reishi steps in. Think of them as nature’s quiet protectors. I have given them to Abbey for a couple of years but I so wish I would have started from the beginning. Turkey Tail is the "Immune Architect." It’s packed with beta-glucans that help the body’s natural defenses recognize and respond to cellular changes. It’s like giving your dog’s immune system a pair of glasses so it can see exactly where it needs to go to work. Reishi is often called the "Mushroom of Immortality," but for our pups, it’s the "Mushroom of Zen." It supports longevity, helps manage the body’s response to occasional stress, and provides much-needed relief for those pesky seasonal allergies. When we combine these in our homemade treats or as a food topper, we aren't just feeding them; we’re fighting for more "zoomies," more tail wags, and more years of companionship. Why We Trust Verdant Leaf When it comes to our pets, "good enough" isn't an option. That’s why I’ve always been uncompromising about the brands I bring into the shop. Verdant Leaf is the gold standard for clean, reliable supplements for a few very specific reasons: Purity First: Their powders are free from the fillers, grains, and "fluff" that often plague commercial pet supplements. You are getting 100% functional mushroom power. Transparent Sourcing: They prioritize high-quality extraction methods, ensuring the beneficial compounds (like those vital beta-glucans) are actually bioavailable for your dog to absorb. Tested & Trusted: Every batch is held to rigorous standards, so you can feel confident that what’s on the label is exactly what’s in the bowl. Using a clean brand like Verdant Leaf ensures that your "fur baby" is getting the support they deserve without any of the junk they don't. Here are links to Verdant Leaf Turkey Tail & Verdant Leaf Reishi Recipes you can make at home! I actually use these powders as a topper for Abbey's food or I make a mushroom broth for her to drink, but you can also create these yummy treats at home for pups that are a little pickier "Immune-Boost" No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Best for: Quick prep and masking the earthy mushroom taste. Ingredients : 1 cup Oat flour (or blended rolled oats) 1/2 cup Natural peanut butter (ensure it is Xylitol-free) 1/4 cup Unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Verdant Leaf Powder: 1/4 {1/8 tsp each species, or 1/4 tsp if you are using only one species} tsp per 10 lbs of dog weight (totaled for the batch size) Instructions : Mix the mushroom powder into the peanut butter and applesauce until well-blended. Stir in the oat flour until a dough forms. Roll into bite-sized balls based on the dog's daily dosage needs. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer. Sweet Potato & Reishi "Cookies" Best for: Dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. Ingredients: 1 cup Mashed cooked sweet potato 1 1/2 cups Brown rice flour (or whole wheat flour if tolerated) 1 Egg Verdant Leaf Powder: Calculate total dosage for the number of cookies (e.g., if making 20 cookies and the dog needs 1/2 tsp daily {1/4 tsp each species, or 1/2 tsp of any single species}, add 10 tsp to the batch). Instructions : Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).Mix all ingredients into a dough. Roll out and cut into shapes. Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm. Golden Mushroom Bone Broth (Liquid Topper) Best for: Older dogs who might enjoy a warm topper on their meals. Ingredients : 2 cups Low-sodium beef or chicken bone broth (onion/garlic-free) 1/2 tsp Turmeric (for extra anti-inflammatory benefits) Dash of black pepper (needed to activate anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric) 1 tsp coconut oil, beef tallow, or fish oil Verdant Leaf Powder: Whisk in 1/4 {1/8 tsp each species, or 1/4 tsp if you are using only one species} tsp per serving. Instructions : Warm the broth slightly (not boiling).Whisk in the mushroom powder and turmeric until dissolved. Pour over kibble or freeze in ice cube trays for "pupsicles." MUSHROOM DOSING GUIDELINE * Daily Maintenance Dosage (Give once daily for general health) Under 20 lbs: 1/4 teaspoon 20 to 50 lbs: 1/2 teaspoon 50 to 90 lbs: 3/4 teaspoon Over 90 lbs: 1 teaspoon Therapeutic/ Loading Dosage (Give for "lumps and bumps" or the first 2 weeks of use) Under 20 lbs: 1/2 teaspoon 20 to 50 lbs: 1 teaspoon 50 to 90 lbs: 1 & 1/2 teaspoons Over 90 lbs: 2 teaspoons *The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require this notice.
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