How to Take CBD Oil for Shingles

Last Updated: July 7, 2022 References

Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster (chickenpox) virus, so if you’ve ever had chickenpox, you’re at risk of getting shingles. This condition causes a painful rash and itching that usually lasts for 3 to 5 weeks.^{[1]
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Research source} However, about 10 to 18% of people who get shingles experience nerve pain, called postherpetic neuralgia, long after the rash clears.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source} There is some evidence that CBD oil can be used as a natural remedy for shingles pain.^{[3]
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Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
Go to source} Check out the tips below to learn how to choose the best CBD oil for shingles pain and start using incorporating it into your shingles treatment.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Seeking Medical Advice for Shingles

1
See a doctor for a diagnosis if you suspect you have shingles. The most notable symptom of shingles is a rash that appears in a stripe on one side of the body or face. Shingles causes some distinct symptoms before the rash is visible, such as shooting, tingling, or itching on one side of the body or face. Then, a rash will emerge about 1 to 14 days after this. Some people also experience additional symptoms, such as:^{[4]
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Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Upset stomach
2
Start an antiviral medication within 3 days of your symptoms beginning. Starting on an antiviral medication within 3 days of noticing symptoms is ideal since this can help to reduce the severity and length of shingles. As soon as you notice symptoms, see a doctor for a diagnosis and get a prescription for an antiviral medication.^{[5]
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MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
Go to source} Some of the medications available for reducing the severity of shingles include: ^{[6]
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Research source}
- Acyclovir
- Valcyclovir
- Famcyclovir
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3
Ask your doctor about taking CBD oil to treat pain and discomfort. Although the research on CBD oil for shingles is limited, some studies indicate that CBD oil may be useful for treating neuropathic pain, which is the type of pain that shingles causes. However, the best way to decide if taking CBD oil is right for you is to discuss it with your doctor.^{[7]
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Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
Go to source}
- Try saying something like, “I’m considering taking CBD oil to manage my pain while I have shingles. Is this a safe option for me?”
- Be aware that your doctor may suggest alternatives to CBD oil, which may provide more reliable relief for shingles pain and discomfort. If you still want to try CBD oil, ask if you can try it for a few days or in addition to another medication.
4
Avoid taking CBD oil if you’re taking medications that interact with it. CBD oil interacts with some medications, so it’s important to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medications you’re taking. Even if you take an over-the-counter medication or supplement, tell your doctor about it. If you’re taking a medication that’s known to react with CBD oil, it’s best not to take CBD oil. Some of the medications that may interact with CBD oil include:^{[8]
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Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
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- Omeprazole
- Warfarin
- Risperidone
- Diclofenac
- Ketoconazole^{[9]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
Safety Precaution: Although side effects of CBD oil are rare, it’s important to watch for them while you’re taking CBD oil. Also, keep in mind that people who take other medications are at a higher risk of side effects from CBD oil. Stop taking CBD oil and contact your doctor if you develop nausea, changes in weight or appetite, tiredness, diarrhea, dry mouth, or low blood pressure.^{[10]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing a Delivery Method and Dose

1
Rub CBD oil on affected skin to soothe specific areas of your body. CBD oil is available in creams, lotions, and ointments that you can apply to your skin. This may be the best option for pain and itching due to shingles. With topical application, you can target specific areas of your body, such as where you’re experiencing the most pain and discomfort. However, make sure to check with your doctor to see if it’s okay to apply CBD oil to your shingles rash.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Aimée Shunney, ND
Licensed Naturopathic Doctor
Expert Interview. 31 January 2020.}
- Avoid applying CBD oil lotions, ointments, or creams to any open sores on your body. Only use it on skin that is intact.
- Topical CBD oil works quickly, so you may feel the effects within about 5 minutes and the effects may last for 6 hours or longer. Reapply the CBD oil when the effects wear off or as recommended by the manufacturer.
2
Try inhaling CBD oil with a vape pen if you need quick relief. Inhaled CBD oil is the quickest way to get it into your system, so it’s a good option if you need fast pain relief.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Aimée Shunney, ND
Licensed Naturopathic Doctor
Expert Interview. 31 January 2020.} Use a vape pen or other vaporizing device to inhale the CBD oil. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to use the device. The pain relieving effects of the CBD oil should take effect almost immediately.^{[13]
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Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing
Go to source}
- Although inhaled CBD oil is fast-acting, it wears off quickly. Repeat the dosage every 2 to 3 hours to keep CBD oil in your system.
3
Use CBD oil spray or drops for quick relief if you don’t want to inhale it. If you’d rather not purchase or use vaping equipment, there are CBD oils and sprays that you can administer sublingually, which means under your tongue. This allows the CBD oil to bypass your digestive system and go straight into your blood stream, so you should notice the effects within 15 to 30 minutes.^{[14]
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- You can find reliable CBD oil products online here.
- The effects of a sublingual dose will last around 4 to 6 hours.
4
Look into CBD oil edibles if you don’t mind waiting for the effects. CBD oil edibles come in many different forms, such as a gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and flavored coffee drinks. You can also buy CBD oil to add to your food and beverages. The effects of edible CBD are long-lasting, but it will take around 30 to 90 minutes to feel the effects, so this might not be the best option if your pain is severe.^{[15]
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- You can find edible CBD gummies online here.
- Effects of edible CBD oil last for 4 hours or longer. However, you may need a higher dose than with other delivery methods.
5
Start with a low dose and increase it only if needed. The amount of CBD oil you may need to treat shingles pain and discomfort will depend on your weight and personal body chemistry. Since the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate CBD oil and there have not been any studies to determine an effective dose for shingles pain, you may need to experiment a little to find the right dose for you. Take the lowest dose recommended by the manufacturer, and if it doesn't work, increase the dose the next time you take it.^{[16]
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Expert Source

Aimée Shunney, ND
Licensed Naturopathic Doctor
Expert Interview. 31 January 2020.}
- Keep in mind that higher doses of CBD oil, such as 150 to 600 mg, may produce a sedative effect.^{[17]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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Tip: Once you find a dose that works for you, don’t increase it! People don’t develop a tolerance to CBD oil like they do with other pain medications, so the same dose that works for you the first time should continue to work in the future even if you use CBD oil every day.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Finding Other Ways to Relieve Symptoms

1
Try home remedies to reduce pain and discomfort. Shingles can cause severe pain and itching, so CBD oil alone may not be enough to deal with the symptoms you’re having. Some other ways you can deal with the pain and itchiness associated with shingles include:^{[18]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- Taking a cool bath or lukewarm oatmeal bath
- Placing cool compress over itchy areas of your body
- Applying calamine lotion to itchy areas
- Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
2
Manage stress levels to prevent symptoms from becoming worse. Stress can aggravate shingles and make the pain and discomfort seem worse. While you have shingles, be sure to make time for relaxation in your schedule every day.^{[19]
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Research source} Set aside at least 30 minutes daily that is just for you and use it to relax. Some relaxing activities you might try include:
- Deep breathing
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Reading a book
- Listening to calming music
- Going for a walk in nature
Tip: You may also want to avoid any activities that cause you stress while you have shingles, such as by taking time off of work, asking for more help around the house from your partner or spouse, and steering clear of people and situations that make you feel stressed.
3
Ask your doctor about prescription medications for severe pain. If your pain is severe, taking CBD oil may not be enough to manage it. Don’t suffer through it if CBD oil is not helping. See your doctor and let them know that you’re in pain. Ask them what other pain management options you have while you have shingles. Some alternatives they might offer you include:^{[20]
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Research source}
- Capsaicin patches
- Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
- Topical numbing agents, such as a lidocaine spray, gel, patch, or cream
- Narcotic medications, such as codeine
- Corticosteroid injections
- Local anesthetic injections
4
See your doctor if shingles pain continues after the rash is gone. In some cases, shingles can cause what’s known as postherpetic neuralgia. This is a form of nerve pain that continues even after the shingles rash has cleared. If you continue to experience pain after your rash is gone, talk with your doctor. The pain can be severe, so it might not respond to CBD oil alone. You may require another medication to control it.^{[21]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- Some of the medications available to treat postherpetic neuralgia include steroids, antidepressants, topical medications, and anticonvulsants, such as pregabalin and gabapentin enacarbil.^{[22]
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  Research source}

Expert Q&A
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Question

How much CBD oil should I take for shingles.

Aimée Shunney, ND
Licensed Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Aimée Gould Shunney is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor at Santa Cruz Integrative Medicine in Santa Cruz, California where she specializes in women's health and hormone balancing. She also consults with various companies in the natural products industry including CV Sciences, makers of PlusCBD Oil. Dr. Aimée educates consumers, retailers, and healthcare providers about CBD oil through written articles, webinars, podcasts, and conferences nationwide. Her work has been featured at the American Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Conference, and on Fox News. She earned her ND from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2001.

Aimée Shunney, ND

Licensed Naturopathic Doctor

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

It's really difficult for me to say. The way in which CBD works is by positively impacting that endocannabinoid system. There are a lot of factors that influence how that system works, and what happens in my body is not going to happen in your body and vice versa. I'd recommend starting with a low dose and slowly working your way up.
Question

Is it ok to use a CBD vape pen?

Aimée Shunney, ND
Licensed Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Aimée Gould Shunney is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor at Santa Cruz Integrative Medicine in Santa Cruz, California where she specializes in women's health and hormone balancing. She also consults with various companies in the natural products industry including CV Sciences, makers of PlusCBD Oil. Dr. Aimée educates consumers, retailers, and healthcare providers about CBD oil through written articles, webinars, podcasts, and conferences nationwide. Her work has been featured at the American Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Conference, and on Fox News. She earned her ND from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2001.

Aimée Shunney, ND

Licensed Naturopathic Doctor

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

I'd talk to a doctor first, but there are certain situations where a vape pen may be ideal for you. The vape is going to be the fastest way to get CBD into your system, so if you need relief as fast as possible it may be for you.

Warnings

CBD oil is not regulated by the FDA, so be cautious when choosing a CBD oil product. Stick to manufacturers in the United States and Canada as they tend to have higher production standards. Also, check the product’s Certificate of Analysis (COA) before you buy. The COA is proof of a CBD product’s quality that manufacturers get from a third party testing agency. Don’t buy CBD oil from manufacturers who don’t have a COA or who won’t share it upon request.^{[23]
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