Product Reviews and Information for Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
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CL Answer
Can vitamin C reduce the pain of shingles?
Can taking vitamin C for shingles help reduce pain and post-shingles pain, otherwise known as post-herpetic neuralgia? ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Product Review
Vitamin C Supplements Review
Find the Best Vitamin C Supplements

Product Review
L-Lysine Supplements Review
Read L-Lysine Labels Carefully. Some Can Fool You.

CL Answer
Mullein Tea: Possible Health Effects and Safety
Mullein tea is often promoted for relieving symptoms of lung conditions, including coughing, hoarseness, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Find out if there is evidence to support these uses, and learn about possible side effects of mullein.

CL Answer
What is Pycnogenol, does it work, and is it the same as other pine bark extracts?
Learn more about Pycnogenol, including evidence from clinical studies on blood clots, osteoarthritis, cognition, vision, tinnitus, and the skin and safety.

CL Answer
Is it possible to take too much vitamin C?
Find out the daily value of vitamin C, along with possible side effects of excessive vitamin C intake. ConsumerLab explores the topic of proper vitamin C supplement usage, and why taking too much can be harmful.

CL Answer
Can any vitamins or minerals help prevent or reduce canker sores or cold sores?
Find out which, if any, supplements, including iron, L-lysine, monolaurin, olive leaf extract, vitamin B-12, and zinc, may be beneficial for canker sores or cold sores.

News Release
August 31, 2023
Some L-Lysine Supplement Labels May Be Misleading, According to ConsumerLab Tests
White Plains, New York, August 31, 2023 — Lysine (L-lysine) supplements may help prevent cold sores, genital herpes lesions, and canker sores, and are also promoted to slow hair loss, and treat herpes infections in cats.
News Release
February 09, 2016
Lysine: Does It Work for Cold Sores and Which Brands Are Best? -- ConsumerLab.com Reviews the Evidence and Tests Supplements Often Used to Prevent Herpes Eruptions
White Plains, New York, February 9, 2016 — Lysine is an essential amino acid often taken as a supplement to prevent cold sores, genital herpes lesions, and canker sores. It's also given to cats with feline herpesvirus 1.
Recalls & Warnings
October 05, 2011
FDA Warns Nature's Rite of Promoting 8 Supplements as Drugs
The FDA published a Warning Letter dated September 19, 2011 to Nature's Rite, LLC stating that the firm’s online promotion of its various supplements for the treatment or prevention of various diseases cause these products to be considered unapproved drugs.
Recalls & Warnings
September 26, 2014
Seller Warned for Promoting Essential Oils to Treat Flu, MRSA, Measles and More
On September 22, 2014, the FDA issued a warning to doTERRA International, LLC.
Recalls & Warnings
May 30, 2015
Seller of Supplements for Herpes, Prostate Cancer & More Warned for Drug Claims
On May 7, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to Strictly Health Corporation, following a review of the company's websites which found statements made about FENVIR, Prosta Pep and Tonalin brand CLA to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
May 23, 2015
Seller of Magnesium, Calcium, Silver and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
On May 8, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to Pick and Pay, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
May 29, 2013
Seller of Colloidal Silver, Noni Juice and Noni Supplements Warned For Drug Claims
On May 16, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Matrix Health Products, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
February 11, 2012
Herbal Sprays for Colds and Cold Sores Recalled
On February 10, 2012 the U.S. FDA posted a notice announcing the recall of all "Koff & Kold" and "Kold Sore" sprays by Wholistic Herbs Inc. The products were distributed throughout the United States.
Recalls & Warnings
February 20, 2013
Cold, Flu and Stress Supplement Company Warned For Adulteration, Drug Claims And More
On October 5, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to dietary supplement manufacturer Wholistic Herbs, Inc. following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including At-Ease, Morning Calm, Aller-Ban, Stomach Flu, Kold & Koff, Kold Sore, and L.
Recalls & Warnings
March 04, 2016
Federal Court Shuts Down Seller of Supplement Promoted for Herpes
On February 26, 2016, a federal court ordered dietary supplement company Viruxo LLC to stop selling its product Virux, which was promoted to treat herpes.
Recalls & Warnings
December 20, 2002
U.S. Seizes Supplement Illegally Marketed for Virus and Cold Use; FDA Steps Up Activity Against Supplements with False Claims
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that United States Marshals on Monday, December 16, 2002, seized approximately 3000 bottles, valued at more than $100,000, of EverCLR, a dietary supplement. EverCLR is marketed by Halo Supply Company of San Diego, Calif.
Recalls & Warnings
February 10, 2018
Warning to D-Limonene, Vitamin C Seller
On January 31, 2018 the FDA issued a warning letter to Long Life Unlimited, LLC following a review of the company's website which found promotional statements and testimonials made about products including Balance 600, D-Limonene, Rapha Remedy, Rapha Remedy w/ p73 Wild Oregano, Vitamin C, ...