Traditional Malay treatments for shingles rely on a variety of natural materials, particularly medicinal plants and household ingredients, which are believed to possess cooling, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Although some of these remedies still require further scientific validation, they have been passed down through generations as a means to alleviate pain and accelerate recovery. The commonly used ingredients include:

1. Betel Leaves 

Betel leaves are widely used due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities. Extracts from the leaves are believed to reduce itching and eliminate microbes on the skin. They are also recognized as a natural remedy for various skin conditions, including acne and allergic reactions.

2. Senduduk Bulu Leaves (Melastoma malabathricum)

Senduduk Bulu leaves are valued for their wound-healing properties, as they contain flavonoids, tannins, and saponins with anti-inflammatory effects. Their natural antibacterial and antifungal components help prevent secondary infections in shingles blisters, thereby accelerating the healing process.

3. Garlic 

Garlic contains natural compounds with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. When applied as an extract, it is believed to relieve pain in skin affected by shingles. Although more commonly associated with traditional treatments for ringworm, garlic is also used in certain village practices for shingles.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric, whether in powdered form or freshly grated, has been used in traditional skincare for a long time. Its active compound, curcumin, is believed to soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and promote faster healing of shingles-affected skin.

5. Chili Leaves and Slaked Lime

This combination is believed to produce both warming and cooling effects simultaneously. It is applied to relieve itching and speed up the drying of rashes. Additionally, it is thought to diminish shingles lesions within a few days, providing relief to patients.

6. Duit-Duit Leaves (Centella asiatica)

Duit-duit leaves contain bioactive compounds such as asiaticoside and madecassoside, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They help reduce swelling, redness, and irritation on shingles lesions. The extracts also promote collagen formation and skin regeneration, making them effective for drying rashes and minimizing scarring.

7. Pomegranate Leaves and Talcum Powder

Pomegranate leaves pounded together with unscented talcum powder are traditionally applied for kayap setompok (localized shingles). Pomegranate leaves contain bioactive compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which inhibit bacterial and fungal growth on the skin, preventing secondary infection. This mixture is believed to dry out shingles within three days.

8. Combination of Jasmine, Pomegranate, Setawar, and Neem Leaves

When pounded together into a paste, this mixture is believed to have a synergistic effect: cooling the skin, drying blisters, and reducing pain and itching while promoting faster healing. In traditional practice, this remedy is often accompanied by dietary restrictions, such as avoiding fried or allergenic foods, to enhance recovery.

9. Candik Yam (Keladi Merbah)

The sap or liquid extracted from candik yam stems is applied directly to shingles lesions. In traditional belief, this sap accelerates the drying process of rashes, making blisters peel off more easily by the following day.

10. Baking Soda

Baking soda is mixed with cornflour to form a paste, which is applied to shingles blisters to speed up the drying process. However, due to its mildly corrosive nature, caution is advised as frequent use may irritate or damage the skin.

Each ingredient used in traditional remedies for shingles is prepared in a particular way to ensure effectiveness and comfort for the patient. The preparation methods for the main ingredients are as follows:

1. Betel Leaves (Piper betel)

• Pick several fresh betel leaves and wash them thoroughly.

• Boil the leaves in a pot of water until they reach a rolling boil.

• Allow the decoction to cool, then use it as a bath or to wash the affected area.

• Alternatively, pound the fresh leaves until fine and apply directly to the lesions.

• Leave to dry for a while, then rinse with clean water.

• Repeat 2–3 times daily until the shingles begin to dry.

2) Senduduk Bulu Leaves (Melastoma malabathricum)

• Select several fresh senduduk bulu leaves.

• Rinse with clean water to remove dirt.

• Pound the leaves until fine and release their natural juice.

• Apply the paste directly to the affected area.

• Cover with a clean cloth or light bandage to maintain moisture.

• Leave for several hours, then wash with warm water.

3) Garlic 

• Peel several cloves of fresh garlic.

• Wash thoroughly, then pound into a fine paste.

• Mix with a little clean water. Some practitioners add rock salt to extract a thicker juice.

• Apply a thin layer of the paste to the lesions.

• Leave for 10–15 minutes, then rinse off with clean water.

4) Fresh Turmeric 

• Take a piece of fresh turmeric root and wash thoroughly.

• Grate or pound until fine.

• Mix with a small amount of slaked lime to form a paste.

• Apply a thin layer onto the affected skin.

• Leave for several hours before washing off.

• Repeat twice daily, typically after dawn (Subuh) and before sunset (Maghrib).

5) Chili Leaves and Slaked Lime

• Pick several fresh chili leaves.

• Wash, then rub together with a small amount of slaked lime until evenly mixed.

• Apply the mixture to the affected area.

• Leave on for 7–10 minutes, allowing it to cool the skin. Avoid leaving lime too long to prevent irritation.

• Repeat twice daily for best results.

6) Duit-Duit Leaves 

• Pick several fresh duit-duit leaves.

• Wash thoroughly, then pound until fine.

• Apply both the paste and its juice to the lesions.

• Cover with a clean cloth overnight.

• Remove the dressing the next morning and clean the area.

7) Pomegranate Leaves and Talcum Powder

• Select several fresh pomegranate leaves and wash thoroughly.

• Pound the leaves until fine.

• Mix with unscented talcum powder to form a paste.

• Apply the paste to the lesions, especially for localized shingles (kayap setompok).

• Leave for a few hours before rinsing off.

• Repeat twice daily for best results.

8) Combination of Jasmine, Pomegranate, Setawar, and Neem Leaves

• Prepare fresh shoots or leaves from all four plants.

• Wash thoroughly.

• Pound together until fine.

• Mix with a small amount of talcum powder to create a thick paste.

• Apply the paste to the lesions every 2–3 hours.

• Continue treatment daily until the rash dries out.

9) Candik Yam (Keladi Merbah)

• Cut a fresh stalk of candik yam.

• Allow the sap or juice to flow out.

• Apply the sap directly onto the lesions.

• Let it dry naturally on the skin.

• Repeat once daily until the blisters begin to peel off.

10) Baking Soda

• Take a small amount of baking soda and mix it with cornflour.

• Add sufficient water to form a thick paste.

• Apply the paste directly onto the shingles' blisters.

• Leave until dry, then wash off with clean water.

• Avoid leaving it on too long, as it may cause redness and irritation of the skin.