To observe clinic efficacy and safety of the ointment of ancient prescription “Shishangling” in the treatment of Herpes Zoster. Methods: Seventy six patients diagnosed as acute herpes zoster were randomized into treatment group and control group. “Shishangling” was externally applied in the treatment group, while ointment of 3% acyclovir was topically applied in the control group. The ointments in both groups were given twice a day respectively with a succession of 12 days. During and after treatment, curative effect as well as systemic or local adverse reactions of the two topical drugs were observed in the treatment of Herpes Zoster. Results: The curative rate (92.11% VS 68.42%) and the total effective rate (97.37% VS 78.94%) of treatment group were better than those of the control group with statistically significant difference. The effect of pain relief, herpes disappearance and scabby in treatment group were all superior to those of the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of postherpetic neuralgia in the treatment group was 2.63% (1 case), while it was 13.1%(5 cases) in the control group. No systemic or local adverse reactions were found. Conclusion: “Shishangling” is an ointment with quick and significant effect, and it has short course in the treatment of Herpes Zoster along with almost no adverse reactions.