Measles is a highly infectious virus disease of the respiratory system very common in childhood. The disease appears in epidemic form, often in the winter season. Mostly it is a mild infection which will clear up quickly but susceptible children with a lowered immune system may experience more unpleasant effects and, in very rare cases, it can lead to serious complications, including blindness and even death.
Symptoms of measles
The first symptoms which appear during 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus are feverishness, cold, watering of the eyes and dry cough. Rashes appear on the skin in three to five days after the onset of these symptoms.
These rashes, which consist of small, rounded spots with reddened skin in between, initially appear on the sides of the face and the neck and then gradually spread all over the body, appearing last on the extremities. Initially pink in colour, these rashes grow darker as time passes.
Measles is usually accompanied with slight fever and diarrhoea. In rare cases of great severity, high fever and delirium may occur.
Rare complications of measles
Complications can arise from this disease including pneumonia, bronchitis and ear abscess. One serious but rare complication is the inflammation of the brain.
Causes of measles
Measles, also known as rubeola or rubella (German measles), is one of the most contagious diseases, caused by a virus that is a member of the genus Morbilli of the Paramyxoviridae family of viruses. The measles virus is so infectious that in cities, children catch this disease before they reach the age of five years. Mothers generally pass their antibodies to their children which immunise them passively. This protection, however, does not last beyond six months.
Measles is easily transmitted in the early stages through the invisible droplets of moisture which are discharged from a patient’s nose or mouth when he coughs or sneezes.
Because of widespread immunisation, the number of children who contract measles has declined dramatically. When cases of measles do occur, it is generally because children have not been vaccinated, their immunity has diminished since they received the vaccine, or they have weakened immune systems.
Natural treatment for measles
In the beginning of the treatment, the patient should be given juices of fresh fruits like orange, tangerine and lemon frequently. This is sufficient as the child will have little appetite during this period. They also should be kept in a well-ventilated room.
Pineapple juice and coconut water can rehydrate the body during fever.
As light has a detrimental effect upon the eyes during measles, because of the weakened condition of the external eye tissues, the child should have their eyes shaded or the room should have subdued light.
The treatment should aim at bringing down the temperature and eliminating the toxins from the system. This can be achieved by the application of mud packs on the abdomen twice a day in the morning and evening and repeated application of chest packs. Mud packs can be purchased with ingredients such as clay, seaweed and essential oils which help to draw out impurities and heal the skin.
Lukewarm water baths can be given every day to ease itching. Addition of extracts of neem leaves to this water will prove beneficial.
For pain and itching relief and to promote healing, soak cotton balls in milk and apply to the skin. Coconut milk can be especially soothing and has antibacterial and antifungal properties to avoid infection due to scratching.
Certain home remedies have been found beneficial in the treatment of measles. The most valuable amongst these is the use of orange. When the digestive power of the body is seriously hampered, the patient suffers from intense toxaemia and the lack of saliva coats the tongue and often destroys thirst for water as well as desire for food.
The agreeable flavour of orange juice helps greatly in overcoming these drawbacks. Orange juice is the most ideal liquid food in this disease. The juice of lemon is another remedy. It also makes an effective thirst-quenching drink in measles. About 15 to 25 ml. of lemon juice should be taken diluted with water for this purpose. Tangerine juice maybe be more agreeable than orange and lemon if the stomach is upset.
As the condition improves, the child can be placed on an all-fruit diet for a further few days. Thereafter he may be allowed to gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet.
External natural remedies for measles
- A slice of raw onion or crushed garlic and olive oil held in place with medical tape and lint on the soles of the feet can bring down the fever.
- Chamomile or marigold added to the bath water can soothe the symptoms.
- Honeysuckle can be used in a warm bath to relieve the itching.
- Indian gooseberry powder mixed with water is very effective in reducing the itching and burning sensation of measles.
- Mud packs can help to relieve itching.
- Neem leaves ground and made into a paste with water can relieve itching. They can also be added to hot bathing water to relieve itching. Patient should be immersed in the water for at least 20 minutes, for best results.
- Rice flour as a poultice can relieve the inflammation of the skin
NOTE: Children with measles should be given complete rest. Hygienic conditions along with the above-mentioned treatment will lead to speed recovery. Wash bedding, towels and clothes daily. Unnecessary medications should be strictly avoided especially aspirin and anti-inflammatory pain killers such as Nurofen and Ibuprofen.
Natural food remedies for measles
Aubergine: The seeds of aubergine are a stimulant. Intake of half a gram to one gram of these seeds ground daily for three days can help to develop immunity against measles for one year.
Barley water: The use of barley water has proved beneficial for a troublesome cough in measles. This water should be taken frequently sweetened with the newly drawn oil of sweet almonds or honey.
Coconut water has nutrients that help to cleanse and rehydrate the body which makes it very effective against the measles virus and coconut flesh is rich in antioxidants.
Garlic is an effective natural cure for measles. Powder the cloves of garlic and leave to stand for 15 minutes then mix with honey. It may be better to lightly simmer the sliced garlic first to avoid an upset stomach.
Lemon juice: The freshly squeezed juice of one lemon mixed with water can be an effective cure for measles.
Tamarind seeds and turmeric:
- Grind the tamarind seeds to a fine powder.
- Mix equal portions of the tamarind seeds powder with turmeric powder.
- Add 350 gm of this powder to some pure organic local honey.
- Give one teaspoon of this three times a day.
Turmeric is beneficial in the treatment of measles.
- The raw roots of turmeric should be dried in the sun and ground to a fine powder. Alternatively powdered turmeric can be used.
- This powder, mixed with a few drops of honey and the juice of a few bitter gourd leaves should be given to the patient suffering from measles once a day..
Herbal remedies for measles
The herbs below are effective at fighting off the virus and can be useful as a respiratory tonic and can be made into teas with honey.
- Astragalus
- Basil
- Chinese rhubarb root
- Echinacea
- Elecampane
- Honeysuckle
- Liquorice root
- Peppermint
- Safflower
- Thyme
Ashwagandha assists with recovery, energy and stamina.
Chinese rhubarb root: The anthraquinones in Chinese rhubarb root are effective agents against the measles virus.
Liquorice root: Powdered liquorice root has been found valuable in relieving the cough, typical of measles. The child should be given this mixed with honey.
Marigold flowers contain many essential minerals that can help speed up the healing process of measles.
- Boil three cups of water and add one tablespoon of the powdered flowers.
- Strain, allow to cool and give twice a day till the symptoms of measles subside.
- A teaspoon of honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice can be added for more benefit and to make it more palatable.
Natural remedies to reduce fever
Plenty of bottled still mineral water should be administered as often as possible.
Juices
Any of the following can be added to warm mineral water with freshly squeezed lemon, pinch of ginger powder and a teaspoon of honey.
- Aloe vera juice
- Barley (simmered for 15 minutes and strained)
- Radish juice
- Coconut water
- Pineapple juice
Teas
Steep two or three or more of the following ingredients in hot water for 20 minutes, strain and then they should be sipped slowly (three cups a day) Honey can be added to make them more palatable.
- Basil
- Coriander
- Mint
- Mustard seeds
- Oregano
- Saffron
- Thyme
- Yarrow
Natural diet for recovery from measles
Pure Himalayan salt crystals can help during fever and recovery as they contain 92 minerals which the body can lose during sweating and illness. Normal table salt has been refined and stripped of all its essential minerals and sea salt now contains microoplastics.
Dairy
- Goat’s milk
- Yoghurt (plain with live cultures)
Vegetables
Steaming fresh vegetables and mashing with some cold-pressed coconut or olive oil can make them more palatable to young children. Always add some ground peppercorns as this helps nutrients be absorbed. Orange vegetables such as butternut squash, carrots and sweet potato are particularly good to mash.
- Algae and seaweed (dried or flaked and sprinkled onto meals or in soups)
- Ashitaba
- Aubergine (including skins)
- Beetroot
- Butternut squash
- Carrots
- Chicory
- Cress
- Drumstick leaves
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Okra
- Pepper (sweet red)
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
- Suma
- Sweet potato
- Turnips
- Watercress
- Yams
Fruit
- Apricots
- Avocado
- Blackberries
- Grapes (red)
- Lemon
- Mandarin oranges
- Mango
- Oranges
- Melon
- Papaya
- Peaches
- Pears
- Raisins
- Tangerines
Nuts
- Almonds (ground) added to meals and soups
- Brazil nut (one ground per day) added to meals and soups
- Coconut (flesh, milk and water)
Seeds (whole ground and sprinkled on meals. Milled hemp seeds removes most of the nutrients)
- Hemp seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
Herbs
- Basil
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
Spices
- Chilli pepper
- Nutmeg
- Peppercorns (ground)
- Turmeric
Whole grains (Wheat can cause stomach irritation therefore the grains below are safer alternatives)
- Amarant
- Barley
- Brown rice
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Rye
- Teff
Brine pickles are a good addition to the diet as they provide additional beneficial bacteria plus the nutrients often lost in cooking vegetables.
Alfalfa sprouts are rich in nutrients and a very healthy snack to add to salads or sandwiches. This is highly beneficial for children with small appetites. See how easy it is to grow your own organic sprouts in 4 to 5 days via the link below.
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