10 Comfort Measures To Take When You Have Measles

Measles, also known as morbilli or rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the rubeola virus that can be prevented by vaccination. Symptoms may include a dry, hacking cough, watery eyes, high fever, body aches, conjunctivitis, sores inside the mouth, and a brown and red spotty rash. The infection multiplies in the lungs, back of the throat, and lymphatic system. Eventually, it travels to the eyes, blood vessels, central nervous system, and urinary tract. Although there is currently no cure for measles, these tips can be used at home.

Olive Leaf

Because it is not a bacterial infection, measles cannot be treated by an antibiotic; therefore, it is important to fight the disease at home. Olive leaf has naturally occurring antiviral and antimicrobial properties that may help kill the measles virus. It is also high in antioxidants to assist in the healing process. Grind a few olive leafs in a food processor until a paste is formed. Apply the paste to the rash on the skin and leave on for thirty minutes. Gently rinse the area with warm water and pat dry.

Neem Leaves

Neem leaves, also known as Indian Lilac, have naturally occurring anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to relieve itching and kill germs associated with the measles virus. Neem leaves can be crushed up in the food processor and applied directly to a measles rash. Or they can be boiled in water, and the water can be dabbed on the rash. Neem essential oil is available and can easily be applied topically to treat problematic skin areas.

Rest

Staying at home and resting is one of the best ways to fight measles. Sleep is an important part of rebuilding the immune system, which is needed to fight the virus. As measles will eventually affect the urinary tract and other vital body systems, it is important to drink lots of water, unsweetened coconut water, and herbal tea to flush toxins out of the body. Measles can cause sensitivity to light; therefore, resting with eyes closed in a dark room with electronically devices off may also help.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory supplements on the market. It is also high in antiviral, antiseptic and antioxidant properties to help boost the immune system, neutralize free radical toxins, and speed up the healing process. Turmeric can be taken in tablet supplement form. Aim for eight hundred milligrams daily and be sure to look for a brand with at least ninety-five percent of the active compound curcuminoid and black pepper for absorption. Turmeric can also be added to soups, tea, and other hot, comforting dishes.

Vitamin A

There is a direct correlation between vitamin A deficiency and measles in developing countries. Vitamin A deficiency can result in severe eye problems or even vision loss. Research shows that measles is responsible for causing blindness in up to sixty thousand cases of children with measles each year in lower income countries. Vitamin A treatment has been shown to reduce the risk of measles fatality by half. According to the World Health Organization, an oral dose of two hundred thousand international units of vitamin A for two days is used to treat children with measles in areas where vitamin A deficiency is common. When treating measles at home, aim for no more than three thousand international units a day.

Vitamin C

Studies show that megadoses of vitamin C are beneficial in treating many common viral infections. While taking mega doses of vitamins at home without the supervision of a doctor is not recommended, supplementing with around one thousand to three thousand milligrams of vitamin C a day may help reduce the duration and severity of the measles infection. Eating foods high in vitamin C may also help. These include citrus fruits, kale, berries, kiwi, grapes, and red peppers.

Barley

Barley is high in antioxidants, minerals and vitamin C to help recover from measles. It is also a good source of zinc, which is needed to boost the immune system and prevent upper respiratory infection symptoms such as sinus problems. Barley water has been shown to soothe skin irritation and itching as well as dry, hacking coughs. Boil one cup of barley in three cups of water and drink the water as needed. Adding barley to soups along with turmeric may also help.

Licorice Root And Raw Honey

Studies show that drinking licorice root tea with raw honey may help suppress coughing. Licorice also has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties to help kill the measles infection. Raw honey has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory benefits that also help kill germs and soothes the throat by acting as a protective barrier. Be sure the honey is raw, organic, and unfiltered. Add a spoonful to a cup of hot licorice root tea, which can be purchased at any health store.

Indian Gooseberries

Indian gooseberries, also known as Amla, are an excellent source of immune boosting vitamin C. It is also high in antioxidants that bind to free radical germs and move them out of the body. Research shows that amla fruit helps enhance the absorption of nutrients into the digestive tract, assists in urinary and skin health, supports a healthy appetite and proper weight and flushes out toxins. Amla fruit can be taken as a supplement in pill or tea form. It can also be applied to the skin to help treat rashes.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal, otherwise known as orange root, yellow puccoon, or yellow root, is a herb belonging to the buttercup family. It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and natural antibiotic properties. According to researchers at the University of Texas-Houston Medical School, goldenseal has a powerful medicinal effect on the immune system because of its ability to reduce the pro-inflammatory response, which is directly related to infection. It also has proven benefits to support eye and oral health, which may be affected by the measles virus. Goldenseal can be taken in tablet form.