Measles Treatment And Symptoms
Measles is a terrible and highly infectious virus, and despite the available vaccine, it still occurs in certain parts of the world. Depending on where you live or travel in the world, it is important to understand both the symptoms and treatment of measles, so that you can do your best to avoid it.
What Are Measles?
Caused by the measles virus, this infection manifests in the form of a large red rash, typically beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. The first signs and symptoms tend to include a fever, runny nose or cough, which is why it is often misdiagnosed as the flu or a common cold. However, less than two weeks after exposure, the remaining symptoms appear, primarily the large rash, as well as diarrhea, inflammation and pneumonia, in rare cases. The challenge of the measles virus, and the reason that it remains such a serious issue in certain parts of the world, is that it can be transferred in two ways. You can be infected by the measles virus through an airborne agent, or through the transfer of saliva or bodily fluids. This makes measles so incredibly contagious.
Fortunately, there is a vaccination, which has protected much of the world in recent decades. However, that isn’t true everywhere in the world, particularly developing areas like Africa and Asia. Measles prevention and vaccination efforts have significantly dropped the mortality totals of measles in these areas, and there are typically less than 100,000 deaths per year from the infection. Many of those who die from this infection are infants or toddlers, making it particularly tragic. There are a number of remedies that those in developing countries, or those who have not been vaccinated, can apply if they become infected. However, it is of the utmost important to see a medical professional, if possible, if you believe you have contracted measles. At that point, many natural remedies can be complementary options to improve healing and future prevention.
Home Treatment For Measles
Measles can be relieved by using various natural remedies. Some of the effective remedies for measles include the use of turmeric, garlic, lemon juice, neem leaves, fruit juice, barley, coconut water, indian gooseberry, orange juice, and aloe vera.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera remains one of the most soothing substances that you can apply to your skin. Not only does it cool irritation and inflammation, but also helps to treat the underlying source of the outbreak or rash. It provides comfort and proactive treatment, so applying aloe vera gel, or drinking aloe vera juice, can both help to eliminate the symptoms of measles.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice possesses a unique nutrient profile that makes it unusually good at defending against infections like measles. The citric acid in lemon juice can directly stimulate the immune system, while the other organic compounds function as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial substances, making the body an unsuitable site for the infection to thrive. Concentrated lemon juice can be mixed with water and used as an effective remedy.
Turmeric
As with so many other infections, a substance that is rich in antioxidants is necessary to kick-start the immune system into gear and eliminate the foreign pathogen. Turmeric has an active ingredient, curcumin, that seeks out and neutralizes not only free radicals, thus strengthening the body’s defenses, but also helps to detoxify the body. For the treatment of measles, turmeric can be mixed with tamarindseeds in equal measure and consumed once per day for rapid recovery.
Garlic
One of the most potent natural remedies on the market is garlic, which is packed with beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants, sulfuric compounds and other natural acids that can stimulate the immune system and neutralize the underlying infection of measles. Garlic cloves can be soaked in water overnight, and the resultant water can be drunk. Garlic powder mixed with honey is also a popular remedy for measles in certain parts of the world.
Coconut Water
Like regular water, coconut water can help to rehydrate the body, which is important in the treatment of measles. However, it can also improve the nutrient balance in the body, which is often compromised during a serious infection. Coconut water delivers antioxidants and extra detoxification to the body, and is known to speed up the healing process of measles.
Orange Juice
Rich in vitamin C, orange juice is an effective remedy for measles. Vitamin C not only stimulates the production of white blood cells, but also acts as an antioxidant to battle the infection. Furthermore, vitamin C is an important element of collagen, which is necessary to repair the tissues and cells while your body recovers.
Bitter Gourd
The unique nutritional composition of bitter gourd makes it a great natural treatment for measles. It is packed with vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, all of which can stimulate the immune system, detoxify the body, and ensure that the body recovers quickly once the infection is neutralized.
Fruit Juice
Fruit juice of all types is an important part of your body’s defense against measles. Not only does fruit juice keep you hydrated, which is necessary due to the fever, but it also delivers important nutrients and antioxidants that can strengthen your immune system and get you back to normal faster. Vitamin C found in fruit juice is particularly important in the recovery process from this infection.
Calendula
Some of the essential minerals found in calendula flowers are known to improve the vitality of the immune system and speed the healing process for a number of serious infections. In the treatment of measles, anecdotal evidence suggests that calendula flowers brewed in a tea can help eliminate this infection.
Barley
When you have been struck down by measles, it can feel like your skin is on fire and all you want is some relief! Barley has a number of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that soothe inflammation and can provide a break from the itchiness. Mix up a batch of barley water and apply it to the irritated skin for long-lasting relief. The high zinc content of barley can also help to speed the healing process.
Stay Hydrated
One of the most dangerous parts of measles is the incredibly high fever that certain cases will manifest with. This can quickly cause the body to become dehydrated, and without water, all of our organ systems function a bit slower, including our immune system. If we want to mount a solid defense against measles and eliminate it from our system, it is crucial to stay hydrated. Drink 10-12 glasses of water each day to compensate for the fluids lost during the fever.
Neem Leaves
One of the oldest traditional forms of medicine is the use of need leaves, particularly in Ayurvedic practice. Neem leaves have a number of antibacterial and anti-allergenic properties that make it ideal for treating the symptoms of measles, like the itchy rash, as well as the underlying infection. Neem leaves can be ground into a paste and applied directly to the rash for relief from the irritation.
Indian Gooseberry
Commonly used in Ayurvedic treatments, Indian gooseberry has long been relied on to treat measles. Commonly known as amla, Indian gooseberry powder can be mixed with water and then directly applied to the irritated skin rash. This anti-inflammatory substance can reduce pain and discomfort, and even improve the strength of the immune system.
