Measles

One of the most common diseases in the world, Measles are caused by a virus. In the United States, most children have a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which controls most outbreaks of measles. Measles are easily transmitted in the early stages by breathing in the air bourne virus.

Seven to fourteen days after the initial exposure to measles, the first symptoms occur. Symptoms are fever, cold, watering of the eyes, and dry coughing. Four days after the onset of the symptoms, a rash appears on the skin. The rash consists of small round spots, with reddened skin in between. It will appear on the sides of the face and the neck first, then gradually spread all over the body. Initially pink in color, but the spots grow darker as the virus progresses.

Measles usually are accompanied by fever and diarrhea. In severe cases, high fever and delirium may occur. Possible complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, and abscesses in the ears. One serious, but rare, complication is encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.

Home Remedies For Measles:

Oranges:

Oranges are very valuable in treating measles. Measles hampers the digestive power of the body, and the patient’s appetite for food or water is decreased. Orange juice is the ideal liquid food for this disease, because it is easy to digest, and very good at maintaining an electrolyte balance in the body.

Pedialyte:

Pedialyte or Pediasure are over the counter drinks that will maintain the electrolyte balanced and provide adequate nutrition until a normal appetite returns.

Lemon Juice:

Lemon juice also makes an effective thirst-quenching drink in measles. Lemonade, or a hot drink made by boiling lemons, straining, adding honey for sweetness, are ideal for measles sufferers.

Turmeric:

Turmeric is beneficial in the treatment of measles. Raw roots of turmeric should be dried in the sun and ground to a fine powder. Half a teaspoon of this powder, mixed with a few drops of honey and the juice of a few bitter gourd leaves, should be given to patients suffering from measles.

Liquorice:

Powdered liquorice has been found valuable in relieving the cough, which is typical in measles. The child patient should be given half a teaspoon of powdered liquorice mixed with the same quantity of honey.

Barley:

Barley water can be used for the cough in measles. This water should be taken frequently, sweetened with the newly-drawn oil of sweet almonds.