Not too long ago, we shared about measles-induced fear. We made it clear our stance on the vaccine said to prevent measles. Here’s one of the problems with the whole vaccine debate: many are convinced that a vaccine is their only hope.
Fortunately, there are plenty of much safer and more natural ways to not only protect against various diseases, but also handle them should you fall prey. We wholeheartedly believe that our best hope against disease is maintaining a healthy lifestyle–complete with healthy eating, physical activity, the right kinds of supplements, and regular chiropractic adjustments. But when an illness creeps in, we can use natural resources (and a decent dose of common sense) to fight our way back to optimal health.
The Measles
The Measles happen to be highly contagious. If you’re near someone with the measles who coughs or sneezes in your vicinity, you’re at risk of contracting it. In fact, it’s believed that it can linger on surfaces for up to a couple of hours even after the infected person has left the room.
The Symptoms
The symptoms of measles can look similar to the common cold. The telltale sign is the measles rash, but this doesn’t always appear. And a rash doesn’t immediately indicate the measles, either. That said, if you think you may have been exposed to the measles within the last two weeks and you’re suffering from these symptoms, you may have contracted the measles:
- fever
- dry cough
- runny nose
- sore throat
- conjunctivitis (red, inflamed eyes)
- Koplik’s spots (tiny white spots found on the inner lining of the cheek)
- skin rash (large, flat blotches)
For 10 to 14 days after you’re infected with the virus, it incubates. Following this period, the common cold symptoms appear accompanied by the red eyes and mild fever. After a couple of days, the rash may appear, beginning on the face and working down your body. The fever may spike during this time. The rash will then gradually fade and you’ll be on the mend.
If you’re showing signs of the measles, it’s important to note that it is contagious for about eight days–four days before the rash appears and four days into the presence of the rash. Avoid sharing the germs by taking basic, common sense precautions (stay home, cover your mouth, wash your hands, etc.).
The Treatments
Antibiotics are not useful against measles because the measles is a viral infection. Don’t waste your good gut bacteria by taking an antibiotic. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are often used to ease the fever. We believe that fevers are a good thing as they fight off infection, but if you or your child has a very high fever that inhibits your ability to get rest, reducing that fever for a time is helpful. But it is vital that you do not administer aspirin to children as serious complications could result.
Here’s how you can naturally deal with measles:
Drink plenty of fluids.
As with any illness: fluids, fluids, and more fluids. This helps flush out the virus as well as prevents dehydration which is common with high fever.
Get plenty of rest.
This is so much easier said than done, especially if the fever has passed and you’re feeling a little better. Resist the urge to plunge back into life before you’re fully recovered–for your sake and the sake of others who may come in contact with you while you’re still contagious.
Take your vitamins.
The most common recommended treatment to deal with measles is vitamin A. Conventionally or naturally. Measles depletes your body of this essential vitamin, and if you’re low on it to begin with, you’re more prone to contract measles in the first place. If you believe you’ve been exposed to measles, consider taking vitamin A right away. Other vitamins to take are D, C, and Zinc.
Soothe your eyes and throat.
Chamomile compresses on the eyes help soothe soreness. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and use a clean cloth to apply it to closed eyelids. Simply using a warm, wet cloth will help, too. Try a throat spray to ease your sore throat or gargle salt water (1/4 teaspoon salt in 1/4 cup water) every couple of hours.
Use essential oils.
Eucalyptus and melaleuca essential oils help to clear nasal pathways while emitting antibacterial and antiviral properties. Use them in a diffuser or dilute them with coconut oil and apply them to your feet and chest. Lavender is an excellent option for soothing the affects of the rash.
Take homeopathic remedies.
Aconitum is the go-to remedy to be taken as soon as you notice the symptoms, especially if they come on suddenly. Belladonna is ideal to assist with sleep and fever reduction. Bryonia and Pulsatilla are additional options to naturally deal with the cough and headaches.
Give yourself time to recover.
Even when you’re on the mend, your body is weak and immunity is low. Take a little extra time to get in more fluids, more rest, and more natural treatments to ensure that you don’t relapse or fall prey to other illnesses.
Naturally Deal with Measles
It isn’t complicated to naturally deal with measles! Most of the treatments listed above are simply common sense with any illness. Add in a little extra natural treatment with essential oils and homeopathic remedies and you’ll be on the mend in no time, with the added bonus of lifetime immunity.
*Disclaimer: The content of this blog is intended for informational purposes only. Consult with a medical professional regarding any health related diagnosis or treatment. The products and product claims discussed on this blog have not been evaluated by the United States FDA and are therefore not approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Do not disregard or delay medical advice based on the information presented here.