Recently there has been a case of measles in Northland , which has brought measles back into the media (1).
Regardless of whether or not you choose to vaccinate, it is useful to know how to support yourself or others if you develop measles.
Before we talk Homeopathy, let’s discuss the basic supplements you can have on hand and use as needed.
First, for any virus is Vitamin C, which is an essential micronutrient that we need to get through food or supplementation. It has many roles in the body, but for immunity specifically helps our innate defences against any microorganisms (2). The recommended daily intake for a healthy adult varies between 90-400mg a day (depending on which source you use), but during illness your requirements can be 10-100x more than that, and the basic rule is take Sodium Ascorbate to bowel tolerance. An alternative is Liposomal vitamin C, which is absorbed through mucus membranes and does not have the same bowel tolerance effect, and should also be taken more frequently for any viral illness.
Specifically for measles Vitamin A is important and is used to prevent or treat complications. The primary source for Vitamin A in supplements is Cod Liver Oil or other fish oils. Food sources are primarily liver and eggs. Vitamin A has been shown to reduce mortality in low and middle income countries (3), although this is not necessarily applicable to higher income countries. In addition, if for some reason your child is hospitalised with measles, vitamin A is the recommended treatment from Starship (4).
Homeopathically there are a number of remedies that can help. Early stage measles symptoms include a fever, runny nose, sore eyes, a cough and white spots inside the mouth, with a rash appearing later.
Aconite– this is your remedy for first stages of anything. You can also use it if you have been exposed and anticipate getting measles, to reduce the severity. Symptoms include a high fever, especially coming on late at night around midnight, thirst and eyes may be painful.
Euphrasia– swollen, streaming eyes, with tears that may irritate the face, as well as a runny nose, may have a headache and chills.
Pulsatilla– when the rash is slow to appear, and it is more like a cold, with thick yellow mucus, and may have a chesty cough. They feel better in the open air and want company and sympathy.
Bryonia– also when the rash is slow to appear. May have a painful Cough, a headache and feel worse when moving, so want to stay perfectly still. They can also have a fever with chills, a dry mouth and be thirsty.
When the rash appears you may consider
Apis – burning, stinging rash, may appear shiny or puffy. Rash is better for cold applications and worse for getting hot (like in bed). Person is thirstless.
Rhus Tox – rash is very itchy, and feels better from warmth. The person is very restless and can’t sit still, they may have fever with chills, and feel better from warmth and motion.
If you have not yet been exposed and are concerned about measles and avoiding the disease, but do not want to vaccinate, contact me or your Homeopath about Homeoprophylaxis.
Reminder- please see a Doctor for a diagnosis, and consult a Health Professional for advice and support if you have any concerns. If you suspect measles isolate at home to avoid the spread as this can be very contagious. If you are concerned at any time, you can ring Healthline on 0800 611 116 to speak to a registered nurse.
References
(2) https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C
(3) https://methods.cochrane.org/equity/vitamin-measles
(4) https://starship.org.nz/guidelines/measles/ (scroll right to the bottom).
Photo from CDC.