When I learned that my daughter had been exposed to measles, we knew it was likely she would get it and I started researching natural remedies and pulling out all of my natural healing books to see what was offered. I also chatted online with a few very helpful mamas and found new resources and even bought a few books. I printed things out and made a shopping list of everything that looked useful and went to our local store in Vernal, The Chalet. I was pleasantly surprised that they had nearly everything, and certainly all of the most important ingredients. This post will be part of a series where I'll also talk about mitigating common complications, our personal experiences with measles, and some of the benefits of natural immunity. I will try to steer clear of the vaccine debate for the sake of this being informative for actual measles, a childhood illness many of us know very little about and is causing a lot of fear on both sides of the isle. Both sides are getting sick.
Disclaimer: I am NOT a doctor. I'm also not a master herbalist, a homeopathic practitioner, nor do I have any formal training in any of the healing arts. I'm just a mom sharing what I found. This post does not contain medical advice and is for informational purposes only. I'm likely wrong about some things and right about some others- just sharing notes and my opinions.
Be the Rain Forest
Before I get into the herbs and supplements, there are two important things about measles I want to highlight that kept getting brought up. First- FEED THE FEVER. Don't suppress it. Fever-suppressing pills and things like cold baths can be very dangerous, especially during measles. Measles itself is relatively benign, it's the complications that can be scary. Work with your body, not against it. A fever is your body's way of building an environment to fight the virus.
Stay hydrated! Dr. Christopher emphasizes that moisture during a fever means life. Both a rain forest and a desert can become very hot. However, one will thrive, beaming with life, while the other suffers, all due to one key difference- water. I have been telling the kids to be a rain forest.
That's right. The most important thing you can do to help your body during any illness is to stay hydrated. For young children, this can mean natural fruit juices if they won't touch water or herbal teas. Staying hydrated at any time is important, but during serious illnesses, the stakes are much higher. One thing I did to encourage them to drink was buy my toddler some fun sippy cups. For the older kids, I got colored silicone mason jar lids with straw holes, and bought some metal straws. They each have their own color, and they were delighted in these drinking receptacles that they can put their own batches of tea in. I've been making special teas, and they have liked them, but they also have their favorites and I told them to drink whatever they want so long as they're drinking enough. Sometimes they just want water, and that's great! Just don't be the desert.
Measles as a Cleanse
In Dr Christopher's Book "Herbal Home Health Care", he in turn says "According to Dr. Kloss, measles are merely the system's attempt to cleanse itself of impurities." I do think that it is perhaps an oversimplified view, however, the point still stands that there is an incredible amount of detoxing that happens during the measles. The body's hardest work happens during the incubation period, where it learns to fight and beat the virus. Then the cleanse begins. The visual signs of the rash comes later, and the more spotted the child, the better the cleanse. Proper measles will show spots from head to toe, and this is beautiful- this is a sign that the body has won, and the cleanse is completing. Helping the body to sweat with hot baths and herbs like yarrow helps.
But there is another way the body rids itself of toxins that is often overlooked, and I've already highlighted it with the video I shared. Three different natural remedy sources I found talked about not only getting an enema as possible treatment, but about the IMPORTANCE of using an enema. We had to buy an enema bottle (along with extra nozzles so everyone can have their own, because otherwise, eww). I remembered this video Cara made that I had seen a few years ago, and rewatching helped to demystify the process. Dr Christopher recommends a tea enema made with a ratio of 1 quart of water to 4 tablespoons of either catnip, sage, or red raspberry leaf. In another section of the book where he addresses bronchitis, he says that when the body is constipated, the body is desparate to rid itself of toxins that get backed up in places like the lungs. Relieving constipation is so important during an illness. And it isn't half as bad as it looks. In fact, they are so wonderful that they can become addicting, which isn't healthy for long term use because the muscles involved become weak if they don't have to work, and it treats the symptom instead of addressing other problems such as diet. But we're not talking about long term bowel apathy here. We're talking about the body's immediate and very important need to eliminate toxins. During measles, this happens with flem, the quintessential rash, and the bowels. We got the enema bag for $20 off Amazon, and spent another $10 for a bunch of extra tips since we have a big family. The enema kit came with 5. So worth it. So worth it.
Supplements for Measles
I wasn't trying to save money, and we actually spent $500 on supplements. This may have been overkill, but we've got a big family I don't expect each kids experience to be identical. I wanted to be prepared for everything. For some of the herbs, I didn't care what form I got them in and purchased based on availability. You don't have to go all out like I did!
If there is any takeaway from this post, it is far simpler than running out and buying a ton of supplements:
- Feed the fever, don't fight it.
- Cleanse the body and stay hydrated.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Boost Vitamin A- this is the most important supplement for measles.
Three books were especially useful. First, aforementioned Dr Christopher's "Herbal Home Health Care", which is much cheaper on their website than it is on Amazon in book form, but has a kindle version. Most of the herbal remedies came from him. Christopher's book fantastic in that it gives you clear courses of action. So many herbal books are primarily reference books that will say things like "ginger is for an upset stomach" but leave the hows-its a mystery. This book tells you WHAT TO DO, and his been so incredibly useful as a mother for the natural pediatric care of my children. They have an online herbal course I took a number of years ago, and this is the primary textbook. I have thousands of books, but if I could only keep a handful, this one would make the cut. This is a page they published that is similar to what's in the book, though not as detailed.
Second, "The Little Herb Encyclopedia" by Jack Ritchason N.D. This book was in my personal library and is such a handy reference. I bought the herbs Christopher recommended, then realized I didn't know/remember much about them. Understanding the herbs I'm actively using is great, and this one expands beyond what it's useful for and gives a little history of their uses. It's not illustrated, not one of my prettier herb books, but as an adult wanting quick references for so many herbs during my crash course into naturally treating measles, I reached for it often and first.
Finally, "Vaccine Free Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Contagious Disease with Homeopathy" by Kate Birch. To be honest, I don't know a lot about homeopathic health care. A friend shared a file of this book with me when I was asking about treating measles. I was a bit shocked that it was an entire book, but when I saw how useful and informative the book was, I quickly bought it so I'd feel more comfortable using it. It has a huge section on measles itself, followed by homeopathics that are useful for measles itself as well as treating the symptoms. I want to learn more about homeopathics, but barring a general knowledge, this book helped me know what I needed to know right away to help my kids with the measles. Homeopathics are safe and gentle, and I have even been crushing them and giving them to my tiny baby. I am heavily referencing this book while writing my homeopathic notes.
A book I ordered during the research process but haven't used during our measles experience is "The Solution, Homeoprophylaxis: The Vaccine Alternative, A parent's Guide to Educating your Child's Immune System", by Kate Birch and Cilla Whatcott, illustrated by Hannah Albert. I actually accidentally ordered 2 copies, so have one to lend out now. This is a homeopathic alternative to vaccines that has had great results for building immunity. It doesn't come with any of the benefits that come from building natural immunity, but it will help one to not get child illnesses. I also bought "There is a Choice: Homeoprophylaxis" By Cilla Whatcott and Dr. Isaac Golden. I haven't read them yet, but I will, and I am very intrigued by this method since there are a lot of people in the natural communities singing its praises.
Vitamin A
This is the big one. When I took my daughter to get tested for measles, the doctor told us that there isn't a treatment for measles, except for maybe a Vitamin A supplement. There are PLENTY of folk remedies and treatments for measles, the mainstream just doesn't acknowledge them! Which is unfortunate, because we can learn so much from those who came before us and actually had a lot of experience dealing with the measles. Many pediatricians today have never even seen it.
Regardless, Vitamin A is so important for measles. This infection depletes the natural stores, and needs more besides. Many of my holistic friends are recommending eating lots of foods rich in vitamin A, such as liver and carrots. This is very beneficial for our health anyway, but especially during measles. I don't like liver and avoid it (gives cheesy smile to my own detriment). But we have been juicing a lot of carrots lately- tastes great with apples. The extra quantities of vitamin A that are needed to really be useful during measles are very hard to get from diet alone, so I ordered supplements. The suggestion I read is to take it as soon as symptoms manifest, though there's some inconsistency on the internet.
Bulk herbs
These are the herbs we are using for our teas. For baths, also add epsom salts.
Catnip- this is an especially useful herb for children since it is gentle. According to "The Little Herb Encyclopedia" by Jack Ritchason, "Catnip is often used in colds and flu (especially children) since it produces "perspiration inducing sleep" without increasing body temperature. Catnip enemas will reduce a fever quickly for adults and children." It goes on to list many other benefits. Catnip makes a yummy tea that the kids like, and I've used it in their baths and, as mentioned, as an enema. It has become one of my new favorite herbs, and we don't even have a cat!
Peppermint- Oddly enough, this popular herb was one our herb shop didn't have in bulk, so I just bought a bunch of peppermint tea from the grocery store. Peppermint is fantastic for the stomach and general digestive system. It helps keep things flowing smoothly, which comes back to the whole "measles as a cleanse" aspect. In addition to being useful and effective, it tastes wonderful. The kids love it and are used to it, so it has been an important part of our herbal teas I've been making to drink. I vary the other ingredients, perhaps, but there's always peppermint because the kids love it.
Pleurisy root- This one is aptly named because it is so beneficial for cleansing the lungs. It was widely used by the North American Indians, and was adapted by the Europeans in turn. Again from Jack Ritchason's book, "Pleuriso root has a powerful diaphoretic action which first increases the body temperature which in turn, opens the pores and sweating follows. Pleurisy root opens up the lung capillaries, which action helps release any thick mucus, thinning it for easier discharge of the congested material..." and goes on. I used it for baths and tea blends for drinking.
Red Raspberry Leaf- This is one I didn't have to go out and buy because I use it a lot as a pregnant and lactating mother. No other herb comes close as a mother's tonic. For our purposes here with measles, it is high in iron, it enriches the blood (which is working very hard during this illness!), it helps rid the body of mucus, and helps control the bowels. We are drinking it, bathing with it, and flushing the bowels with it (I chose to do half RRL and half catnip for our enema tea).
Yarrow- helps the body to sweat. It makes a fine tea to drink, but some of my kids don't like it. It's also fantastic in a bath. My kids have fond memories of using yarrow during their chicken pox baths as well- it makes the water bright yellow, and that's funny.
Vitamin Supplements
Some of these I bought in gelatin capsule form because I couldn't find them in bulk herb form. One can open the capsules and add them to teas. Many of these were mentioned in Christopher's book. My writing process is to go through what I put in that pictured box, one at a time, and these just happen to be the ones in capsule form.
Christopher's Herbal Calcium- I read that detoxing the bloodstream uses a lot of calcium, so the kids have been taking this, even the ones who aren't sick yet.
Christopher's Lowel Bowel- This formula is very effective for cleansing the bowels. We take it any time we're constipated, and I tell people it's so effective, the shouldn't be taking it the day before they've got a big day because they'll want to be able to give time to the toilet.
Eyebright Herb- One of the symptoms of measles is heavy and fatigued eyes. In children with vitamin A deficiencies, a tragic complication of measles can be a loss of vision and even blindness. With all of the added vitamins in even our sugary cereals, this is generally not a concern in the US, but is still something seen in 3rd-world countries. But I digress- measles is hard on the eyes, and this herb can help.
Ginger- Great for congestion and for its body-cleansing properties. It can help clear the lungs. Honestly, I just pulled this one from our vitamin cabinet, owning it because since I love it as a supplement to help with nausea during pregnancies. I wanted it extra handy in case if the kids' lungs became dangerously thick, but didn't have that problem. We have put fresh ginger in our juices (we've juiced a lot of carrots and celery lately!), and they also like ginger tea.
Goldenseal Root- this one was referenced by Christopher to make an eyewash during measles, along with eyebright, and raspberry leaf. We haven't done the actual eyewash, but have soothed the eyes with little cotton circles dipped in the same tea and let them sit over the eyes when they were sore. In general, Goldenseal is excellent for the mucous membranes and aids with congestion. It also in antiseptic. Incidentally, our midwife gives her moms goldenseal to help umbilical chords dry up and fall off more quickly, and it works remarkably well for that too.
Standard Process's "Ferrofood"- This is one I was already taking as a nursing mother- great for pregnancy too. It "promotes normal blood production". I am having all of the kids take it now too.
Valerian Root- This one kept getting mentioned on "useful for measles" lists. It has calcium and magnesium. It is a calming herb that helps decrease anxiety and helps one to sleep well. It also helps with pain.
Yarrow- I bought it as a bulk herb mentioned above, but already had it in capsule form and I give it to my kids during the "sweating" phase to help their spots blossom.
Yellow Dock- Dr. Christopher says if the patient complains of itching, to bathe them with a tea made of yellow dock and burdock root and/or golden seal. From Jack Ritchason, "Yellow Dock is an excellent blood cleanser, tonic and builder, working through increasing the ability of the liver and related organs to strain and purify the blood and lymph system, it achieves its tonic properties through astringent purification of the supply to the glands. Yellow Dock roots has one of the highest iron contents in nature and is an effective tonic treatment for anemia during pregnancy and anemia in general. It is used to treat skin diseases, liver disorders and iron deficiency..."
Homeopathics
Note: Pulsatilla is the big one for measles, and some say that taking it before exposure can help one avoid getting measles in the first place (don't remember that source). Also Belladonna and Bryonia. In fact, after I got home with my little list of homeopathics, I realized I'd be using these 3 more than the others, and with a large family, I went back to get extra. The lady at the store smiled when I requested them and said, "Ah, you must have been exposed to the measles. Ask how I know." and laughed.
Aconite (Monkshood) - great to have on hand for high fevers, or any symptoms that come on suddenly and violently. (I wasn't able to get this one, but it's on measles lists).
Antimonium tartaricum: Helps with retartded eruptions. Also difficult repiration and loose coughs.
Belladona-especially useful in the early stages.
Bryonia- especially helpful for dryness and a thirsty patient.
Gelsemium sempervirens- use when the rash begins, and for inflamed eyes.
Ipecacuanha- for the accompanying cough.
Pulsatilla- for aid in preventing getting measles, and barring that, helps the body through the process, especially in the later stages. This one gets mentioned a lot in measles lists and all my kids are taking it right now.
Sulpher- Helpful in the later stages to help the body finish everything off.
Tinctures
Tinctures are absorbed by the body faster than herbs and are often more convenient. If alchohol is the base, be prepared with a chaser like water or tea. Glycerene ones are often available for children. These are the ones in my box:
Burdock Root- helps to purify and cleanse the blood, and has even been used as an antidote for poisoning. It is also a good source of nutrients to help build the body. It is a great general tincture to have for many things.
Catnip/Chamomille- for its calming effects along with the other benefits of catnip already mentioned.
Christopher's Ear & Nerve Formula- Ear infections are a common side effect of measles, so I bought this tincture. It can be taken orally with a chaser. In his book in the section under ear complaints, it says you can mix it half and half with garlic oil and put it in the outer ear. I also rubbed it just behind the ears.
Christopher's Lung and Bronchial Formula- contains mullein and lobelia, among other ingredients. I especially pulled this one out when coughing sounded rough. Alternated with the Lobelia.
Elderberry- boosts the immune system.
Lobelia- For congested lungs, increasing perspiration, and generally great for cleansing the body.
Yarrow- How much yarrow do I need? Sheesh. Helps the body to cleanse through sweating, but I didn't need it in tincture form. I would used it if my kids have difficulty with the rash erupting since it is absorbed so quickly, but I prefer yarrow in a hot bath.
Zinc- Helps with poisoning in the nerves and the brain- a possible complication if the measles eruptions or discharges are suppressed. Other signs of poisoning during measles are twitching, convulsions, or gritting the teeth. Zinc is also a generally helpful supplement.
Diet and other considerations
It is common for people to loose their appetite during measles. This is normal when the body is focusing on fighting a virus- energy is used that end instead of digestion. Allow them to go without food if they wish, but keep them hydrated. Fresh fruit and veggetable juices are a good diet. A favorite from Dr Christopher is carrot, celery, and parsley to taste. We like to add apples- the kids more readily eat it, and since apples are so juicy, it helps us make the quantities our large family can enjoy. Measles is also a time to cut back on sugary foods and heavy foods like cheese that will slow digestion.
Aromatherapy- if you distill oils in the air, eucalyptus is an excellent one that I saw come up in a few places- it helps the immune system. Other infusions from various essential oil companies designed to help the immune system are great considerations.
We allow our home to get extra warm during the time our children have fevers to help their bodies not have to work so hard, and to help with chills. Heat packs were also requested and given.
The eyes are tired during the acute part of measles, so we darkened the room. We've also cut way back on screen time, in spite of protests. Now is the time for activites that don't fatigue the eyes, even when they are feeling relatively well.
If they're tired, let them sleep. They need plenty of rest. The herbal supplements are helpful and all that, but we need to remember that the bulk of the work is being done by the amazing human body and its incredible immune system. Let the body take the driver's seat.
For myself, we have switched to a lax homeschooling schedule and I've been reading a fun book for myself, which has really helped with the stress. I've needed the escape- I've done plenty of obsessive research, and this has helped and been my switch-off. I'd like to thank my brother and sister-in-law for the book "A Discovery of Witches". The kids have been playing a lot of board games, which is educational in its own right. They've also been crafting, playing the piano and other musical instruments, pulling out forgotten science kits, and playing with toys. It's amazing what kids will do with free time and the computers off and a break from heavier reading.
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