Once a person is infected with the measles virus, it can incubate for nine to fourteen days before signs of illness develop. A child with the measles is considered contagious for at least seven days after the beginning of the illness. Usually, the disease is self-limiting and runs its course within ten days. The fever falls, making the sufferer feel more comfortable in general, and the rash fades to a brownish color that gradually disappears as the outer layer of skin is shed. Once this happens, the child is no longer contagious.

The seriousness of measles lies in the potential for complications following the illness itself. Ear infections are one common complication. Pneumonia and encephalitis (an inflammation of the lining of the brain) are also possible, and more serious, complications. If your child’s fever climbs to a very high level, if she has a seizure, or if you notice any changes in her level of consciousness or mental function, seek medical advice immediately. These may be symptoms of encephalitis, which can be fatal.

SYMPTOMS OF MEASLES The first signs that a child is coming down with the measles usually include some combination of the following: Fever. A stuffy and/or runny nose. A cough. Red and possibly itchy eyes that may be sensitive to light. Small red spots in her mouth. Three to five days after these initial symptoms, a child with measles will develop a rash with the following general characteristics: It is splotchy and brownish-pink in color. It begins around the ears and/or on the face and neck, then spreads over the rest of the body (although in mild cases, the arms and legs may not be affected). It is mildly itchy. It lasts for four to seven days before fading away.

Conventional Treatment

Treatment for measles is primarily aimed at alleviating symptoms while the virus runs its course. A child with the measles may run a fever as high as 104°F (in some cases higher), so fever control is a principal concern. You can give your child acetaminophen (in the form of Tylenol, Tempra, and other medications) or ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, and others) to bring down fever and ease overall achiness and malaise.


Note: In excessive amounts, acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Be careful not to exceed the proper dosage for your child’s age and size. ibuprofen is best given with food to prevent possible stomach upset.

Never give aspirin to a child who has–or
who you suspect may be coming down with-the measles. The combination of aspirin
and a viral infection has been linked to the development of Reye’s syndrome,
a serious disease of the liver and brain.

Because measles is a viral illness, antibiotic therapy is ineffective and therefore not appropriate. If your doctor confirms that your child has developed a secondary, bacterial infection, such as an ear infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to fight the secondary infection.

Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks plenty of fluids. Also, because measles often causes a heightened sensitivity to light, your child will probably be more comfortable in a dimly lit room.

Dietary Guidelines

Lots of fluids are essential to prevent
dehydration. Keep a feverish child well hydrated. Offer fruit-juice popsicles,
spring water, herb teas, soups, and diluted juices. During the recovery period,
immune-boosting astragalus and vegetable soup is a good choice as well
(see THERAPEUTIC RECIPES).

Eliminate fats as much as possible. Fats
are difficult to digest under normal circumstances, and are even harder to
digest when the digestive system is weakened by infection. Undigested fats
contribute to a toxic internal environment.

Nutritional Supplements

For age-appropriate dosages of nutritional supplements, see Dosage Guidelines for Herbs and Nutritional Supplements.

Vitamin A aids in healing mucous membranes. Give your child one dose of vitamin A, once a day, for ten days.

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids help to stimulate the immune system. Three to four times a day, give your child one dose of vitamin C in mineral ascorbate form, and an equal amount of bioflavonoids, for one week. The following week, give the same dosage, but two to three times a day. During the third week, give the same dosage, two to three times, every other day. Then continue to give one-half dose, once a week, for three weeks.

Zinc stimulates the immune system and promotes healing. Give your child one dose, twice a day, for ten days.


Note: Excessive amounts of zinc can result in nausea and vomiting. Be careful not to exceed the recommended dosage.

Herbal Treatment

For age-appropriate dosages of nutritional supplements, see Dosage Guidelines for Herbs and Nutritional Supplements.

If your child is feeling very restless, give her one dose of chamomile tea, twice a day.

Echinacea and goldenseal combination formula helps clear an infection, supports the immune system, and soothes the skin and mucous membranes. Echinacea is a powerful antiviral. Give your child one dose, every two hours, until the fever breaks. Then give her one dose, three times a day, for one week.


Note: You should not give your child echinacea on a daily basis for more than ten days at a time, or it will lose its effectiveness.

An herbal fever-reducing tea will help to bring down your child’s temperature, decrease chills, and increase perspiration. Combine equal parts of some or all of the following: lemon balm leaf, chamomile flower, peppermint leaf, licorice root, and elder flower. For an older child, a little honey can be added to improve flavor. Give your child one dose, four times a day, for two or three days. A nursing mother may take one adult dose, four times a day, instead of giving the tea directly to her baby; its healing properties will be passed to her baby in her breast milk. The tea should be taken as hot as possible.


Caution: Do not put honey in the tea if you are giving it to a child less than one year old. Honey has been associated with infant botulism, which can be life threatening. Also, if you are using peppermint in the tea and also giving your child a homeopathic preparation, allow one hour to elapse between the two treatments. Otherwise, the strong smell of the mint will decrease the effectiveness of the homeopathic remedy.

Ginger tea can be effective against a fever. It is most helpful for the child who tends to feel cold, especially in the hands and feet. To decrease chills and increase perspiration, snuggle your child under light covers after giving her the tea. Give your child one dose, four times daily, for one day. If your child finds the taste too pungent, mix the tea with fruit juice.

Shiitake mushrooms have immure-stimulating properties. They may be eaten fresh, or taken in capsule form. Give a child twelve years old or older one capsule, three times a day, as long as signs of infection are present.

Give your child cool oatmeal baths to lessen the itching. Wrap a handful of oatmeal in a washcloth and let it soak in your child’s bath water. For extra relief, gently rub the oatmeal-filled washcloth over your child’s skin.

Homeopathy

Choose the most appropriate symptom-specific remedy from the suggestions that follow and give your child one dose, every two hours, up to a total of four doses a day, for up to two days.

Apis mellifica 30x or 9c is recommended for a child who has a swollen throat and difficulty breathing, and has a cough that causes pain in the chest. This child does not feel thirsty and is less comfortable in a warm room.

Choose Arsenicum album 30x or 9c if your child is restless but weak, feels worse after midnight, and wants frequent small drinks. This child’s skin may be itchy, and she may have diarrhea as well.

Belladonna 30x or 9c is the remedy for a child who has a high fever, red eyes, and a flushed face, and complains of a throbbing head and difficulty swallowing.

Gelsemium 30x or 9c is for the feverish child with droopy eyes and a croupy cough, who complains of feeling chilly and having a runny nose. This child’s rash is likely to be very red and itchy, and she may have a headache.

Pulsatilla 30x or 9c is helpful for a child who is tearful, with eyes that are sticky, discharging, and very sensitive to light. This child’s rash is dark red and spotty. She has thick yellow nasal mucus and a cough that is dry at night but looser during the day. She may have an upset stomach as well.

Acupressure

For the locations of acupressure points on a child’s body, see ADMINISTERING AN ACUPRESSURE TREATMENT.

Four Gates helps to relax a feverish child.

General Recommendations

To prevent dehydration, encourage a feverish child to drink plenty of fluids. The increased metabolic rate that results from a fever causes the body to lose fluids rapidly.

Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Keep the lights in your child’s room dim.

Give your child an echinacea and goldenseal combination formula.

Select and administer a symptom-specific homeopathic remedy.

To promote perspiration and bring down a moderate to high temperature, give your child fever-reducing herbal tea.

If your child is uncomfortable and restless, give her soothing and calming chamomile tea.

Give your child vitamin C with bioflavonoids, zinc, and vitamin A.

If your child has the measles, be alert for signs that a secondary infection may be developing. If symptoms seem to get worse, or if new symptoms develop, seek medical advice.

Prevention

A vaccine that protects against measles is
available. It is usually given in the form of the MMR vaccine, which also
contains vaccines against mumps and rubella (German measles), when a child
is approximately fifteen months old. An additional dose is recommended either
before a child enters school or when she is between the ages of eleven and
thirteen. (See IMMUNIZATION-RELATED PROBLEMS>.)

A child who has recently been exposed to measles and may be incubating the disease should not be given the measles vaccine at that time. It may suppress the rash at the time, but it could leave her vulnerable to developing a more serious case of the illness in adolescence.

As much as possible, try to keep your child from contact with contagious children, particularly if she is not (or is not yet) immunized against the disease.

Dosage Guidelines

Diet

Herbal Medicine

Homeopathy

Bach Flowers

Acupressure

From Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child by Janet Zand, N.D., L.Ac., Robert Rountree, MD, Rachel Walton, RN, ©1994. Published by Avery Publishing, New York. For personal use only; neither the digital nor printed copy may be copied or sold. Reproduced by permission.

• Allergic reaction to airborne pollen, dust, mold spores, and animal dander, or direct contact with chlorinated water or cosmetics. If you can’t avoid the allergens, antihistamines and certain eye drops can help. (Ask your doctor which one(s) to use).
  
• Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by a pus-like discharge. Warm compresses along with an antibiotic ointment or drops prescribed by your doctor can help. When treated right, bacterial conjunctivitis will clear up in two to three days but continue to use the medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
  
• Viral conjunctivitis is a complication of a cold or flu. This type has less discharge but more tearing than the bacterial form. Antibiotics don’t work. Viral conjunctivitis can take 14 to 21 days to clear up.
  

• Don’t touch the eye area with your fingers. If you must wipe your eyes, use tissues.
  
• With your eyes closed, apply a washcloth soaked in warm (not hot) water to the affected eye three to four times a day for at least 5 minutes at a time. (These soaks also help to dissolve the crusty residue of pinkeye).
  
• Use over-the-counter eye drops. They may soothe irritation and help relieve itching.
  
• Avoid wearing eye makeup until the infection has completely cleared up. Never share makeup with others.
  
• Don’t cover or patch the eye. This can make the infection grow.
  
• Don’t wear contact lenses while your eyes are infected.
  
• Wash your hands often and use your own towels. Pinkeye is very contagious and can be spread from one person to another by contaminated fingers, washcloths, or towels.
  

Questions to Ask

Do you have severe eye pain or are your eyes sensitive to light?
Do you have a pus-like discharge that is yellowish-green in color?
Have you tried Self-Care Tips and show no improvement after 24 hours or are the symptoms worse?

Part used:
Flowering tops

Constituents: There is a wealth of information about the whole range of components.
However, this does not tell us much about the value and benefits of the herb as used in healing. The activity of the whole plant is always more than the sum of its parts, just as a person is more than the sum of their biochemistry. Herbal medicine treats the unique individual and not just the disease present. Herbs can be very powerful in addressing
symptomology, but we limit their potential if we stay at this level. Knowing the chemistry of sesquiterpenes is not the same as knowing Chamomile!

The essential oil is a wonderful blend of many individual oils. In addition
to a wonderful aroma, these oils all have anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and anti-microbial activity in the body.
When freshly distilled this oil is blue due to the presence of azulene. Some of the other components of the oil include
a-bisabolol, chamazulene, farnesene and herniarin.

Following much pharmacological research,
the a-bisabolol has been credited with the ulcer-protective properties of the herb and chamazulene as the main
anti-inflammatory. It has been suggested that there is a stimulation of local prostaglandin synthesis, thus strengthening
the protective mucosal barrier against ulceration. Azulene imparts the deep blue colour to the essential oil.

Major constituents of Matricaria recutita & their actions.

Constituent Properties	Class	Medical
chamazulene	cyclic sesquiterpene	anti-inflammatory
a-bisabolol	cyclic sesquiterpene	anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic
bisabolol oxide	isomeric cyclic sesquiterpene	anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic
spiroether	polyine	anti-spasmodic
chrysoplenin	alkylated flavonoid	anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic
chrysoplenol	alkylated flavonoid	anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic
jaceidin	alkylated flavonoid	anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic
apigenin	flavone	anti-spasmodic

|

Important flavonoids have been found that include quercimeritin, which is involved in the reduction of capillary fragility. Other relevant constituents are anthemic acid, anthemidine, tannin and matricarin.

Actions: Nervine, anti-spasmodic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, bitter, vulnerary

Indications: A comprehensive list of Chamomiles’
medical uses would be very long. Included would be insomnia, anxiety, menopausal depression, loss of appetite,
dyspepsia, diarrhoea, colic, aches and pains of flu, migraine, neuralgia, teething, vertigo, motion sickness,
conjunctivitis, inflamed skin, urticaria etc. etc.. This may seem too good to be true, but it reflects the wide range of actions in the body.

It is probably the most widely used relaxing nervine herb in the western world. It relaxes
and tones the nervous system, and is especially valuable where anxiety and tension produce digestive symptoms such as gas, colic pains or evenulcers. This ability to focus on physical symptoms as well as underlaying psychological tension is one of the great benefits of herbal remedies in stress and anxiety problems. Safe in all types of stress and anxiety related problems, it makes a wonderful late night tea to ensure restful sleep. It is helpful with anxious children or teething infants, where it is used as an addition to the bath.

As an anti-spasmodic herb, it works on the peripheral nerves and muscles, and so it indirectly relaxes the whole body. When the physical body is at ease, ease in the mind and heart follows. It can prevent or ease cramps in the muscles, such as leg or abdomen.
As the essential oil added to a bath, itrelaxes the body after a hard day whilst easing the cares and weight of a troubled heart and mind.

Being rich in essential oil, it acts on the digestive system, promoting proper function. This usually involves soothing the walls of the intestines, easing griping pains and helping
the removal of gas. It is an effective anti-inflammatory remedy internally for the digestive and respiratory system as well as externally on the skin. A cup of hot Chamomile tea is a simple, effective way of relieving indigestion, calming inflammations such as gastritis and helping prevent ulcer formation. Using the essential oil as a steam inhalation will allow the same oils to reach inflamed mucus membranes in the sinuses and lungs.

Chamomile is a mild anti-microbial, helping the body to destroy or resist pathogenic micro-organisms. Azulene, one of the components of the essential oil, is bacteriocidal to Staphylococcus and Streptoccusinfections.
The oil from 0.10g of flowers is enough to destroy in 2 hours three times the amount of Staphylococcal toxins.

As an anti-catarrhal it helps the body remove excess mucus buildup in the sinusarea. It may
be used in head colds and allergy reactions such as hayfever. Mucous is not a problem in itself. It is an essential
body product, but when too much is produced it is usually in response to an infection, helping the body remove
the problematic organism, or as a way of the body removing excess carbohydrate from the body.

A review of recent scientific literature shows how much interest this venerable folk
remedy is still receiving. Most of the clinical, therapeutic research comes from Europe, reflecting the respect Chamomile receives in the medical community there. Anti-inflammatory effects have been the main focus of research, being the official criteria for its inclusion in the Pharmacopeia. These properties explain the herbs value in a wide range of digestive ifintestinal problems. Taken by mouth or used as an enema it is particularly helpful in colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. A fascinating recent German study demonstrated the efficacy of chamomile on the healing of wounds caused by tattooing. A common problem with tattoos is a ‘weeping’ wound where the skinhas been abraded. The healing and drying process was compared between patients that were treated with Chamomile & a similar group that were not. The decrease of the weeping wound area as well as the speed of drying was dramatically improved using Chamomile.

Clinical and laboratory research demonstrates statistically what the herbalist knows experientially, that it will reduce inflammation, colic pain and protect against ulcer formation in the whole of the digestive tract.

Dosage: The herb may be used in all the ways plants can be prepared as medicines. Used fresh or
dried it should be infused to make the tea. The tincture is an excellent way of ensuring all the plants
components are extracted and available for the body. In aromatherapy the essential oil of Chamomile is a
valued preparation.

2 -3 teaspoonfuls infused for 10 minutes, 3-4 times a day. Tincture:1-4ml three times
a day.

Part Used: The seeds.

Constituents:
The whole complex of primary plant constituents and a characteristic array of secondary plant constituents are present. Pharmacologically
important constituents include volatile oil, major components of which are anethole and fenchone, flavonoids, oumarins.

Actions: Carminative, aromatic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, galactogogue, hepatic.

Indications:
Fennel is an excellent stomach and intestinal remedy which relieves flatulence and colic whilst also stimulating the digestion
and appetite. It is similar to Aniseed in its calming effect on bronchitis and coughs. It may be used to flavor cough remedies.
Fennel will increase the flow of milk in nursing mothers. Externally the oil eases muscular and rheumatic pains.
The infusion may be used as an eye wash or compress to treat conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis).

Preparations & Dosage: Pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of slightly crushed seeds and leave
to infuse for l0 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. To ease flatulence, take a cup half an hour before meals. Tincture: Take 1-2ml
of the tincture 3 times a day.

Scrophulariaceae

Names:

Habitat: Meadows and grassy places in Britain and Europe.

Collection: Gather the whole plant whilst in bloom in late summer and dry it in an airy place.

Part Used: Dried aerial parts.

Constituents:

• Iridoid glycosides, including aucubin.

• Tannins, both condensed and hydrolysable gallic acid types

• Phenolic acids including caffeic and ferulic

• Volatile oil.

• Miscellaneous; an unidentified alkaloid, sterols, amino acids and choline.
  

Indications: Eyebright is an excellent remedy for the problems of mucous membranes. The combination of anti-inflammatory and astringent properties make it relevant in many conditions. Used internally it is a powerful anti-catarrhal and thus may be used in nasal catarrh, sinusitis and other congestive states. It is best known for its use in conditions of the eye, where it is helpful in acute or chronic inflammations, stinging and weeping eyes as well as over-sensitivity to light. Used as a compress externally in conjunction with internal use it valuable in conjunctivitis and blepharitis.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a “mild stimulating astringent. Vaso-constrictor to vessels of nasal and conjuntival membranes. Specific for congestive conditions of the eyes with profuse lachrymation.” They give the following specific indications: Catarrhal blepharitis, rhinitis, sinusitis and conjunctivitis. Hay fever, acute coryza, irritable sneezing and lachrymation.

Ellingwood considered it specific for “irritating and catarrhal disease; first of the upper portion of the respiratory tract, and afterwords of the mucous structures of the throat and bronchial tubes. It is more immediately beneficial if the discharge is thin and watery. `Snuffles’ ininfants demands this remedy. It is specific to acute disorders of the nasal mucous membranes. Where there is watery discharge from these membranes, where there earache, or headache, and especially if the distress be across the eyes, in acute catarrhal affections, it has a direct influence upon the lachrymal apparatus.” In addition he recommends it for the following patholgies: cough, hoarsness, catarrhal manifestations following measles, catarrhal conjunctivitis, catarrhal deafness, chronic nasal catarrh, acute coryza, influenza, blepharitis and conjunctivitis.

Combinations: In catarrhal conditions it combines well with Golden Rod, Elder Flower or Golden Seal. In allergic conditions where the eyes are effect edit may be combined with Ephedra. As an eye lotion it mixes with Golden Seal and distilled Witch Hazel.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 5-l0 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Compress: place a teaspoonful of the dried herb in half a litre (l pint) of water and boil for l0 minutes, let cool slightly. Moisten a compress (Cotton wool, gauze or muslin) in the luke warm liquid, wring out slightly and place over the eyes. Leave the compress in place for l5 minutes. Repeat several times a day. Tincture: take l-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Fumariaceae

Names: Earthsmoke.

Habitat: Common in Europe and the British Isles, especially incultivated fields.

Collection: It should be collected when in flower, which is throughout the summer.

Part Used: Aerial parts.

Constituents: Isoquinoline alkaloids, including bulbocapnine, canadine, coptisine, corydaline, dicentrine, cryptopine, fumaricine, fumariline, fumaritine, N-methylhydrastine, protopine, sanguinarine, sinactine.

Actions: Diuretic, laxative, alterative, hepatic.

Indications: Fumitory has a long history of use in the treatment of skin problems such as eczema and acne. Its action is probably due to a general cleansing mediated via the kidneys and liver. Fumitory may also be used as an eyewash to ease conjunctivitis.

King’s dispensatory gives the following medical uses: “It is a weak tonic, very much used in cutaneous diseases, in jaundice, obstructions of the abdominal viscera, scurvy, and in cases of debility of the digestive organs. It is also slightly diaphoretic and aperient. Dose of the infusion, a wineglassfulevery 2 or 3 hours; of the expressed juice, half a wine glassful, 2 or 3 times a day. Two ounces of the tops and flowers infused in 3 pints of Madeira wine, andtaken twice a day in doses of from 2 to 4 fluid ounces, will strengthen the stomach and improve the appetite.”

Combinations: It may usefully be combined with Burdock, Cleavers orFigwort.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and let infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This may be drunk freely, but for skin problems it should be drunk at least three times daily.

Tincture: take l-2ml of the tincture three times a day.