In this day and age, measles is scary – partly because we don’t see measles anymore and partly because we’re in an age of information, overwhelming at times. The facts we know are that measles is traditionally a childhood illness that is not as mild as chicken pox, and there can be complications. Personally, I also know that my mother had measles along with mumps, rubella and chicken pox – and like most people her age, she recovered without complications. Besides that detail, like most people, I’ve never even seen a measles case.
Since measles is a viral disease, antibiotics and cortisone are not usually recommended or helpful unless there are complications of some sort that call for them. Fortunately, homeopathy can be used at any stage of the measles, and if you manage it with homeopathy early on and through each of the stages, it can help ease symptoms and quicken recovery time. I write this because I’ve seen homeopathy help all types of viral illnesses including children’s illnesses, though I’ve never actually seen a measles case. So the detailed information about homeopathic medicines and measles that follows is a combination of information from Dr. Dorothy Shepherd’s book, Homeopathy in Epidemic Diseases, coupled with my own personal experience in using these homeopathic medicines to assist the body’s recovery in other cases of viral illnesses.
How Homeopathic Medicines Work in Measles Cases
Homeopathy supports the body’s natural and truly amazing ability to heal itself – to help the body recover faster and minimize complications. To my knowledge there are no scientific studies on homeopathy for measles but since homeopathy has a long history of over 200 years, including through countless epidemics, we have plenty of literature on remedies to minimize symptoms and hasten recovery. While I’ve read that homeoprophylaxis with nosodes can prevent measles, I’m not sure that’s possible with this particular virus, since it’s a childhood illness that most children used to get, whether under homeopathic treatment or not, just like we used to all catch and build immunity to chicken pox before children were vaccinated for it.
One of the best resources I know on measles is Dr. Dorothy Shepherd’s book, Homeopathy in Epidemic Diseases. This book is a real gem and is still in print, which shows its value. Dr. Shepherd (1885-1952) was a busy doctor who was always willing to share advice and to help with homeopathy; she had a clinic and often worked tirelessly in the poorer parts of London. Although she came from a family that used homeopathy, she originally trained as a doctor and only turned to homeopathy after some inspiration from James Tyler Kent in the US. In her opinion, epidemic illnesses like measles could be halted with the correct homeopathic remedy and she taught medical and lay persons alike.
Below is a snapshot of the top remedies she lists for measles – and I’ve included them all even though there are quite a few, but that’s homeopathy for you – it has to fit the symptoms in order to work. Especially if you’re new to homeopathic medicine (but even if you’re not), I would recommend seeking the expertise of a homeopath to guide you through the remedy selection. Also use your common sense as a parent – if your child needs medical attention, don’t delay. Homeopathy works best when combined with a proper diagnosis and getting a medical and homeopathic team together can help you make the best decisions for your family in the case of an outbreak.
Recognizing 4 Stages of Measles
Measles is not the only childhood illness with a rash but it goes through four distinct stages that make it recognizable. After initial exposure, it takes about 7-21 days for symptoms to show – this is the incubation stage where there aren’t any symptoms at all. Generic cold symptoms begin in the second stage which runs 3-7 days: fever, runny nose, cough, watery eyes and light sensitivity – the only identifying feature specific to measles is the white Koplik spots inside the cheeks, so if you suspect measles, check for those.. Next is rash stage, which makes measles obvious: a fine pink rash starts in the face and spreads over the body and limbs, lasting about 4-7 days or so. The final stage is when the fever breaks and the rash darkens and fades with peeling of the skin (about 10 days).
Measles is highly contagious from about 4 days before the rash starts to 4 days after it develops, so if you suspect that someone in your family has measles, you should self isolate and contact your doctor. Measles is a reportable illness, meaning that it is tracked by Health Canada to prevent outbreaks from spreading. Note that the above timeline is a guideline only, and can vary person to person. If you’re curious about possible complications or would like more details about the disease itself, check out the Health Canada website.
Top Homeopathic Medicines for Early Stages
Aconite can be given early on for measles if the child is naturally robust and comes down with a sudden, rather violent illness, usually with a dry cough, high fever, restlessness and anxiety. The cheeks are red and the child is thirsty. Always think of Aconite first if the child comes down with a viral infection soon after being exposed to very cold weather. While many people give Aconite in the beginning of any infection, Dr. Shepherd cautions against it, saying that it will only confuse the picture. Always choose the remedies according to the symptoms presented and with Aconite, this means a sudden, intense set of symptoms, with fever, restlessness and anxiety.
Belladonna is not as useful for measles according to Dr. Shepherd, but may also be given early if the typical Belladonna symptoms are present: in this case while the fever also comes on suddenly and high with intense heat and burning, the cheeks are red and the eyes are glassy, with cold hands and feet. There is more congestion in the head with throbbing headaches, there may be dullness or excitement with dilated pupils. The lips and mouth are dry but there is thirst – unless it’s for lemonade. The child is very sensitive to light, noise and jarring of the bed.
Bryonia is likely the most commonly indicated homeopathic medicine for the measles says Dr. Shepherd, with its slow developing symptoms over a period of two to three days. The cold and runny nose accompany a hard, dry cough and in 3 days the rash shows up, with the child just wanting to sleep, be quiet, left alone and if disturbed, will be irritable. They’ve got a real flu type symptomatology with aching and wanting to lie very still. They’re worse in a stuffy room and prefer fresh air. The mouth is dry and thirst intense, with gulping of water every now and again.
Other Common Homeopathic Remedies in the Early Stages:
Euphrasia is the best choice when eye symptoms dominate, though we don’t often discuss this remedy for viral infections. For Euphrasia to fit, the eyes stream tears which burn and are very sensitive to light, causing puffiness and swelling. Sneezing, a runny nose and intense headaches appear alongside a cough – the cough is worse during the day and better lying down. Dr. Shepherd recommends protecting the eyes from too much light at this stage but allowing the child fresh air and outdoor play when they’re a little better for optimum recovery.
Antimonium crudum: children who need this remedy are cranky and irritable, can’t be pleased, touched or even looked at. These children are never happy. Physically, a rash and cracks appear around the nose and corners of the mouth. The face is hot and red like Aconite but without the anxiety, intensity or restlessness of Aconite – the child is more drowsy and cranky. A classic Antimonium crudum symptom is a thick white coating covering the tongue and a stomach that is upset and sensitive, with easy gagging on attempting to eat. They are quite sensitive to heat and stuffy rooms.
Arsenicum album, although not too common for measles, Arsenicum is a common remedy for any viral infection and should be considered if the usual symptoms of restlessness, exhaustion and chill are present. The person wants warm drinks, tends to be quite chilly and needs constant company.
Gelsemium is a very common flu remedy and can be used in measles when exhaustion predominates. The illness develops very slowly with cold symptoms when the exhaustion creeps in. The limbs are so heavy, it is effort to lift them and the eyes are at half mast, with swelling and constant tearing. A chill runs up and down the spine. Gelsemium is more likely to be needed during the summer months or in warm, mild winters.
Ipecacuana is a remedy you can’t miss because nausea and vomiting accompany weakness and exhaustion, and there is little thirst. The rash is slow to develop. Here the tongue is pink and there is a dry cough. Giving the remedy will ease the nausea and help the rash come out properly.
Homeopathic Medicines for Later Stages:
Pulsatilla is one of those remedies you’ll be familiar with if you have kids and use homeopathy – and it’s no less common for the measles in the later stages. Use Pulsatilla when the rash is rough, blotchy and the child is weepy, whiny and clingy. There is no thirst even though the temperature may be high. Pulsatilla is often useful when the nose discharge is yellow and abundant but not irritating and the child runs warm and feels better in fresh air.
Kalium bichromicum is known to help with nasal and sinus symptoms when there are stringy, gluey discharges from the eyes, nose and mouth. The sinus congestion extends to the eustachian tubes causing ear fullness which can affect hearing. The glands may be swollen.
Phosphorus is the classic homeopathic medicine for colds and flus that quickly descend to the chest. Think of it when the cough is a bit worrisome; typically the cough is constant, dry and painful with an intense thirst for cold water.
Rhus toxicodendron is a great homeopathic remedy for the measles with flu like aching and restlessness. Give Rhus tox. if the child is full of aches and pains that cause constant repositioning and movement – the restlessness is similar to cases needing Aconite and Arsenicum but without the fear and anxiety. The rash may be itchy, which is not typical of measles.
Sulphur is another great rash remedy and may be needed in the later stages of an illness, especially when there is weakness and recovery is slow> Also consider a dose or two of Sulphur if a lot of remedies have been given without much improvement. Dr. Shepherd quotes James Tyler Kent, who writes “routinists do well in measles with Pulsatilla and Sulphur, occasionally requiring Aconite and Euphrasia.” So if you don’t know what to give and aren’t able to see a homeopath, you likely won’t be too far off the mark with using these 4 remedies, given when indicated.
Morbillinum: this measles nosode is most useful in the convalescent stage after more severe measles cases, when recovery is poor and symptoms linger. Dr. Shepherd treated many children’s fever cases in hospitals when children had fevers, with exhaustion, conjunctivitis, bronchitis and poor weight gain with good results from this nosode. If you have a child who has never been well since having the measles, give Morbillinum.