Chicken pox is a viral infection caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), which is related to the herpes virus. It causes chickenpox in most people during their childhood, and those who have not been exposed to it in their childhood may even develop this condition in later years due to reduced immunity.
Chicken pox initially starts with a few reddish spots that turn into blisters or rashes as they progress and spread all over the body. Later, these blisters turn into open sores, and as they heal a form of crust appears on them. This is the time the falling scabs can spread the infection in other people, especially children, who come in contact with them. An affected person may also get fever, headache, fatigue and a loss of appetite.
Chicken pox is usually a self-limiting disease that heals on its own in most cases within two weeks, but sometimes serious complications and secondary bacterial infections may arise. This risk is higher in adults and newborns as they have lower body immunity. In general cases, natural treatments are very beneficial in providing relief from the symptoms and in preventing scarring when the blisters heal. Read on and learn how these natural treatments can help if you have a family member affected by this infection.
9 Natural Treatments For Chicken Pox
Oatmeal Bath
An oatmeal bath is the best natural treatment for chicken pox. It helps to relieve the itchiness due to rashes and reduces the discomfort to a great extent. This treatment works well for both adults and children.
An oatmeal bath before going to bed will help your child to fall asleep soon as the itching and discomfort goes away. You can directly mix a handful of finely powdered oats in the bathtub, or use a mesh bag, and the affected person should soak in this bath for at least half an hour for best results.
Carrots And Coriander Soup
Chop some carrots and fresh coriander leaves, and let them boil in half a liter of water till it reduces to half, Strain and allow it to cool a bit. Have this soup every day for at least a month.
You can add some salt and pepper to improve the taste of this nutrition soup that provides you with strength and facilitates faster healing of the infection.
Green Peas
Green peas have been used since ages as a natural treatment for chickenpox. Add around 200g of green peas to a bowl of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes, and then strain the mixture. The light greenish water should be cooled and used for cleaning the affected areas.
Alternately, you can apply the paste of the boiled peas to the affected area, and wash after an hour. This treatment provides lot of relief from the itching and irritation, and provides quicker healing of the infection.
Honey
Honey is very beneficial as a natural treatment for the chicken pox blisters. It has been used since centuries for treating many health ailments due to its antibiotic and antifungal properties. Apply pure honey over the rashes and blisters twice or thrice a day.
This helps to reduce the itching and facilitates faster healing by preventing infection. This application should be repeated every day until the scabs disappear completely.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an integral part of every kitchen, and is an effective natural treatment that helps control the itching and irritation in the chicken pox blisters. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water and mix well. Sponge the affected areas with this mixture and allow it to dry.
This helps reduce the itchiness and also prevents the affected person from further scratching and irritating the eruptions. This treatment should be repeated every day till a person recovers completely from chicken pox.
Herbal Remedies
There are a variety of herbs that help provide relief from the symptoms of chicken pox, and can be safely used even in children for the natural treatment of chicken pox. Herbs such as, chamomile, marigold, holy basil, lemon balm, etc. can be taken as an herbal tea throughout the day.
These help to calm the body and mind, thus allowing the patient to sleep well. Other herbs such as, astralagus and lysine, can be used to boost the body’s immunity and provide quicker healing of the chicken pox infection.
Homeopathic
Homeopathy uses natural medicines for the treatment of diseases symptomatically. Different kinds of homeopathic medicines can be used for treating different types of symptoms. Rhus tox, rhus toxicodendron, mezereum, aconitum and apis are some of the homeopathic medicines that are used popularly for the natural treatment of chicken pox.
These can be very safely taken by children as they do not have any side effects and can help prevent future infections when taken regularly as advised by a homeopath.
Adequate Water Intake
Chicken pox can cause a lot of irritation and inflammation in your body. It also results in accumulation of harmful toxins in your system. For a quicker recovery, ensure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
This will help in quicker healing of the blisters and prevent dehydration that can make the skin condition even worse. For an affected child, an adult should keep a special watch on the child’s water intake.
Proper Nutrition
The body undergoes a lot of stress due to the infection and it is best to ease the burden on the digestive system, especially in the early stages of chicken pox. Have vegetable soups and freshly squeezed fruit juices as much as possible. Protein powder as well as brewer’s yeast can be added in small quantities for additional nutrition. Mashed bananas, yogurt and avocados are good for your skin.
Good nutrition will help your skin to heal faster and provide a quicker recovery. Avoid spicy and fried foods as far as possible. For infants, if you notice sores in the mouth, give only very soft and mashed foods. Feed fluids using a cup or spoon as they may find it tough to suck on a nipple.
Chicken pox usually heals well within its own time, and there is not much one needs to do. These natural treatments help provide relief from the symptoms, and within two to three weeks you should be back to your normal self. While the infection lasts, avoid scratching the blisters as that can cause infection. Let the scabs fall naturally to prevent scarring on the skin. Rest well in order to be back on your feet soon.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
