Summary
Chicken Pox is a common childhood disease typical among
pre-teenage children. It is a highly contagious
infection of a virus known as varicella zoster. The
symptoms start as flu-like discomforts such as a fever,
muscle or stomach pain, fatigue, and possibly headaches.
This is followed in 1 to 4 days with a rash of small reddish
spots that can be anywhere on the body and are usually
uncomfortably itchy. The spots can blister and the
open sores can have the added complication of a bacterial
infection. Because the virus is highly contagious the
child should stay at home and those exposed should use
antiviral essential oils to prevent also acquiring it.
The flu-like symptoms and itchy spots can cause
discomfort but the illness is typically mild and over in a
few days to a week. Older children will be affected
more and those with weak immune systems may have difficulty
as well. Unfortunately, those that have had chicken
pox or the vaccine run the risk that the virus will remain
dormant in the nerve cells near the spine and in later life
can become active as shingles.
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
lavender, lemon, melaleuca, OnGuard
Essential oils based
products:
Also consider:
Frankincense, geranium, lemongrass, Roman chamomile,
thyme
Suggested protocols:
Itching. To relieve the symptoms
of itching salves can be made using essential oils or
products and home remedies may be enhanced with essential
oils:
·
A salve
of lavender (itching) and melaleuca (prevent bacterial
infection) can be made and topically applied as often as
necessary to the itchy spots.
·
A salve using Calamine lotion with
lavender and melaleuca added may be applied topically as
well. Use 3 drops of each oil for each ounce of
Calamine lotion.
For those with extensive spots baths may be more
effective to relieve itching. A number of home
remedies have been suggested and may be augmented with
lavender essential oil:
·
Oatmeal/lavender bath.
Place two cups of cooked oatmeal in a closed cotton bag and
place in a warm bathtub of water. Add 2 to 4 drops of
lavender and mix well. A small child can then
soak/play while getting relief.
·
Baking soda/lavender bath.
Add 1 cup of baking soda and 2 to 4 drops of
lavender to a warm bathtub of water. Mix well and a
small child can soak/play while getting relief.
Contagion: Using antiviral
precautions with OnGuard products around someone with
chicken pox can reduce the danger of passing it on to
others, especially if they are in contact with someone with
a weakened immune system that could be severely impacted.
Consider diffusing, and using hand wipes.
Flu-like symptoms: A tea using 2-3
drops of lemon oil and honey in a cup of warm water will
provide calming relief. To relieve further symptoms of
headache or fever use the essential oils techniques
described under those health concerns.
Note: Do not use aspirin to reduce
fever. Children should never be given aspirin or medications
containing aspirin for chicken pox or any other viral
illness because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. This
is a disorder that causes sudden and dangerous liver and
brain damage. It is a very rare but of such severe
complications caution must be taken.
Experiences and Testimonials of others
Mamae - My son just
broke out in Chicken Pox all over his back and chest. Which
oils would be best for the rash? I'm putting OnGuard
on his feet, and was thinking Lavender or Melaleuca would
work well on the rash. Any ideas?
Rob - Lavender is great for chicken pox.
Mix about 25 drops with a tablespoon or a little less of
calamine lotion and apply to the pox. It should reduce
irritation pretty quickly. Purify would also be
good, especially in a bath. The EO will evaporate quickly
in the warm bathwater, so keep the water moving and use a
cup to pour water over the rash.
Your other ideas are great... right on, by the way. Other
oils that may help... Frankincense, sandalwood and thyme.
Apply with carrier.
Brooke - My 8 year old son broke out in
a rash overnight a couple of weeks ago - it was all over his
back and they were red with white centers. It also made me
think of Chicken Pox because he hasn't had them yet. I had
already been putting On Guard on his feet, so I continued
that and also started dabbing melaleuca, Lavender, and
Eucalyptus on each sore. I did that 4 times throughout that
first day. By that evening - the white centers were gone,
and by the next morning, half of the red marks were gone,
and the rest were just faint pink marks. I continued the
treatment throughout the next day - and after that - they
were all gone. I am not positive it was the Chicken Pox
because he only had them on his back and hip area, but that
is the only thing I could determine it to be. Good Luck!
Ready, Set, Grow
