Homeopathic Remedies for Chicken Pox
Also indexed as: Varicella Zoster
Chicken pox is a common childhood viral illness. Many cases are mild; however, those that
are uncomfortable can often be helped with homeopathy. Fatigue and low fever typically begin
ten days to three weeks from the time of exposure. A flat red rash comes out, transforms into
pimples, then develops into blisters that eventually break and harden into itchy crusts. If
fever is very high and persistent, or if a person seems to be extremely ill, it is best to
consult a physician.
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also
“Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?
Antimonium tartaricum: This remedy may be indicated when eruptions are large and
slow to emerge. The child feels sweaty, fussy, and may be nauseous with a white-coated tongue.
If chest congestion with a rattling cough develops, or a bubbly sound on breathing,
Antimonium tart is likely to be the appropriate remedy.
Antimonium crudum: A child who needs this remedy usually is irritable and may object
to being touched or looked at. The eruptions are sore, and touching them may bring on shooting
pains.
Apis mellifica: When this remedy is indicated, the skin around the eruptions is pink
and puffy and very itchy, with stinging pains. The eyelids may also be swollen. The person
feels worse from warmth, is irritable, and usually is not thirsty.
Belladonna: This remedy is indicated when a child is hot and feverish, with a red
flushed face, and eyes that are sensitive to light. A pounding headache may be felt,
accompanied by either restlessness or drowsiness. The rash usually is red, with a feeling of
heat and throbbing.
Bryonia: When fever persists for several days during chicken pox, and a dry nagging
cough develops, this remedy may be useful. The person’s mouth is dry, with thirst for
long cold drinks. The person may be very grumpy, feel worse from motion, and dislike being
interfered with in any way.
Mercurius solubilis: This remedy may be indicated if eruptions are large and become
infected. The child is very sensitive to temperature changes and feels worse at night.
Perspiration and drooling during sleep, swollen lymph nodes, and offensive breath are strong
indications for Mercurius.
Pulsatilla: A child who needs this remedy is often sweet and tearful when ill and
wants a lot of attention and comforting. Itching and other discomforts are worse from warmth
and in stuffy rooms, and improved by cool fresh air. The person is rarely thirsty, even during
fever.
Rhus toxicodendron: This remedy is useful in cases of chicken pox with tremendous
itching that is worse from scratching and relieved by warm baths or applying heat. The child
may be very restless, both physically and mentally. The eyes may become inflamed and sticky.
Muscles can ache and feel very stiff, also relieved by warmth and gentle motion. (Some
homeopathic physicians recommend Rhus tox to people who have been exposed to chicken
pox, to help prevent infection.)
Sulphur: If itching is so severe that the person finds it impossible to keep from
scratching—or if eruptions have a nagging, burning pain—this remedy may bring
relief. The symptoms (and the person) become worse from warmth and aggravated after bathing.
Both heat and chills are felt during fever. The person may feel drowsy in the afternoon and
restless and hot at night.
Urtica urens: Eruptions with stinging, burning pain and itching may be relieved by
this remedy. Symptoms are aggravated by exertion and from overheating.
Homeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homeopathy? and Understanding Homeopathic Potencies.