Homeopathic Remedies for Measles
Measles is a contagious viral illness most often affecting children. Early measles symptoms
resemble a common cold, with weakness, mild fever, watery eyes, a dry or hacking cough, and
eyes that are very sensitive to light. Over the next few days, the fever rises and little
white spots like grains of salt show up on the inner surface of the cheeks. On the fourth or
fifth day, a blotchy pink rash breaks out—first on the face and neck, and later
spreading to the chest and abdomen. Homeopathic remedies can be useful to soothe the fever and
discomfort and to help recovery. Rarely, serious complications develop from a case of measles.
If fever is very high or a painful pounding headache appears, if the cough is very painful
with breathing problems, or if the person seems extremely ill in any other way, consult a
doctor immediately.
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also
“Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?
Aconitum napellus: Sudden high fever with hot dry skin, pain in the eyes, strong
thirst, and a fearful or panicky feeling are indications for this remedy. Symptoms often start
near midnight, and may wake the person up.
Belladonna: Fever that comes on rapidly, with a red flushed face, hot skin, dilated
eyes that are sensitive to light, and a throbbing headache that is worse from jarring are all
indications for this remedy. The rash is red and may be hot to touch. Many children needing
Belladonna have nightmares during fever and talk or cry out when apparently
asleep.
Bryonia: This remedy can be indicated when the rash is slow to appear, and the chest
is congested with a painful cough. The person’s head hurts when coughing, and everything
feels worse from motion, making the person want to stay completely still. Chills and shivering
often come with fever, but warmth can make things worse. The person’s mouth may be very
dry, with a thirst for long cold drinks.
Euphrasia: When this remedy is indicated during measles, the eyes are swollen,
streaming, and very sensitive to light. The tears can irritate the face, and the
person’s nose may run with a bland and watery discharge. Headache may intensify with
fever. The person has chills, feels worse from warmth, and prefers to stay in a darkened
room.
Gelsemium: A drowsy, lethargic feeling with fever, droopy eyes, and shaking chills
running up and down the spine are strong indications for this remedy. The rash is itchy, hot,
and dry. A headache that begins in the back of the head and neck is often seen when
Gelsemium is needed.
Kali bichromicum: When this remedy is indicated in measles, cold symptoms worsen
over time. Hoarseness, coughing up of stringy yellow mucus, earache, and sticky eyes may be
seen. Symptoms can be worse in the morning, and the person feels best from staying in bed and
keeping warm.
Pulsatilla: This remedy is often indicated when the rash is slow to develop and the
symptoms of a cold are prominent. A stuffy nose producing yellowish mucus, a gagging cough
(most often dry at night and loose in the morning), and plugging or inflammation in the ears
are common. The person does not feel very thirsty, is worse from warmth and stuffy rooms, and
improves in open air. People who need this remedy often want a lot of comforting and
attention. (Pulsatilla is a very useful children’s remedy.)
Rhus toxicodendron: An extremely itchy rash that feels better from applying heat may
indicate a need for this remedy. The person is very restless, and may feel driven to get up
and pace. Stiffness may be felt in all the muscles of the body, worse at night, from lying
still in bed, and on waking in the morning. The person may have chills along with fever, and
all symptoms are improved by warmth and motion.
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.