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Every year, scores of children are afflicted by measles, a highly contagious viral disease caused by the paramyxovirus. But at the same time, due to widespread immunization nowadays, the number of children contracting measles has been declining each passing year. Measles mainly occurs in children who have not been vaccinated or have very weak immune systems.The disease spreads by way of physical contact, coughing, sneezing and coming in contact with a person who has nasal and throat secretions. A person starts experiencing symptoms 10-14 days after the virus infects a person.Dry cough, high fever, body aches, watery eyes, loss of appetite, runny nose and rashes are some of the common symptoms of measles.While there is no specific medicine or remedy to kill the measles virus, there are many home remedies that one can put to use to minimize complications and alleviate symptoms. Here are some home remedies.

1. Neem Leaves

Indian lilac or neem has antibacterial and anti-allergenic properties, making it very helpful in relieving itching that often occurs with the rash.Make a paste after grinding handful of fresh neem leaves. Apply it on the affected skin area. Let it dry on its own and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Follow the routine for two weeks.Another way to use neem leaves would be by soaking a handful of neem leaves in water and keeping the water under sun for a few hours. Wash your skin with this water; you will have a soothing effect on your skin. You should try out this method for two weeks.

2. Indian Gooseberry

 Amla is an excellent source of vitamin C that enhances the immune system. It is also fortified with antioxidants and hence very effective in the treatment of measles. Mix one teaspoon of amla juice in one-half cup of water. Drink it twice daily for one month. This will help alleviate the itching and burning sensation during measles.Another method that you can employ is by boiling one cup of dry amla in four cups of water for 10 minutes and using this to wash your body. Do this twice daily to relieve burning and itching.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric has antiseptic as well as antioxidant properties. There are several ways one can use turmeric for treatment of measles. Add one tablespoon each of turmeric powder and honey to a glass of lukewarm milk. Drink it twice daily for a month.Another way is to grind equal amounts of tamarind seeds and turmeric root and consuming this mixture in a dose of 350 to 400 grams (about two and one-half cups) three times a day for two to three weeksAlso, mix one-half teaspoon of turmeric and a few drops each of honey and bitter gourd juice. Consume the mixture at least once a day for 30 days.

4. Olive Leaf

Olive leaf has antimicrobial and antiviral properties and is a natural antibiotic with antioxidant effects. To use it, grind a few olive leaves into a thick paste and apply on the affected skin area. Let is remain for 30 minutes and rinse the area with lukewarm water and then pat dry thoroughly. Follow the procedure once or twice a day for two weeks.

5. Coconut Water

Coconut water is fortified with several nutrients that help cleanse the body of toxic elements. It is also rich in antioxidants that help promote a speedy recovery from measles. Drink plenty of coconut water daily. This will keep the body hydrated and you will not feel fatigued.

6. Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd or bitter melon is full of antioxidant properties and has vitamin C, zinc, iron, potassium and dietary fiber, which not only boost immunity but also speed up the healing process. To begin with, extract the juice from one fresh bitter gourd. Mix one tablespoon of bitter gourd juice with one teaspoon of honey and one-half teaspoon of turmeric powder. For two to three weeks take this mixture twice a day.