Measles is an infectious viral disease caused by measles virus, a paramyxovirus. It mostly affects children but can also affect unvaccinated adults. The virus is transmitted in the air when measles-infected people cough or sneeze.
Key Facts Regarding Measles:
- Virus Type: Measles virus (genus Morbillivirus)
- Transmission: Airborne (coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person)
- Incubation Period: 7–14 days since exposure
Main Symptoms: Red rash on face and body before spreading to limbs, white patches in the mouth called Koplik's spots, fever, sore throat, red eyes, and runny nose.
Symptoms of Measles
They tend to appear around 7–14 days after exposure to the virus. It begins to feel like cold or the flu, and then rashes develop.
Early Symptoms:
- Severe fever (it might be over 104°F or 40°C)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Sore throat
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
Classic Symptoms:
- Koplik's Spots: White spots in the mouth, a classic measles symptom.
- Red Skin Rash: Starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. It lasts for 5–7 days and can be itchy or flaky when it fades.
Cause of Measles
Measles is caused by the measles virus, a paramyxovirus. It invades the respiratory system but spreads to the rest of the body. It is highly contagious and spread through:
- Spread of airborne cough or sneeze droplets
- Contact with nasal or throat secretions
- Contact with contaminated surfaces (virus lasts on surface for several hours)
Who's at Risk?
- Unvaccinated children and adults
- People with weakened immune systems
- Pregnant women
- People who are malnourished, especially with vitamin A deficiency
Ayurveda View & Management
Measles is typically characterized with "Romantika" or "Masurika Jwara," a disease with fever caused by a disturbance in the doshas of Vata and Pitta, affecting blood (Rakta dhatu) and skin.
Ayurveda Goals:
- Normalize the deranged doshas
- Detoxify the blood
- Boost immunity (Ojas)
- Reduce inflammation and skin irritation
- Prevent long-term debilitation
Ayurvedic Drugs Used in the Treatment of Measles in Deep Ayurveda
1. Giloy Capsules (Tinospora cordifolia)
Also referred to as "Amrita" in Ayurveda, Giloy is a highly potent immunity enhancer and anti-fever compound.
Effects: Tones down fever, enhances immunity, purifies the system.
Usage mode: Can be consumed in the form of Giloy juice, decoction, or tablets.
2. Sudarshan Churna
It's an age-old Ayurvedic drug containing the medicinal plants Kiratatikta, Triphala, and Musta.
Effect: Relieves fevers, particularly the ones that are Pitta as well as blood-based.
Usage: With warm water or honey as instructed by your Ayurvedic physician.
3. Immuno Plus Capsules
A special herbal mixture which improves natural immunity.
Key Ingredients: Ashwagandha, Amla, Guduchi, and other rejuvenative herbs.
Benefits: Conforms the body, supports healing, and stops recurring infections.
4. Curcumin (Turmeric Extract)
Active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin is highly anti-inflammatory and antioxidant in nature.
Benefits: Promotes skin healing, prevents inflammation, and fights oxidative stress.
Usage: Either in powder or capsule form, typically with black pepper for better assimilation.
Ayurvedic Dietary and Lifestyle Counseling (Ahaar and Vihaar)
- Eat light, easily digestible food like vegetable soup or moong dal khichdi.
- Avoid spicy, oily, and sour foods that will increase Pitta.
- Drink lukewarm water with a few tulsi or neem leaves.
- Take a bath of neem water to get relief from the rash.
- Be clean, and sleep well.
- Practice light pranayama after healing for relaxation of the mind.
