Nutrition and Supplementation
There isn't much you can do in the way of nutrition to improve your comfort or health during a bout of chickenpox, The best you can do is drink pure vegetable broth and freshly made juices with protein powder and brewer's yeast added. These will supply you with nutrients and help keep your skin in healthy condition while it heals. When your fever lowers, your appetite will return to normal. Be kind to your body and start slowly, eating a diet of mashed bananas, avocados, fresh applesauce and/or yogurt. Do not eat cooked or processed foods.
Chickenpox compromises the immune system, so it is important to supplement nutrients specifically targeted at building immunities. The following daily adult supplementation program should help. Parents should consult with a health professional for appropriate dosages for children.
mixed carotenoid formula (15,000 IU)-stimulates the immune system
vitamin A emulsion (100,000 IU for 1 week, then 75,000 IU for 1 week; do not exceed 8000 IU daily if you are pregnant)-an immunostimulant that aids in the healing of tissues; the emulsion form is easier to assimilate
vitamin C (1000 mg 4 times daily)-stimulates the immune system and helps reduce fever
zinc (30 mg, not to exceed a total of 100 mg from all supplements)-enhances immune functions
Aromatherapy
To reduce the intense itching associated with chickenpox and speed healing ofi the blisters, create a soothing blend of essential oils. For the blend, mix 1 teaspoon each of distilled water and witch hazel and 3 drops each of German chamomile, lavender, and tea tree oil. Sponge on the blisters as needed.
Hydrotherapy
To calm the maddening itch of chickenpox, try a lukewarm bath to which you've added 1 to 2 cups of baking soda or powdered uncooked oats (oats specially prepared for the bath are available in drugstores). Soak for 15 minutes, than gently pat dry; don't rub, or you'll increase itching.
You also can quiet itching by applying cool, moist compresses to affected areas.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture An acupuncturist typically treats adult chickenpox as a damp heat condition. With children, the illness is usually allowed to run its course.
Chinese Herbal Therapy In most cases Chinese herbal therapist treats chickenpox with the herbs bupleurium, burdock, and peppermint which help reduce the swelling and itching the accompany the condition.
Other articles by Robin Brain
Chinese Medicine for Celiac Disease - by
Robin BrainAcupuncture can be used, to help remedy typical symptoms, including gastrointestinal discomfort, abdominal distention, lethargy, irregular bowel movements, and slack muscle tone in the stomach region. The practitioner typically targets points that relate to the small intestine, large intestine, and stomach.
Herbal Medicines for Cataracts - by
Robin BrainDescription
The lens, one of the eye's primary focusing mechanisms, is located just behind the pupil. A normal lens is transparent, allowing light into the eye. Cataracts, however, renders a lens cloudy, making it difficult for the necessary light to
Herbal Medicines for Cervical Cancer - by Robin Brain
Description
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. Women between the ages of 30 and 55 have the highest incidence of cervical cancer. Women who have had sexually transmitted disease, and those who have had many
Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Bulimia - by Robin Brain
Nutrition and Supplementation
Eliminate junk foods and white flour products from your diet, as well as sugar in any form. You may experience anxiety, depression, fatigue, headache, insomnia, and/or irritability for a while after you eliminate sugar.
Many people with eating
Chinese Medicine for Celiac Disease - by
Robin BrainAcupuncture can be used, to help remedy typical symptoms, including gastrointestinal discomfort, abdominal distention, lethargy, irregular bowel movements, and slack muscle tone in the stomach region. The practitioner typically targets points that relate to the small intestine, large intestine, and stomach.
Cure For Hemorrhoids - How To Effectively Treat This Embarrassing Complaint - by
John TulleyHemorrhoids can be treated, there are now many modern medications that will leave you free from pain and discomfort. This article looks at what hemorrhoids are and how to go about getting the right treatments.
Trauma Disorder - Causes, Symptoms, Information with Treatment - by
Juliet CohenCumulative trauma disorders are also called repetitive motion disorders (RMDs), overuse syndromes, regional musculoskeletal disorders, repetitive motion injuries, or repetitive strain injuries. Others say they feel a sensation of swelling in the sore limb. Some patients with arm symptoms
How Candida Yeast Overgrowth Works Against Our Bodies - by
Hyacinth C AllenYeast is a unicellular fungus. Fungi are an organism that lacks chlorophyll the pigment which makes plants green. In the singular, it is called a fungus and examples are molds, mushrooms, rust and mildew. One of its attributes is that it produces ethanol by fermenting sugars.
How Candida Die-Off Affects the Body - What Should I Expect? - by
Hyacinth C AllenThe "Herxheimer's reaction" was isolated in the 1930's by a German dermatologist. It describes the reaction caused by an intense immediate overload of the symptoms into the blood stream that results when micro-organisms begin to die off.