Spring stands for promise, birth and renewal. This season brings with it the promise that everything can begin again with new ray of hope. But the phase of transition from winter season to spring brings with it several diseases and the most common one is Chicken Pox. As per World Health Organisation (WHO), varicella (commonly referred to as 'chicken pox') is an acute and highly contagious disease, caused by primary infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This disease results in skin rashes in form of an itchy blister spread all over the body. The symptoms of the disease, which are often more severe in adults than in children, begin 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. According to WHO, the disease is typically mild, but severe complications may arise, including bacterial infections, like cellulitis, pneumonia, and neurological complications, like encephalitis.
Speaking about the same, consultant nutritionist Rupali Dutta said, "There is no such reason as to why chickenpox happens during winter and spring, but there is a world-wide trend that shows the disease to occur during this transition phase." WHO shares that this disease can be prevented by immunization and multiple vaccine formulations, but there is always a possibility of eruption even after vaccination. Dutta further says that there is no such treatment for chicken pox, rather the doctors treat a patients symptomatically, "there is a whole medication and anti-viral treatment that given but that may not be required for everybody". Hence, traditionally people use several home remedies and healthy diet to treat a patient affected by chicken pox.
(Also read: This Vitamin C-Rich Drink Can Help You Fight Seasonal Change Diseases)
Home Remedies For Chicken Pox
What Should One Eat?
According to Health Practitioner and NutritionistShilpa Arora ND, "Immune system has to be strengthened to avoid seasonal diseases. Turmeric roots (consume 3-4 juliennes early in the morning in empty stomach) give immunity to the cells to fight seasonal diseases. Inclusion of gut healing prebiotics, like onions, bananas, garlic, leeks and green onions, in diet is must as a healthy gut is a pathway to good health." She further said that if one is suffering from chicken pox, consuming 2 black peppers (grind) with honey can help in reducing inflammation and pain in the body.
According to Rupali Dutta, "Person suffering from chicken pox needs to be well hydrated. Rather than giving plain water, liquids like fresh fruits juices, lassi, butter-milk and fresh soups work better as they give nutrients to the body and keep the person hydrated."
"Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins C. Moringa is loaded with 42 nutrients, which helps in fighting infections in the body. Raw papaya has antibacterial properties, so it is suggested to add it in your meals," sharesShilpa Arora.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables for strenght
What One Should Avoid?
Shilpa Arora explains, "Avoid all kinds of white flour items, like cookies, breads, cakes and others. Try not to consume non-vegetarian food during this phase (when suffering from chicken pox) as it creates toxins or AMA in the body when it is already weak."
Other Remedies
"Neem, a medicinal plant, is well known for itsantibacterial, antimalarial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Hence, it is recommended to take bath with neem-boiled water and consumption of fresh neem leaves. Traditionally people keep neem leaves on their bed and spread a soft bedsheet on that and sleep. It is also recommended to wear loose cotton clothes to avoid excess irritation from the rashes," shared consultant nutritionist Rupali Dutta.
Neem is a traditional Indian remedy for chicken pox
She further said, "Baking soda in water while bathing helps to give comfort from the excess itching. Coconut oil works like magic for both itching and the marks from the rashes. So rubbing coconut oil after bathing reduces the pox marks from the body."
Hence, if you or anyone around suffers from chicken pox, just don't worry! Just follow these steps and get remedies for this seasonal disease at home.