Natural treatments to build children’s immune system
Yes, it’s thought that some people can catch chickenpox more than once. However, medical professionals believe this is typically due to either misdiagnosis the first time around, or an extremely mild dose of the illness.
Scientists are researching the possibility of a genetic link determining whether or not chickenpox recurs in a small percentage of individuals.
Shingles is caused by the herpes virus, varicella-zoster, which is also responsible for chickenpox; it is thought that the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells after childhood infection, becoming reactivated when the immune system is compromised. Shingles causes nerve pain and fatigue. When the pain persists for some months, this is referred to as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial since shingles can cause significant nerve damage, including visual and auditory complications, when left untreated for too long.
Supporting your daughter’s immune system is top priority. The best supplement is the Amazonian superfruit, camu camu. This is an excellent remedy for viral infections, and has even been shown to eliminate herpes outbreaks faster than a pharmaceutical drug. Chickenpox, shingles, cold-sores, genital herpes, and Epstein-Barr all fall under this category and can be treated using this vitamin C rich anti-viral fruit.
Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, have been shown to have a stimulating effect on any rash or blisters during an outbreak caused by a strain of herpes virus.
Chickenpox usually appears before the age of ten years, and is highly contagious.
Symptoms include small red spots, an increase in temperature, lethargy, headaches, muscle pains, and loss of appetite. The spots themselves change into little blisters, which are incredibly itchy. The main issue with children is to prevent them from picking and scratching at these spots, since this can lead to infection.
Even though your daughter had chickenpox some years ago, if she has any scarring or pock marks as a result of the spots, you can use rosehip oil (rosa mosqueta) to reduce the appearance of scars. Ideally you would do this at the time of the illness, however it still works well on older scarring. Apply sparingly on the scars each night before bed for six months or so to treat the scar tissue.
Your local health store should carry Camu camu, but if not, you can purchase capsules through Here’s Health (www.hereshealth.ie; 021-4278101).
I am caring for my mother, who is terminally ill. Could you recommend a supplement that I can take to help with my stress?
It is wonderful that you are caring for your mother, and it is important that you have recognised the need to make sure that you are also looking after yourself when giving so much energy and time to another.
The adaptogenic herb, roseroot (rhodiola rosea), is an all-time favourite of mine when it comes to treating stress and anxiety. It promotes a feeling of calmness, helps with energy levels, and is also beneficial for memory function.
Lifetime’s Magnolia Rhodiola Complex combines rhodiola with both relora and L-theanine. Relora is an extract from the magnolia tree which works by relaxing muscles and nerves while eliminating stress hormones from the body. L-theanine is one of the neurotransmitters found in the brain, which directly stimulates production of alpha brain waves — producing a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness.
Magnolia Rhodiola Complex is available from health stores or Victoria Health (00 44-1733-709 100; www.victoriahealth.com).
