by Diamond Channing

Created on: May 15, 2010   Last Updated: May 30, 2010

Most children will contract chicken pox before they reach nine years old. Chicken pox is caused by a virus which manifests itself as a fever and a headache approximately seven to twenty-one days after exposure. Small round pimples appear on the face and body about twenty-four to thirty-six hours later. The pimples are filled with fluid and have the appearance of water blisters. As the fluid leaks from the pimples, a crust is formed.This cycle continues for three days to one week. The blisters and crusts are infectious as well as itchy. Scratching the blisters should be avoided if at all possible since infection and scarring can become an issue. The individual is no longer contagious once the scabs have healed and disappeared.  It takes approximately two weeks for chicken pox to run its course. Chicken pox can be quite serious for infants. Adults seem to have a more difficult time with chicken pox than children do. There cases of chicken pox tend to be more severe than what children usually have. Once an individual has had chicken pox, they have lifetime immunity. The virus that causes chicken pox is the same virus that causes shingles in adults. The virus can lie in a dormant state  for a number of years before resurfacing as shingles in adult years.

There are a number of helpful herbs that can be used to help chicken pox. Taking burdock root, echinacea, ginger, golden seal, and St. Johnswort in the form of tea or in capsule form can help with the symptoms of chicken pox. To help with a fever in a child or an adult, catnip tea sweetened with molasses can be taken. 

Drinking fresh juices with added protein powder and brewer's yeast can be very helpful with the symptoms caused by chicken pox. Drinking pure vegetable broth is also highly recommended when suffering from chicken pox. Once the fever drops and there is a return of appetite, a "starter diet" should be introduced consisting of mashed bananas, avocados, fresh raw apple sauce, and/or yogurt.  Never use cooked or processed foods. Never give cow's milk or formula to an infant that has a fever. Instead, give pure, fresh made juices. Make sure the juice is diluted by using a combination of 4 ounces of steam-distilled water and 100 to 1,000 mg.'s. of vitamin C for every 4 ounces of juice. Almond and soy milk can be given to infants who are 6 months and older. Offer sick infants lots of water to prevent dehydration.

It is best to keep a child's fingernails short so they do not scratch the

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