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Rubella

General characteristics

General characteristics

Rubella, also known as German measles, is an infectious viral disease spread by droplets from coughing and sneezing for example. The virus enters the body and replicates in the nasal and laryngeal lymph nodes. It can also be congenital i.e. passed from the mother to foetus, where it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or severe defects in the unborn child.
Incubation after exposure is between 2-3 weeks. The infection is characterised by a pin prick sized pinkish/red rash that often starts at the face and spreads downwards to cover the body. Other symptoms include a mild fever, headache, conjunctivitis, runny nose, sore throat, swollen and painful glands in the head and neck area, dehydration, sore or achy joints and a general feeling of being unwell. The symptoms usually last no more than a few days and serious complications are rare.
Healing objectives are to ensure plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids in the form of dilute juices and herbal teas and to allow the infection to run its course. Skin rashes should not be suppressed with drugs or herbs but herbal salves can be used to reduce any discomfort from itching etc. Those infected should stay home and avoid contact with others who are not infected, especially pregnant women.
Pregnant women should try to avoid adults and children who have the infection and should think carefully about receiving the rubella vaccination when pregnant or within 3 months of a planned conception due to the possible risk of birth defects to the unborn child.

Diet and lifestyle

Diet and lifestyle

Avoid solid and rich cooked foods and opt instead for lightly cooked watery foods, homemade watery soups, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, herbal teas and water.

Freshly squeezed juice of citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, grapefruit and orange will provide vitamin C and immune enhancing substances.

Add a teaspoon of good quality honey to herbal teas and juices.

Useful herbs

Useful herbs

A useful herbal tea could consist of yarrow, peppermint, elderflowers, holy thistle, lemon balm and chamomile. This combination will provide anti-viral properties, help to open the skin pores (reducing fever and allowing the rash to run its course), stimulate the eliminatory and cleansing organs (liver, kidneys and bowels) and soothe any signs of restlessness. Use equal parts of the herbs and drink 3 cups daily, 1 tablespoon of mix per cup.

Echinacea tincture can be taken to help stimulate the immune system and speed up resolution.

Another good anti-viral tea could consist of equal parts of elderberries, star anise, thyme and cleavers (to help relieve congestion in the lymph glands). Take 3 cups daily, you can take this tea alongside the tea above.

Add a tablespoon of marigold flowers, chickweed, plantain and oats or oatstraw to a cotton sock or similar and place in a warm bath. Whilst soaking, squeeze the sock and gently rub over the skin to provide relief and healing to the sore or itchy skin.

Natural healing

Natural healing

Have a warm bath daily, make the water hot if the skin rash seems stubborn in coming to the surface. Add herbs to the bath according to your particular needs.

Avoid bright light as the eyes can be very sensitive in Rubella infection.

Make sure the bowels are moving and not constipated.

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