Chicken Pox

Chicken Pox is a common childhood disease typical among pre-teenage children.  It is a highly contagious infection of a virus known as varicella zoster.

The symptoms start as flu-like discomforts such as a fever, muscle or stomach pain, fatigue, and possibly headaches.  This is followed in 1 to 4 days with a rash of small reddish spots that can be anywhere on the body and are usually uncomfortably itchy.  The spots can blister and the open sores can have the added complication of a bacterial infection.  Because the virus is highly contagious the child should stay at home and those exposed should use antiviral essential oils to prevent also acquiring it.

The flu-like symptoms and itchy spots can cause discomfort but the illness is typically mild and over in a few days to a week.  Older children will be affected more and those with weak immune systems may have difficulty as well.  Unfortunately, those that have had chicken pox or the vaccine run the risk that the virus will remain dormant in the nerve cells near the spine and in later life can become active as shingles.

Oils, blends & products recommended:

Oils & Blends: Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, On Guard

Essential oils based products:

Also consider: Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Lemongrass, Roman Chamomile, Thyme

Suggested Protocols:

Itching.  To help in relieving the symptoms of itching salves can be made using essential oils or products and home remedies may be enhanced with essential oils:

·    A salve of Lavender (itching) and Melaleuca (prevent bacterial infection) can be made and topically applied as often as necessary to the itchy spots.

·    A salve using Calamine lotion with Lavender and Melaleuca added may be applied topically as well.  Use 3 drops of each oil for each ounce of Calamine lotion.

For those with extensive spots baths may be more effective to relieve itching.  A number of home remedies have been suggested and may be augmented with Lavender essential oil:

·    Oatmeal/Lavender bath.   Place two cups of cooked oatmeal in a closed cotton bag and place in a warm bathtub of water.  Add 2 to 4 drops of Lavender and mix well.  A small child can then soak/play while getting relief.

·    Baking soda/Lavender bath.  Add 1 cup of baking soda and 2 to 4 drops of Lavender to a warm bathtub of water.  Mix well and a small child can soak/play while getting relief.

Contagion:  Using antiviral precautions with On Guard products around someone with chicken pox can reduce the danger of passing it on to others, especially if they are in contact with someone with a weakened immune system that could be severely impacted.  Consider diffusing, and using hand wipes.

Flu-like symptoms:  A tea using 2-3 drops of Lemon oil and honey in a cup of warm water will provide calming relief.  To relieve further symptoms of headache or fever use the essential oils techniques described under those health concerns.

Note: Do not use aspirin to reduce fever. Children should never be given aspirin or medications containing aspirin for chicken pox or any other viral illness because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.  This is a disorder that causes sudden and dangerous liver and brain damage. It is a very rare but of such severe complications caution must be taken.


dōTERRA Essential oils does not prevent, treat or cure disease. Your lifestyle choices can help prevent disease. Your doctor treats symptoms and fixes broken parts. Your body cure disease!