Homeopathy For Measles

🖨️ Print post

Disclaimer: The information provided does not constitute the pre­vention, diagnosis or treatment of any disease or health condition. It is provided for educational purposes only. Readers are advised to seek professional advice in case of illness.

In recent weeks. the mainstream media in America have been serv­ing up fresh measles drama with a side of public health panic and a main course of vaccine-maker horror, touting disability and death as likely outcomes from measles.

All this for only around one thousand measles cases in the U.S. this year (as of May 7), but the media are describing 2025 as “the second worst year since the disease was eliminated.”¹ The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000.2

The measles vaccines introduced in the 1960s and the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine launched in 1971 have been widely credited, in public health circles, with the dramatic reduction in measles cases and outbreaks.²

Measles used to be a normal and expected childhood illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has admitted that prior to measles vaccine licensing, “because virtually all children acquired measles, the number of cases probably approached 3.5 million per year.”³ Other sources suggest even higher historical numbers, with up to five million cases per year.⁴

Usually a rite of passage leading to lifelong immunity and other long-term health benefits,⁵ measles should still be treated with respect as it has the potential to cause complications, including ear infections, deafness, pneumonia, conjunctivitis with keratitis leading to blindness, severe and persistent diarrhea, seizures, acute encephalitis, behavioral and intellectual deterioration and, rarely, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a progressive demyelinating disease.^4,6,7

Measles complications can also lead to death, although the death rates in well-nourished children are estimated to be around one to ten in ten thousand.⁷ In areas of the world where malnutrition (and especially vitamin A deficiency) is common, or where immune systems have been weakened by other diseases, measles complications and deaths are much higher.⁸ Several studies on providing two doses of 100,000 IU of vita­min A on consecutive days showed large reductions in complications and deaths from measles in low- and middle-income countries, even in severely malnourished children.^9-11 (For more on vitamin A and measles, see the article by Sally Fallon Morell in this issue of the journal.)

The MMR vaccine may be helping to prevent or suppress the dis­ease, but it comes with a very high price tag of most likely being a main contributor to the autism epidemic, which is now affecting one in thirty-one of currently eleven-year-old children in the United States,¹² up from one in ten thousand in the early 1970s. In my clinical practice, which focuses on autism and related complex challenges, the main story I’ve heard from over one thousand parents is that the child descended into autism after receiving the MMR vaccine at twelve or fifteen months. I don’t think that the MMR vaccine “causes” autism by itself; rather, it is part of an accumu­lation of stressors over time, which includes other vaccines, medications, toxic input and poor nutrition. Nonetheless, the MMR may be a significant contributor to this lifelong, highly disabling condition.

In my practice, I have also heard hundreds of reports of children developing symptoms resembling complications from measles after the MMR vaccine. This includes the onset of chronic and persistent ear infections, chronic diarrhea and constipation, recurring respiratory infections, seizures, symptoms of encephalitis, meningitis, the sudden development of aggres­sion, night terrors and more. A majority of these children have responded positively to homeo­pathic preparations of the MMR vaccine, which further supports the suspicion that the vaccine was a contributing factor.

There is a growing body of research on the topic,^13-16 including reports on the intentional destruction of research findings linking the MMR vaccine to autism.¹⁷ In addition, there are literally thousands of reports by parents in online forums detailing their child’s regression into autism or other serious health complications after the MMR vaccine.

Naturally, the current media coverage, with its emphasis on complications and death, is inducing anxiety in parents, including in those who chose not to vaccinate their children. I have often been asked whether homeopathy has something to offer in case an acute measles infection arises.

Historically, homeopathy was widely used in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in both Europe and North America to address the different stages and symptoms of measles, which usually arose in epidemic waves. In fact, the dramatic rise in popularity of homeopathy during that time was directly associated with its effectiveness in the treatment of various epidem­ics, in which homeopathy achieved extremely low mortality rates.¹⁸

As I have only ever seen one suspected case of measles myself, I need to refer to historical records of that time, including those of the fa­mous Dr. Dorothy Shepherd (1885–1952), who was a British medical doctor and a prominent figure in the field of homeopathy during the first half of the twentieth century.¹⁹ Although trained as a conventional medical doctor, Shepherd “converted” to homeopathy early in her career after witnessing its profound effects. She treated many patients in the poor communities of Lon­don (including in children’s homes), kept me­ticulous records of her success and wrote several influential books. Homoeopathy in Epidemic Diseases documents her success in treating epidemic illnesses with homeopathy, including measles, cholera, typhoid and influenza.²⁰ In the book, she described her treatment of measles during a severe outbreak in a children’s home.

Measles symptoms typically begin with a high fever up to 104°F, a runny nose, cough and red, watery eyes. Two to three days after symp­toms begin, small white spots (Koplik’s spots) may appear in the mouth. About two to three days later, a fine, pink rash starts in the face and spreads over the body and limbs, lasting about four to seven days. During this stage, the fever may spike again to 104°F. During the final stage, the fever breaks, the rash darkens and fades, with peeling of the skin, which can last about ten days. Note that this timeline is a guideline only and can vary from person to person.

Homeopathy does not treat diseases per se but rather supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Remedies are always matched closely to the presenting symptoms. Because a typical case of measles usually progresses through dif­ferent stages, homeopathic remedies may need to be rotated to match the changing symptoms.

Dr. Shepherd reported remarkable success with homeopathic treatment in measles, often achieving complete, speedy recovery without complications, hospitalization or fatalities. She individualized her approach—choosing remedies based on the totality of symptoms, the patient’s temperament and the progression of disease.²⁰ She also recommended common-sense measures such as rest, supportive care and fresh air.

Please note that in the following descrip­tion of remedies used by Dr. Shepherd, most are commonly used in other respiratory and febrile illnesses as well; their use is not exclusive to measles. In addition to those listed below, there are many other homeopathic remedies that may be indicated in the alleviation of measles symptoms; selection of remedies always needs to be tailored to the individual. All remedies mentioned can be used in a 30C potency given three to four times a day or as needed.

Aconite is a common early-stage remedy in many acute illnesses, and Dr. Shepherd used it in early measles symptoms as well. Symptoms tend to come on suddenly and violently, often after exposure to very cold and windy conditions and often around 1:00 to 2:00 a.m. The child may have a high fever, great thirst, restlessness and anxiety.

Dr. Shepherd used Belladonna more than Aconite as an early-stage remedy. Again, Bel­ladonna is a common acute remedy in febrile conditions with intense symptoms. The child may have a high fever with a flushed face, headaches, bright glassy eyes and dilated pupils and signs of cerebral congestion. The head may feel hot and the feet cold. There may be great sensitivity to light, noise or touch. The child may be slightly delirious and see things that are not there. Symptoms may come on or worsen at 3:00 p.m. or 3:00 a.m.

Dr. Shepherd found Bryonia to be the most indicated remedy for measles. She used Bryonia more often during the middle stage of the ill­ness, especially if symptoms developed slowly over two to three days. Bryonia is a commonly used remedy for influenza, which shares many similarities with measles. In situations pointing to Bryonia, the child may have a high fever and be very irritable, wanting to be left alone. The cough may be very hard, dry and painful. There is usually great thirst for water and a desire for fresh air.

Dr. Shepherd noted that Bryonia could be helpful if the illness was progressing too slowly and the rash was not appearing in the usual time. Her book gives an example of a girl with measles whose fever had subsided, but the rash had not fully developed. She had a dry, painful cough, wanted to be left alone, wanted to lie very still and complained about dryness in her mouth and throat. After dosing with Bryonia, the rash appeared more fully, the cough became looser and her irritability lessened. Full recovery followed shortly thereafter.

Pulsatilla is useful in the early or middle stages of the illness if there is only a mild fever and the rash is slow to develop or fades too soon, especially in a milder-natured child with a soft, emotional temperament. The child may be clingy and weepy, thirstless and desiring fresh air. There may be yellow discharges from the nose and/or eyes with conjunctivitis. Dr. Shepherd reported a case of a girl with measles who had a mild fever, slow developing rash, yellow mucus from the nose and no thirst, who was tearful and wanted attention and cuddles. After taking Pulsatilla, the rash developed well, symptoms eased and the child returned to normal behavior within a day or two.

Gelsemium is another remedy often used in influenza as well as measles. The child can have a high fever and is dull, apathetic, weak and does not want to be disturbed. There may be a watery, runny nose and barking, spasmodic cough. The key symptoms are the apathy and weakness so typical of Gelsemium.

Euphrasia is mostly used for eye symptoms during measles, includ­ing watery, burning eye discharge, sensitivity to light and a bland nasal discharge. Eye symptoms are very common during measles, and Dr. Shepherd used Euphrasia as needed.

One of our premier neurological remedies in homeopathy,²¹ Stramo­nium may be indicated if the child develops sudden shrieking and night terrors in conjunction with measles as well as intense fears and/or aggres­sion. Stramonium can be thought of as more of a remedy for neurological complications from measles as well as following the MMR vaccine.

Dr. Shepherd found Sulphur useful in the later stages of measles, especially if the rash did not develop fully or was too slow to clear and when recovery was sluggish overall. In homeopathy, we often use Sul­phur when convalescence is slow or if a person has not been well since a certain infection. Dr. Shepherd described a case of a boy whose rash had almost faded but whose skin was rough and slightly itchy. He was weak, tired and irritable and seemed to have lost his energy and appetite. After taking Sulphur, his energy and appetite returned quickly, and the boy bounced back within twenty-four hours.

Morbillinum is a nosode (a remedy made from a disease product), in this case made from the secretion of the mouth and throat from a person with active measles. Dr. Shepherd used it to speed up recovery from the illness as well as to reduce the severity of symptoms and even prevent the full development of measles symptoms. It is still used today in homeo­prophylaxis, which is the use of homeopathic remedies, often nosodes, to reduce the risk of the development of various infectious diseases or at least to lessen the severity and risk of complications of such diseases.

In the exposed group of children in a children’s home described by Dr. Shepherd in her book, she administered Morbillinum 30C as a pro­phylactic once some of the children showed active signs of the illness. Very few children developed measles after this, and those who did had extremely mild cases. She believed the nosode helped to “wake up” the immune response without causing full-blown infection.

Practitioners successfully treated measles with homeopathic remedies in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, well before the develop­ment of vaccines. Doctors like Dorothy Shepherd had great success in helping children move through measles quickly and without complica­tions, hospitalization or death. In addition, Shepherd and others used the homeopathic remedy Morbillinum to reduce the risk of developing full-blown measles without the possible adverse effects of conventional vaccinations.

It would behoove public health agencies to revisit the use of home­opathy and nutrition for the prophylaxis and treatment of measles, which is most often a relatively harmless, flu-like illness, but which may cause serious complications and even death in compromised children. Natural measles infection can help to develop the immune system and bring long-lasting benefits, whereas current measles vaccines are suspected to be involved in the development of autism and other serious immunological and neurological disorders, which can be lifelong and crippling to affected individuals, their families and society at large.

---

SIDEBAR

SUMMARY OF REMEDIES TO CONSIDER IN MEASLES

ACONITE: Early stages of illness. Sudden, acute, violent onset with high fever, often at 1:00-2:00 a.m. and often after exposure to cold, windy weather. Great thirst, restlessness and anxiety.

BELLADONNA: Early stages of illness. Sudden, acute-onset, high fever with hot, congested head, headaches, glassy eyes with dilated pupils. Onset often at or around 3:00 p.m. or 3:00 a.m.

BRYONIA: Middle stage of illness. High fever, rash delayed, great dryness of mouth and lips, wants to lie still, worse with motion, hard, painful cough, great thirst.

EUPHRASIA: Eye symptoms during measles, watery, burning eye discharges, photophobia.

GELSEMIUM: Apathy, dullness and weakness, fever, spasmodic cough and fluid coryza.

MORBILLINUM: As a prophylactic remedy as well as for treatment, to strengthen the immune response.

PULSATILLA: Middle stage of illness. Mild, weepy, clingy children, yellowish discharges, worse in warm rooms, thirstless.

STRAMONIUM: Neurological symptoms, shrieking, night terrors, development of sudden, intense fear and/or aggres­sion in conjunction with or following measles.

SULPHUR: Later stages of illness. To stimulate eruption of rash, for slow recovery, to finish the case.

---

REFERENCES

1. McPhillips D. US surpasses 1,000 measles cases in 2025, second worst year since disease was declared eliminated. CNN, updated May 7, 2025.
2. History of measles. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 9, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/history.html
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles, mumps, and rubella—vaccine use and strategies for elimination of measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome and control of mumps: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR. 1998;47(No. RR- 8):[inclusive page numbers]. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr4708.pdf
4. Wood DL, Brunell PA. Measles control in the United States: problems of the past and challenges for the future. Clin Micro­biol Rev. 1995 Apr;8(2):260-267.
5. Humphries S. The benefits of having a natural measles infection. Association of Natural Health, n.d. (retrieved May 16, 2025). http://aonh.org/Blogs/Details/3
6. Measles symptoms and complications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 9, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html
7. Measles: For health professionals. Government of Canada, updated May 14, 2025. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/measles/health-professionals-measles.html
8. Measles. World Health Organization, Nov. 14, 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles
9. Mayo-Wilson E, Imdad A, Herzer K, et al. Vitamin A supple­ments for preventing mortality, illness, and blindness in children aged under 5: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2011 Aug 25;343:d5094.
10. D’Souza RM, D’Souza R. Vitamin A for the treatment of chil­dren with measles—a systematic review. J Trop Pediatr. 2002 Dec;48(6):323-327.
11. Huiming Y, Chaomin W, Meng M. Vitamin A for treating measles in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005 Oct 19;2005(4):CD001479.
12. Data and statistics on autism spectrum disorder. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Apr. 15, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html
13. Children’s Health Defense. The Measles Book: Thirty-Five Secrets the Government and the Media Aren’t Telling You about Measles and the Measles Vaccine. Skyhorse Publishing, 2021 (updated 2025).
14. Children’s Health Defense Team. CDC data reanalysis shows strong, statistically significant relationship between MMR vaccine & autism. Children’s Health Defense, Dec. 10, 2018. https://childrenshealthdefense.org/news/cdc-data-reanalysis-shows-strong-statistically-significant-relationship-between-mmr-vaccine-autism/
15. Taylor G. 230 research papers support vaccine/autism cau­sation. SCRIBD, Feb. 3, 2025. https://www.scribd.com/doc/220807175/230-Research-Papers-Supporting-the-Vaccine-Autism-Link
16. Kawashima H, Mori T, Kashiwagi Y. . . Wakefield A. Detection and sequencing of measles virus from peripheral mononuclear cells from patients with inflammatory bowel disease and autism. Dig Dis Sci. 2000 Apr;45(4):723-729.
17. The statement of William W. Thompson. Children’s Health Defense, Feb. 13, 2020. https://childrenshealthdefense.org/child-health-topics/whistleblowers/the-statement-of-william-w-thompson/
18. Saine A. The extraordinary success of homeopathy in epidem­ics: a brief overview. The Canadian Academy of Homeopathy, Jun. 15, 2017. https://homeopathy.ca/the-extraordinary-success-of-homeopathy-in-epidemics-a-brief-overview/
19. Singh S, Tamkeen R, Achrekar V, et al. Dr. Dorothy Shepherd— a keen proponent of homoeopathy. Homeopathy360, n.d. https://www.homeopathy360.com/dr-dorothy-shepherd-a-keen-proponent-of-homoeopathy/
20. Shepherd D. Homoeopathy in Epidemic Diseases. Random House, UK, 1996.
21. Zimmermann A. Homeopathy and aggression in children. Wise Traditions. Winter 2024;25(4):46-50.

This article appeared in Wise Traditions in Food, Farming and the Healing Arts, the quarterly journal of the Weston A. Price Foundation, Summer 2025

🖨️ Print post