Natural Remedies for Hand Foot and Mouth
Hand, foot, and mouth disease, primarily caused by the Coxsackie virus, is a contagious disease most common among children under the age of five. This virus prospers in the human digestive tract, therefore, can be found within the feces of the infected and can spread through close personal contact.
The symptoms appear 3-6 days after exposure to the virus, often starting with a high fever. Following the child’s fever, painful sores may develop in the mouth. Skin rashes, mostly on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands, also appear. These painful and itchy red spots, blisters or sores result in discomfort and are the most recognizable feature of this ailment.
Contrary to popular beliefs, hand, foot, and mouth disease is not related to the foot and mouth disease found in animals. Human infection by this animal disease is extremely rare. This is a common misconception as the names appear similar, but the viruses causing them are dissimilar.
Another myth is that this disease only affects children, while it primarily affects young children, adults can contract it too. The symptoms in adults however are generally milder. Also, exposure to the virus doesn’t guarantee immunity; it’s possible to contract it more than once due to the different strains of the Coxsackie virus.
Efficacy of Natural Remedies for Hand Foot and Mouth
Expanding upon the efficacy of natural remedies for hand, foot, and mouth disease, it’s important to understand that these healing methods offer tangible relief, according to research studies. The focus of this section lies in validating the usage of natural treatments backed by scientific studies.
Numerous studies highlight the effectiveness of natural remedies for this ailment. For instance, a study in the “European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases”[1] revealed that honeysuckle decoction, a traditional medicinal method, can inactivate Coxsackie virus, the root cause of hand, foot, and mouth disease. This suggests a concrete role of natural remedies in relieving symptoms.
Another research undertaken by “Pharmacy & Therapeutics”[2] cites echinacea purpurea, a widespread natural medicine, for its potent antiviral properties. They discovered a marked reduction in the recurrence of viral symptoms among participants who consumed this plant-based medicine regularly.
Exploring Various Natural Remedies
Building on the earlier discussion, let’s delve deeper into different natural remedies that manage hand, foot, and mouth disease effectively. These remedies leverage herbal solutions, essential oils, and nutrition-based interventions.
The spotlight’s now on herbal remedies which are handy tools in battling Coxsackie virus. Honeysuckle decoction, for example, demonstrated significant antiviral activity in studies published in the “European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases”. It is used as a soothing tea in Eastern medicine. Another notable remedy is Echinacea purpurea – a commonly used herbal supplement with immune-boosting properties. Evidence from “Pharmacy & Therapeutics” journal shows its efficiency in reducing symptoms and preventing recurrence of viruses such as Coxsackie.
Turning our attention to essential oils, they offer a unique avenue for treating hand, foot, and mouth disease. Lavender Oil, known for its healing properties, assists in soothing rashes and blisters caused by Coxsackie. Eucalyptus Oil’s antiviral properties can help reduce fever and ease discomfort. Tea tree oil, having antiseptic and antiviral bases, can be useful in the healing process when applied topically to affected areas. Each of these oils should be diluted before use, to avoid potential skin irritation.
The arena of food and nutrition-based interventions offers rich, natural resources to combat this disease. Regular fluids such as water and fruit juices are crucial in keeping the body hydrated, easing the discomfort of mouth ulcers. Foods rich in Vitamin C, including oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, boost the immune system and aid in faster recovery. Additionally, bone broth, a nutritious source of minerals, vitamins, and proteins, contributes to enhancing overall health, keeping the patient stronger and more resistant to the virus. Navigating through hand, foot, and mouth disease can be a daunting task. Yet, the potential of natural remedies like honeysuckle decoction and echinacea purpurea can’t be overlooked. They’re lauded for their minimal side effects, ability to boost immunity, and cost-effectiveness.