Home Remedies and Herbs for Smallpox

Smallpox is a highly contagious viral disease.¹ There are two types of smallpox. One is a serious illness that can result in death if not vaccinated.¹ The other is more mild and is unlikely to cause death.¹ In the 1970s, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a program to mostly wipe out smallpox viruses, and they succeeded.¹ The virus was announced eradicated in 1980.2 However, there are samples that have been saved for research.³ No smallpox cure currently exists, but the saved samples may help scientists understand the virus better in the case that it’s ever used for biological warfare.³

What Causes Smallpox?

Smallpox is caused by a virus and spread through saliva droplets or clothing.¹ It can also spread through the scabs that form on the rash, which is why sharing clothing or bedding from an infected person can cause the virus to spread.¹ Viruses stay alive for 6 to 24 hours.¹ Due to the WHO program that eradicated the disease, it’s extremely rare to contract smallpox today. Those at risk include scientists who handle the virus or people in a location where the virus is released as a biological weapon.¹ Vaccines are no longer given for smallpox, and it’s unknown if people who once received a smallpox vaccine would remain immune should an outbreak occur.¹

Smallpox Symptoms

Smallpox symptoms include a high fever and rash.⁴ It usually takes about 12 days for smallpox symptoms to appear after being infected.⁴ Early symptoms can include headache, backache, and fatigue.⁴ Vomiting might also occur.⁵ Approximately two to three days later, a red rash appears over the skin.⁴ This rash turns into fluid-filled blisters that later fill with pus.⁵ The rash then scabs over, the scabs fall off, and it leaves scars.⁴

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Smallpox

Should a smallpox outbreak occur, there are several smallpox herbal remedies believed to help fight symptoms. These smallpox herbs include:

• Yarrow - Taking yarrow orally, such as in a tea, is said to help treat smallpox.
• Tansy - Tansy can be taken orally or used as a topical wash to heal smallpox.
• Ginger - To help ease irritation and fight the smallpox virus, it can help to add ginger to your bath.
• Goldenseal - Another smallpox home remedy for the bath is goldenseal.
• Lady’s Slipper - The lady’s slipper herb can be taken orally to help fight smallpox.

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/smallpox
2. https://www.cdc.gov/smallpox/
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/smallpox/basics/definition/con-20022769
4. http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tn8265
5. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/smallpox/basics/symptoms/con-20022769