Top 15 Measles Vaccination and Herbal Treatments in Nigeria

Top 15 Measles Vaccination and Herbal Treatments in Nigeria: Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious health complications, especially in young children. The measles virus causes symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a characteristic red, blotchy rash all over the body. Measles spreads rapidly through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne transmission when an infected person coughs or sneezes. There is no specific treatment for measles, so vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and control outbreaks.Information Guide Nigeria

In Nigeria, measles remains a significant public health concern with outbreaks occurring frequently. According to UNICEF, Nigeria accounts for up to 13% of all measles cases reported globally. Several factors have contributed to the high incidence of measles in Nigeria – low routine immunization coverage, vaccine hesitancy, poorly functioning disease surveillance systems, malnutrition, and high population density in urban areas.

To curb measles, the Nigerian government has adopted the World Health Organization’s recommended two-dose measles vaccination schedule. The first dose is given at 9 months through routine immunization services while the second dose is provided through mass vaccination campaigns, targeting children between 15-23 months. However, national measles vaccine coverage remains low at 42%, missing the 95% target required for herd immunity. This leaves many Nigerian children susceptible to measles infection.

With poor vaccine coverage, many Nigerians resort to herbal remedies to alleviate measles symptoms. In this article, we explore 15 of the most common Measles Vaccination and Herbal Treatments across Nigeria, their traditional uses, availability, and potential side effects.Measles Vaccination and Herbal Treatments

Top 15 Measles Vaccination and Herbal Treatments in Nigeria

1. Elytraria marginata (Mountain cowwheat)

Elytraria marginata, known as mountain cowwheat, is used traditionally in Nigeria to relieve symptoms of measles like rashes, fever, and inflammation. The leaves and stems are harvested, dried, and crushed to make decoctions, juices, or powders for oral consumption. This herb contains beneficial phytochemicals like flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antimicrobial properties. Elytraria marginata is widely available across Nigeria and other parts of tropical Africa. The estimated market price is ₦500 per bundle. However, this herb may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Read Also: 15 Nigerian Universities Offering Allied Health Degree

2. Peperomia pellucida (Shiny bush)

In Nigeria, Peperomia pellucida locally called shiny bush is used to manage measles symptoms like fever, malaise, and rashes. The whole herb is boiled in water to make tea or is macerated to extract the juice. Peperomia pellucida has scientifically validated antiviral, antioxidant, and immunostimulant effects that can suppress replication of the measles virus and boost the body’s defenses. It is readily available across Nigeria, costing around ₦200 per bundle. Possible side effects include stomach upset and skin irritation.

3. Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf)

Vernonia amygdalina or bitter leaf is a versatile medicinal plant in Nigeria used to treat fevers, coughs, intestinal issues and measles symptoms like rash and sore throat. Fresh leaves are boiled and taken as herbal tea or macerated to obtain the juice. Bitter leaf contains several bioactive compounds like flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids and tannins that have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties to fight secondary infections and alleviate measles symptoms. The plant is affordable at ₦300 per bundle but may cause abdominal discomfort or diarrhea.Nollywood Star Mr. Ibu Undergoes Amputation Amid Health Battles

Read Also: Top 15 Nigerian Culinary Herbs and their Health Benefits

4. Momordica charantia (Bitter gourd)

In Nigeria, Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter gourd, is used to manage fever, malaise, rashes and other measles symptoms. The fruits and leaves are boiled to make decoctions for oral intake. Bitter gourd is rich in beneficial phytochemicals like phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and sterols which have antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity against the measles virus. Though widely available costing around ₦500 per bundle, bitter gourd can irritate the digestive tract in some people.

5. Ocimum gratissimum (Scent leaf)

Ocimum gratissimum or scent leaf is a widely used medicinal herb in Nigeria to treat various respiratory illnesses including measles cough and sore throat. Fresh leaves are commonly chewed or boiled into herbal tea. The eugenol in scent leaf gives it antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to suppress cough, soothe sore throat and relieve fever caused by measles. Scent leaf is cheap at around ₦200 per bundle but can provoke allergies in sensitive individuals.Top 15 Local Bakeries in Nigeria

6. Zingiber officinale (Ginger)

“In Nigeria and many parts of the world, people commonly use ginger to relieve inflammatory conditions such as measles, flu, and sore throat. They boil fresh ginger rhizomes to make spicy teas or chew them raw to extract the juice. Gingerol, the main bioactive compound in ginger, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can alleviate measles symptoms like fever, malaise and inflammation. Though readily available at just ₦100 per bundle, ginger may cause gastric irritation in some people.

Read Also: Top 15 Nutritional Benefits of Fresh Herbs and Spices for Health Conditions

7. Allium sativum (Garlic)

In Nigeria, people traditionally use Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, to treat various infectious diseases, including measles. Also, they chew raw or crushed fresh garlic cloves and boil them to make medicinal soups and teas. Garlic contains potent antimicrobial phytochemicals like allicin and ajoene that can prevent secondary bacterial and fungal infections in measles patients by enhancing immune cell activity. Despite its pungent smell, garlic is affordable at ₦100 per bundle.

8. Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon grass)

In Nigeria, people use Cymbopogon citratus, or lemon grass, to manage fever, cough, and measles rashes because of its anti-inflammatory properties. They boil the leaves to make infusions or extract the essential oil. Citral, the major constituent in lemon grass, has analgesic, antipyretic and antioxidant effects that help suppress systemic inflammation and skin irritation caused by measles infection. Lemon grass is widely available across Nigeria at approximately ₦200 per bundle but may trigger allergies.Dollar to Naira

9. Carica papaya (Pawpaw)

In Nigeria, pawpaw or Carica papaya is a popular remedy for managing symptoms of childhood infectious diseases like measles and chickenpox. Also, people macerate or boil the leaves and unripe fruits to extract the juice. They drink it orally. Pawpaw contains the enzymes papain and chymopapain along with antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C which have antibacterial, immunostimulant and wound healing properties to counteract measles complications. Though readily available at ₦100 per bundle, pawpaw may irritate the gut.

Read Also: 15 World’s Best Healthcare Infrastructures

10. Azadirachta indica (Neem)

In Nigeria, people extensively use Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, to treat symptoms of measles such as rash, fever, and malaise. They also boil neem leaves or bark to prepare medicinal baths and oral doses. The plant contains nimbidin, nimbinin and other antiviral phytochemicals that can suppress proliferation of the measles virus and reduce inflammation. Despite its bitter taste, neem is a popular remedy costing around ₦500 per bundle. However, neem oil may induce allergic reactions.JAMB Result

11. Citrus aurantifolia (Lime)

People traditionally use Lime or Citrus aurantifolia as a common medicinal plant against infectious diseases like measles. Lime juice contains vitamin C, antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds that strengthen the immune response, prevent bacterial infections and relieve oral ulcers caused by measles. While readily available costing approximately ₦100 per bundle, excess lime juice can disrupt the digestive tract.NYSC Portal

12. Mangifera indica (Mango)

In Nigeria, people traditionally use mango or Mangifera indica as a medicinal fruit to treat measles rashes, fever, and sore throat. Also, People consume ripe mangoes either directly or boil them with leaves to make herbal drinks. Mangoes contain vitamin C, vitamin A, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds such as mangiferin, which possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating properties. These properties help suppress symptoms and complications associated with measles. Though mangoes are seasonal, they are affordable at ₦500 per bundle. However, mango contact dermatitis is possible in sensitive people.

Read Also: Top 15 Health NGOs in Nigeria

13. Psidium guajava (Guava)

In Nigeria, people commonly use Psidium guajava, also known as guava, to manage gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions, including measles. Additionally, they boil guava fruits and leaves to prepare medicinal decoctions and juices. Guava is rich in antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C, along with antimicrobial compounds like guajaverin that can help relieve cough, fever, rashes, and oral ulcers caused by measles. Guava is cheap at ₦100 per bundle but may cause gut irritation.Good Morning my love Messages

14. Annona muricata (Soursop)

In Nigeria, people use Annona muricata, also known as soursop, to alleviate symptoms of childhood infections like measles. Also, they boil the leaves to make herbal teas. Soursop contains beneficial phytochemicals like acetogenins that demonstrate antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties to suppress measles fever, rashes, and malaise. However, soursop is relatively expensive at ₦500 per bundle and its high annonacin content can induce neurotoxicity.

15. Moringa oleifera (Drumstick tree)

In Nigeria, people use Moringa oleifera, commonly known as the drumstick tree, to manage various inflammatory conditions, including symptoms of measles such as oral ulcers, skin rashes, and conjunctivitis. Additionally, they crush Moringa leaves to extract juice or boil them to make tea. The leaves contain unique isothiocyanate compounds along with vitamins C and A, polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids that have antibacterial, hypotensive, and anti-inflammatory properties to ease measles complications. Also, Moringa is affordable at around ₦200 per bundle but can cause laxative effects.Romantic Love Messages for her 

Read Also: Top 15 Traditional Nigerian Herbs and Health Benefits

The Verdict: Vaccination is Vital

Despite the popularity of these herbal remedies, it is important to note that they have not been well studied for their effectiveness and safety in measles patients, especially children. Most traditional medicine practitioners recommend these plants to alleviate symptoms and side effects, not to cure or prevent measles. Vaccination remains the most reliable way to prevent infection and control the spread of measles virus. To curb the high incidence of measles, Nigeria needs to ramp up routine immunization coverage and supplement it with frequent mass vaccination campaigns for children. With concerted efforts by stakeholders, Nigeria can soon gain control over measles and reduce associated mortality and morbidity.JAMB Portal 

Check JAMB RESULT

Check and Confirm: How much is Dollar to Naira