Chickenpox is a common childhood illness that affects 95 percent of American adults before the age of 18, according to "Parents." Chickenpox is very contagious. Symptoms of the disease include a fever; one or two days later an itchy rash with blisters will develop on the scalp and will spread to the rest of the body; coughing; low energy; irritability; and poor appetite. Once a person has had chickenpox, he will probably never get it again. The virus may reappear later in life in some cases, however, and cause shingles. Herbal therapies are available to treat chicken pox, but they should be used only after a health practitioner has been consulted.
German Chamomile
German chamomile is used to calm nerves, treat skin conditions and mild infections. The herb has the ability to reduce skin inflammation, speed wound healing and serves as a sedative to help with sleep. Its antiviral properties may help reduce the duration of chicken pox. Typically, it is steeped in hot water to make a tea. It can also be made into a paste for chicken pox blisters by mixing the powdered herb with water and applying to the affected skin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Herbal Blend
For chicken pox, a blend of eucalyptus, chamomile and lavender used in baths and as a spray for topical application can greatly reduce the fever and itching symptoms associated with the virus. When this treatment is used early in the disease's duration, it can prevent other people from contracting it and can reduce duration and severity of symptoms, according to Holistic Online. An infusion of each herb can be mixed with almond oil and added to a bath or applied to affected areas for best results.
Garlic
Garlic contains the sulfur compound allicin that has antiviral properties when the fresh herb is crushed, according to Holistic Online. It may work against chicken pox to shorten the virus' duration and reduce symptoms. Garlic can be made into a poultice for use on chicken pox blisters by pulverizing several cloves of garlic and adding them to almond oil. If irritation results, remove the poultice.
