Ayurvedic Remedies For Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever, commonly known as break-bone fever, is a flu-like illness caused by the Dengue virus. It is caused when an Aedes mosquito carrying the virus bites a healthy person. When a mosquito bites a person infected with a dengue virus, the virus enters the mosquito. Then, when the infected mosquito bites another person, the virus enters that person's bloodstream and causes an infection. Symptoms typically begin three to fourteen days after infection.

According to Ayurveda, Dengue is known as Dandaka Jwara. It has been described that a particular species of mosquito is the basic cause of the spread of fever called Dandaka Jwara. This fever mostly subsides within a week, however, it is said to be more dangerous for children and old people.

Symptoms Of Dengue

The main symptoms of dengue include

• High Fever as 106 F (41 degrees C).
• Headache.
• Muscle, bone, and joint pain.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Pain behind the eyes.
• Swollen glands.
• Reddish rashes on the body. .

Causes Of Dengue

The cause of dengue fever is any one of four identified dengue viruses namely - DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. The virus enters a mosquito when it bites an already infected person. And the illness is spread when it bites a healthy person, and the virus spreads through the person’s bloodstream.

Recovery from dengue fever caused by a particular virus may offer immunity to that virus but does not protect against the other 3 viruses. The risk for the severe form of dengue fever, called dengue hemorrhagic fever, actually increases when one has dengue for the second, third or fourth time.

The main cause of Dengue the attacks of viruses namely DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4

Classification Or Types Of Dengue Fever

There are three types of Dengue fever

• Classical (Simple) Dengue Fever

  Symptoms are seen after a week from the bite and include severe or fatal complications.

• Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF)

  Symptoms are mild but can gradually worsen within a few days.

• Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS)

  This is a severe form of dengue and can even cause death.

The main types of dengue fever are Classical (Simple) Dengue Fever, Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, and Dengue Shock Syndrome.

Ayurvedic Management For Dengue Fever

There is no specific treatment that has been described in medical sciences for this fever except symptomatic relief. Ayurveda stresses strengthening the immune system of the body and control of all the symptoms including body temperature.

So Ayurveda recommends some diet and lifestyle changes to control the symptoms.

Diet Recommendations (Aahar) For Dengue Fever

• Light warm food like thin rice gruel or gruels prepared with rice and moong dal (Rice porridge (khichari) cooked with ginger, cumin, and lemon may be given.
• Keep yourself hydrated- drink lots of fluids. Tea prepared with Tulsi (Basil), Ginger, and cardamom can be taken at frequent intervals.
• Spicy and Oily food should be strictly avoided.

Lifestyle Changes (Vihar) For Dengue Fever

• Use Mosquito nets, full-sleeved clothing.
• Adequate rest is advised.
• Avoid cold showers or baths, especially head bath, day sleep, excessive sleep, sedentary life.

Ayurveda stresses following Diet recommendations and life changes to fight against the dengue virus.

Preventive Ways To Avoid Dengue Fever

Following are some of the steps you can take to keep yourself safe from the virus

• Reduce Mosquito Habitat

  The mosquitoes which breed dengue thrive in stagnant water containing objects like tires, plastic covers, flower pots, pet water bowls, etc. Reducing the habitat available for these mosquitoes (by getting rid of stagnant water to breed) can help prevent dengue.

• Stay in well-screened houses

  Ensure that the windows are closed properly or the door screens do not contain any holes. This would eliminate the chances of any mosquitoes entering the house.

• Use Mosquito Repellents

  Using mosquito repellents, especially in tropical areas with high populations and crowds, can help repel mosquitoes from biting you. Apply mosquito repellent creams on your body when traveling to tropical destinations and even when you are indoors.

• Wear Protective Clothing

  To avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, one can go for long-sleeved clothes and full pants with socks & covered shoes. It is advisable to go for this kind of protective clothing specifically in dengue-infested areas. .

• Sleep under Mosquito-net

  Sleeping under the mosquito net can provide you and your children a double layer of protection from being bitten by mosquitoes. .

• Personal hygiene

  When you are infected with any virus, you are extra sensitive to other illnesses. Use a hand sanitizer that acts to keep germs at bay. This liquid soap will protect you against many illness-causing germs.

Some of the preventive ways to avoid Dengue Fever are reducing mosquito habitat, Stay in well-screened houses, use mosquito repellents, wear protective clothing, sleep under a mosquito net, and following personal hygiene.

Ayurvedic Remedies For Dengue Fever

Ayurveda prescribes many herbs and natural remedies to get relief from Dengue Fever. Some of them are:

• Fenugreek

  The most important benefit of fenugreek is that it acts as a powerful painkiller. You can consume it by soaking fenugreek leaves in water overnight and drinking the strained liquid. The leaves are useful in reducing elevated body temperature and decreasing muscle pain. They promote sleep and allow the body to rest and heal.

• Neem leaves

  The leaves of neem possess miraculous medicinal properties. It helps to restrain the growth and spread of the virus. It can also help in increasing the white blood cell platelet and blood platelet count, promoting an immunity boost. You can consume it by brewing it in some water and drinking the strained liquid. .

• Papaya leaves

  Papaya leaves have been a popular remedy for treating dengue for a very long time. It can help with the treatment of dengue by relieving symptoms of dengue in the patients and boosting immunity. Papaya leaves are beneficial for increasing platelet count. In dengue fever, the platelet count decreases and can lead to complications. They are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that reduce stress on the body. They also reduce other symptoms like chills, body aches, nausea, and fatigue. You can consume it in the form of its juice by extracting it from its eaves and drinking it at least twice a day.

• Tulsi Leaves

  Tulsi or the holy basil is almost a wonder herb to increase your immunity. Boil tulsi leaves with some black pepper and have it daily. This will fight off infections and build up immunity.

• Guduchi

  Guduchi, known as one of the amrita (roots of immortality) has antioxidant properties that help protect against free radical damage and boosting immunity. It also helps to reduce fever and increases the blood platelet count. It is highly alkaline and has anti-inflammatory effects that are known to boost your overall immunity. .

• Chirata

  It is a herb used as a bitter tonic that is known to manage health conditions like fever, and loss of appetite, both of which are symptoms of dengue fever. Moreover, it can boost immunity and keep overall health in check. .

• Giloy

  In Ayurveda, Giloy is a herb used to control any fever. For dengue, it is quite effective in bringing down the temperature. It enhances immunity and combats infections.

• Goldenseal

  Goldenseal is a herb that has a similar action as papaya leaves. The dried roots of this herb are very effective against dengue fever. It helps to eliminate the virus from the body.

• Orange juice

  Vitamin C can help in boosting the immune system. You can consume orange juice which will help strengthen the immunity system as well as provide hydration to the body.

• Coconut water

  Dengue symptoms include vomiting. This can dehydrate the body. To prevent this from happening, you can include coconut water in your diet as it has incredible nourishment and hydration properties.

• Turmeric

  Turmeric is an important spice to heal the body. It is antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. It boosts metabolism and initiates inner healing. Consume a pinch of turmeric in your milk for the best results.

As per Ayurveda some of the herbs and spices that are used to treat the symptoms of Dengue Fever are Fenugreek, neem leaves, papaya leaves, tulsi leaves, Guduchi, chirata, giloy, goldenseal, orange juice coconut water, and turmeric.

Conclusion

The information related to Dengue Fever is based on various Ayurvedic resources. Always consult with the advice of an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any Ayurvedic treatments and Ayurvedic herbs for Dengue Fever.