Doctor Herbs

MALARIA

Definition of Malaria (Sheeta Jwara)

What is Malaria
Malaria is a jwara, i.e. a fever. It is an infectious condition caused due to the strains of protozoan strains of Plasmodium carried from person to person by the female Anopheles mosquito. The malarial fever is accompanied by chills, anemia and influenza-like symptoms. Malaria is a fatal disease if the treatment is neglected. It can complicate neurobiologically, causing coma and finally death of the person.

Since it is transmitted by mosquito bites, malaria can very rapidly spread and become epidemics. Malaria is found to be more rampant in warm places with more water accumulation in them.

Symptoms of Malaria (Sheeta Jwara)
The following symptoms are quite generally observed in malaria:-
  • The first symptom is that of a high fever.
  • The fever is accompanied by chills that worsen at nighttime.
  • There is a general feeling of discomfort and malaise.
  • Nausea and vomiting are observed.
  • Diarrheas occur with bloody stools.
  • Sweating is too profuse due to the high fever.
  • Anemia is caused.
The symptoms do not take long to show up after the infection. In most people, the symptoms are felt between 10 days to about a month after the infection. However, the Plasmodium can remain alive in the person’s blood for up to a year, and hence the symptoms can also be observed about a year after the infection.

Diet for People with Malaria (Sheeta Jwara)
The following is a list of dos and don’ts with respect to diet in malaria.

Do consume milk as it strengthens the body and provides a channel for the toxins to flush out of the body.

Do consume a light diet without much cooking and without much oil and spices.

Do include protein foods as they provide the energy required for your body’s repair.

Do include green leafy vegetables as a major part of your diet.

Do consume old rice instead of new rice.

Don’t consume any spices or fatty foods.

Don’t consume a heavy meal that would take a long time to digest.

Don’t include any cold foods in the diet such as cucumber, orange, papaya, bananas, watermelons, etc.

Don’t eat any lentils during malarial fevers. They take a long time to digest and also produce gas in the body; thus aggravating symptoms.

Don’t consume any nuts during malarial fevers, especially groundnuts as they contain a lot of oil.

Don’t sleep immediately after consuming the food.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Malaria (Sheeta Jwara)
The following is a list of these herbs with their actions on the human body.

Kutki (Picrorrhiza)- The root of the picrorrhiza has beneficial effects in the treatment of malarial fevers.

Indian Gooseberry- Amla is an essential component of the Triphala Choorna, which is used for malaria patients. Amla is the richest source of vitamin C and so it helps to replenish the loss of this vitamin through the symptoms of malaria.

Wormwood- Wormwood is taken on a daily basis to reduce the symptoms of malarial fevers. But this herb should be prevented during pregnancy.

Shikakai (Acacia)- An infusion of the leaves of the shikakai tree is useful in reducing the fevers caused due to malaria.

Neem (Margosa Tree)- The neem tree contains gedunin, which is as effective as the traditional cure of malaria, i.e. quinine. Neem is not only used in direct malarial treatment; it is also an ingredient of mosquito-repellant pills and other products which are quite effective.

It must be borne in mind that while taking any Ayurvedic preparation, the doctor must be consulted first. Most of the herbs do not have any side-effects (and are indeed a regular part of the diet), but some people may be allergic to certain herbs and may show adverse reactions

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