Mosquito bites can be very harmful for your health, especially if we focus on dangerous diseases like dengue and malaria. Malaria is one of the most deadly and widespread diseases across the world. It is mainly caused by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The parasite injects in your body when a mosquito bites you and then it spreads rapidly in your blood stream, and even travels to your liver. There is no proper medicine available to treat malaria, but it is important to know the natural treatment, prevention and precautions for this deadly disease.
The symptoms of malaria usually start showing in 10 days to 4 weeks and then the infection. In some people, the symptoms might not even develop for a few months. The common symptoms of malaria include headache, high fever, shaking, abdominal pain, vomitting, nausea, diarrhea and anemia. There is no vaccine available to prevent malaria. You can talk to your doctor if you experience any malarial symptoms. And as malaria is caused by a virus, the best treatment is to deal with the symptoms. Read further to know about some home remedies and prevention tips for malaria.
Malaria home remedies
There are many home remedies for malaria help in reducing the menace of this disease. However, you should know that these are not scientifically proven treatments, and if you are suffering from malaria, you will need to get a medical treatment. You can talk to your health care expert befre trying any of these natural remedies at home. Here are 6 effective malaria home remedies:
1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are also called immune-boosters because of its beneficial properties. These are found in all the tropical regions and are easily available in markets. Vitamin C present in them helps in controlling fever, and also prevents the infection from spreading and pushes the body for quicker healing. Citrus fruits such as grapes, orange, lemon and blackberries provide these supplements to your body. Lemon water, orange and sweet lime are best ways to consume them. You can eat them as fruits or have as juice depending on your condition. However, always remember that you can have these fruits the entire day but they should not be consumed empty stomach or at night as it can lead to bloating. Having citrus fruits is an effective way to cope up with malarial symptoms. You can have 2-3 glasses of orange juice if you are infected.
2. Ginger
Ginger is also an extremely helpful home remedy for malaria. It is a known natural antimalaria medicine. Ginger can be boiled with water and then turned into a tasty concoction that will surely contribute towards a speedy recovery from this disease. The antibacterial nature of ginger makes sure that the disease does not spread and increase further. It also contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties ginger that can provide relief from the symptoms such as pain and nausea. The best way to consume it is add ginger in hot water and you can add some honey to this beverage and drink it atleast twice a day. Ginger is easily accessible and affordable. You can find it in almost every grocery store or market. It can be added to several foods such as salads, desserts, curries, smoothies and juices.
Also read: Malaria Prevention: Know What To Do And What Not To According to Ayurveda For Malaria Prevention
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is the super spice with amazing anti-oxidant and antimicrobial properties. Turmeric helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body which build up because of plasmodium infection. Turmeric also helps in killing malaria parasite. Anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing muscle and joint pain, which are common in malaria. Drink a glass of turmeric milk every night to deal with malaria. Turmeric helps in killing the malaria parasite. It is one of the best spices to deal with the symptoms of malaria. Along with turmeric milk, you should increase the consumption by adding it in your foods as well. Besides the hello colour and taste, tumeric powder is an enhancement for your overall health as well.
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that mainly help in coping up with the symptoms of malaria. You can add both cinnamon and black pepper powder in hot water to make a tasty conoction. You can add some honey to enhance the flavour and drink it atleast twice a day. This drink will help in fighting the most common symptoms such as fever, headache and diarrhoea. It also reduces the pain and other symptoms present in malaria. Cinnamon is one of the most commonly used spices in the Indian kitchen. You use it in the dishes to add flavour but did you know that it can help in reducing malarial symptoms and is a component in some medicines as well. Cinnamon is commonly known as dalchini and has a sweet and woody flavour. Moreover, drinking warm cinnamon water everyday is good for your diet and can keep your lifestyle healthy.
5. Fenugreek seeds
High fever in people who are infected with malaria also leads to weakness in the body. Fenugreek seeds are believed to be the one of the best home remedies for reducing the weakness caused by this deadly disease. They increase the recovery process of malaria by boosting your immunity and killing the malaria parasites. You can soak fenugreek seeds in water for the entire night and drink the water in the morning in an empty stomach. Therefore, it is recommended for malarial patients to increase the consumption of fenugreek seeds to treat this deadly disease. This early morning habit can even contribute towards losing weight.
Also read: Malaria Alert: What Are The Four Types of Malaria
6. Holy basil
Holy basil contains antibacterial properties and also has Eugenol, which is an active component that therapeutic and kills the infection caused by malaria. Basil is mostly available in tropical countries and is also a major ingredient in ayurvedic medicines. It is extremely helpful in reducing the symptoms of malaria. You can mix it with pepper powder and ginger and make a hot delicious tulsi tea for yourself. You can also put holy basil in your dishes for enhanced flavour and good overall health.
Also read: World Mosquito Day 2019: Know The Causes Of Malaria?
Prevention tips for malaria
You can talk to the doctor about long term malarial prevention if you live in an area where malaria spread is common. As antimalarial medications do not provide full protection against malaria, it is important for you to take simple preventive measures. Therefore, here are some useful prevention tips for malaria:
- Always use mosquito nets over and around the bed
- Prefer wearing long sleeved clothes that cover your arms and legs
- Keep your door and windows locked, especially during the evenings.
- Try wearing loose clothes instead of tight ones
- Stay in the house during evening
- Switch the fan on at night
- Do not travel to the areas with malaria outbreak
- Give proper attention and care to infants and small kids to protect them from mosquito bites
- Visit the doctor as soon as possible if you experience any symptoms of malaria
So, these were some useful home remedies and preventive measures for malaria. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), children, pregnant women and travellers are more prone to getting infected by malaria than others. You should be aware that no prevention tip is hundred percent sure and effective. The best way to prevent malaria is by protecting yourself from mosquito bites.
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