Due to the alarming rise of dengue patients across the nation, it is vital to boost our immunity naturally. It is a female mosquito-bitten viral infection that has affected millions of people in recent years. For those who live in or travel to locations where the Aedes mosquito is common, dengue fever is a serious concern. It is characterized by a high fever, unbearable joint pain, headaches, rashes, and sometimes fatal consequences. Although there is no specific antiviral medication for this virus, the traditional Indian medical system of Ayurveda provides natural strategies for preventing dengue fever.
What is dengue fever in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, dengue fever is categorized as “Jvara,” which is a term for different febrile ailments. It is regarded as a form of “Vishama Jvara,” which is characterized by extreme debility and erratic fever patterns. Ayurvedic principles state that an imbalance in the body’s doshas, particularly exacerbated by Vata and Pitta doshas, is what causes this viral fever. The immune system is weakened by these doshic imbalances, leaving the body more vulnerable to viral illnesses like dengue.
Ayurvedic prevention strategies:
- Arogya Raksha (Boosting Immunity): To prevent all diseases, Ayurveda mainly recommends strong immunity. To attain or boost immunity, include some immune-boosting herbs such as Ashwagandha, Tulasi (holy basil), and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia). These herbs not only improve immunity but also keep you away from ailments.
- Proper hydration: To maintain a healthy internal environment, Ayurveda recommends proper hydration. To keep your body hydrated and remove toxins, drink coconut water, herbal teas, and purified water.
- Dietary recommendations: Follow a well-balanced Ayurvedic diet that consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid eating spicy, fried, and oily foods, as these foods can aggravate Pitta dosha, which can make fever conditions even worse.
- Mosquito Protection: To protect yourself from mosquito bites, use some natural repellents like neem oil or camphor.
- Herbal Remedies: To treat dengue symptoms both internally and topically, Ayurveda recommends herbs like neem, turmeric, and camphor. Due to its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, it can combat symptoms.
- Ayurvedic Lifestyle Practices: Practice some stress-relieving activities like yoga and medication. The immune system is weakened by stress, which increases the risk of infection.
- Detoxification (Panchakarma): A detoxification procedure named panchakarma can get rid of the built-up toxins from the body and balance the doshas. These treatments also enhance overall well-being.
Herbal Remedies for Dengue Prevention:
- Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem is a potent immune-stimulating and antiviral herb. Consuming neem oil or neem leaf can help repel mosquitoes and protect against dengue.
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Incorporate turmeric into your diet or drink turmeric-infused milk (golden milk) to boost your immunity.
- Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): This herb, also called guduchi, has strong immunomodulatory properties. Giloy can be consumed in juice or powder form, which can improve your body’s natural defense mechanisms.
- Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora): Mosquitoes are repelled by camphor. Burn camphor inside your house or rub camphor oil on your skin for the results.
- Tulsi (Holy Basil): Chew a bunch of tulsi leaves or sip tulsi tea every day. Due to its antiviral properties, it prevents dengue fever.
How to increase platelet count with Papaya:
Increasing platelet count in a dengue patient is crucial, as dengue can cause a significant drop in platelet levels, leading to a condition called thrombocytopenia. While there is no specific medication to treat dengue, you can follow these general guidelines to raise platelet counts and manage the symptoms:
Papaya juice: Papaya juice is believed to have the potential to increase platelet count in dengue patients. Tender leaves of Papaya leaf juice also improve immunity and treat dengue fever.
How to prepare – Use tender papaya leaves (from fruiting papaya tree) for preparing the juice.
Crush them to extract juice out of it. You can consume 10-20ml of papaya leaf juice twice to
thrice a day for better results.
While papaya juice is considered a natural remedy for increasing platelet counts, it should not replace medical treatment or professional medical advice. Dengue can be a severe illness, and it’s crucial to consult an Ayurvedic doctor for proper diagnosis and guidance.
Ayurvedic Do’s and Don’ts :
Dos:
- Drink plenty of water and herbal tea to stay hydrated.
- Eat light, easily digestible foods.
- Get enough rest and sleep to aid your body’s recovery.
- Seek advice from a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for tailored recommendations.
- Keep yourself clean to avoid subsequent illnesses.
Don’ts:
- Avoid eating raw or uncooked foods.
- Stay away from spicy, oily, and fried foods.
- Avoid going to areas where there are a lot of mosquitoes, especially when they are most active.
- Seek the advice of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using Ayurvedic herbs for self-medication.
These ayurvedic strategies help prevent dengue fever. Remember, these recommendations should not replace any medical treatment. If you suspect any dengue infection or symptoms, seek immediate medical assistance. Ayurveda can be the best buddy to maintain overall health and protect against severe ailments like dengue.
In Ayurcentral you can avail a few medications like Giloy Satva, Samsamani vati, Afluocil, caripill, and Papaya leaf extract used in the treatment of Dengue.