You or someone you know may have had malaria at least once in their lives. Continue reading to learn how to manage this illness.
Malaria is a common but serious infection that is spread through mosquito bites. It is a common occurrence in hot and humid climates. Most of the cases occur in Africa and South Asia. Malaria is spread by a parasite rather than a virus or bacteria like most other diseases. The mosquito bite injects the parasite into your bloodstream, making you infected. Malaria treatment requires timely medical intervention. If not treated properly, malaria can have serious consequences causing brain damage, seizures, trouble breathing, organ failure, and ultimately death.1
Certain herbs and remedies may give you relief from malaria symptoms. However, these herbs should not be used as an alternative to medicinal treatment. So, you are advised to talk to your healthcare provider and make well-informed choices.
Malaria starts with the malarial parasite entering your body. The malarial parasite is transmitted through a mosquito bite. When a mosquito bites someone who has malaria, it gets infected. And when that mosquito bites someone else, it transfers the parasite to that person.1
Also Read: Home Remedies For Dengue By Dr. Siddharth Gupta
While home remedies help in recovery, all should consult a doctor. However, prevention of mosquito bites by mosquito nets, mosquito repellent creams and prevention of water stagnation is as important.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The symptoms of malaria don’t show up until 10 days to a month has passed after the person gets infected. If you are suffering from malaria, you might experience symptoms like:
Depending on the malarial parasite that has infected you, your symptoms can be mild or severe. If your symptoms worsen, you may experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin) and anaemia.1
Also Read: Home Remedies For Flu By Dr. Rajeev Singh
There are some herbs and remedies that you can make use of to relieve malaria symptoms and recover quickly. However, do not use these herbs as an alternative to standard medical treatment. Instead, talk to your healthcare provider before you try out any home remedy for malaria.
People suffering from malaria may experience symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Several clinical studies show that ginger may be effective against these symptoms.3 Ginger tea is a famous recipe effective in many conditions. You can make ginger tea by boiling some freshly crushed ginger with a glass of water. Ginger tea goes well with some lemon juice or a spoonful of honey.
Curcumin which is the main ingredient of turmeric, has shown antimalarial activity against malaria-causing pathogens according to animal studies. Therefore, turmeric may help those suffering from malaria recover fast.4 There are many ways to use turmeric. You can put turmeric in a glass of warm milk to get the benefits. You can also put turmeric in your foods and dishes.
Cinnamon is a common kitchen spice with many beneficial properties. For example, in several labs and animal studies, Cinnamon has shown inhibitory action against malaria-causing pathogens.5 You can add cinnamon powder to your herbal teas. You can also take the cinnamon powder with a glass of warm water. You can also add a pinch of powdered black pepper and honey to enhance the taste.
Tulsi is a famous herb used in the ayurvedic system of medicine. Tulsi is known to exert many health effects. The antimalarial activity of tulsi is very well documented in many scientific studies. Tulsi may also boost the immune response against infective pathogens.6 You can make tulsi tea by boiling fresh tulsi leaves in water. Strain this mixture in a cup and your tulsi tea is ready. You can add a drop of lemon juice or honey for additional taste.
Neem has been used against malaria for centuries. Compounds present in neem have shown effectiveness against malarial parasites. Using neem leaves or drinking neem tea may also reduce the chances of contracting malaria. Neem may also help lower the fever and boost the immune system to fasten the recovery.7 You can drink neem tea or chew fresh neem leaves to get its antimalaria effects. To make neem tea, boil a glass of water. Add some neem leaves to the boiling water. Let it steep for a while. Strain the mixture into a cup. You can flavour it with honey and your tea is ready to serve.
Guduchi juice may help boost immunity and help fight off infections. The immunity-boosting property of guduchi has been observed in lab trials.8 You can make guduchi juice at home. First, take fresh guduchi, and peel off the skin. Next, chop it into pieces and add a glass of water. You can blend this mixture into a fine consistency. Strain the blend into a cup and your guduchi juice is ready to drink.
People have been drinking coconut water to feel refreshed and energized. Intake of coconut water may help maintain fluid balance in the body. You can drink coconut water to prevent the dehydration induced by vomiting during malaria.8
Krishna musali, also called golden eye grass in English, is a medicinal herb with many beneficial properties. The dried rhizome of this plant is known to boost immunity and protect against diseases. You can consume Krishna musali powder with a glass of milk for a speedy recovery.8 Though studies show the benefits of the given herb and home remedies in malaria, these are insufficient. Therefore, there is a need for large-scale human studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of these home remedies against malaria. Thus, these should only be taken cautiously and never as a substitute for medical treatment.
Also Read: Home Remedies For Viral Fever By Dr. Siddharth Gupta
You need to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as you experience any symptoms of malaria. An early diagnosis and treatment for malaria can help you recover quickly.1
You must not rely on home remedies alone for the treatment of malaria. You should consult a qualified doctor for any advice if the symptoms do not improve with home remedies.
Malaria is a common but serious condition needing timely medical intervention for the patient to avoid severe health complications like brain damage and death. There are several herbal remedies that you can make use of at home to help with the symptoms and speed up your recovery. Some common kitchen herbs and spices like turmeric, cinnamon, tulsi, neem and ginger may be an effective remedy for malaria. However, you are advised to reach out to your healthcare provider and not rely on home remedies alone. Avoid using any natural remedies for malaria without first consulting your doctor.
Also Read: Home Remedies For Headache By Dr. Siddharth Gupta
There are some common herbs that you can use at home to help you with symptoms of malaria and its recovery. Herbs like tulsi, neem, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, guduchi and krishna musali may be used to relieve malaria symptoms.3–8 However, you are advised not to use these herbs as a substitute for standard medical treatment. Use these herbs after consulting your healthcare provider.
There are herbs you may use at home to relieve your symptoms and speed up your recovery process. 3–8 However, herbs cannot substitute for a proper medical treatment and you will need help from a qualified doctor to treat your malaria completely.1
Malaria, if not treated properly, can lead to severe health complications like brain damage, organ failure and even death.1 Therefore, you are advised to seek medical help if you experience any symptoms of malaria.
There are many reported properties of neem that may help with malaria. It may boost the immune system, reduce fever and act against malarial parasites. These properties may help to manage symptoms and promote recovery.7 However, you should consult your healthcare provider if you experience any signs of malaria. Do not use neem without prior consultation from a healthcare professional as it may worsen the situation.
1. Cleveland Clinic. Malaria: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 14]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15014-malaria
2. Better Health Channel. Malaria [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 14]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/malaria
3. Ali BH, Blunden G, Tanira MO, Nemmar A. Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): a review of recent research. Food Chem Toxicol [Internet]. 2008 [cited 2022 Jul 10];46(2):409–20. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17950516/
4. Nandakumar DN, Nagaraj VA, Vathsala PG, Rangarajan P, Padmanaban G. Curcumin-Artemisinin Combination Therapy for Malaria. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy [Internet]. 2006 May [cited 2022 Jul 15];50(5):1859. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16641461/
5. Parvazi S, Sadeghi S, Azadi M, Mohammadi M, Arjmand M, Vahabi F, et al. The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Cinnamon on the Metabolome of Plasmodium falciparum Using 1HNMR Spectroscopy. Journal of Tropical Medicine [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2022 Jul 15];2016. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4745969/
6. Cohen MM. Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine [Internet]. 2014 Oct 1 [cited 2022 Jul 15];5(4):251. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/
7. The neem tree, a wonder tool against Malaria [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 15]. Available from: https://www.fawco.org/global-issues/environment/environment-articles/289-the-neem-tree-a-wonder-tool-against-malaria
8. Ayush Division. Ayurveda offering Herbal healing. Available from: https://www.esic.nic.in/attachments/publicationfile/7d11b02e5abb4717d53b4ce05efabd21.pdf
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
When one thinks of Monsoons, the thought of Malaria is not far behind. It is a protozoal disease that weakens the immune system. This happens because of the heavy antibiotics used to treat the disease. Malaria is characterised by chills followed by fever, headache, diarrhoea, vomiting, etc.
It is associated with high-grade fever that is transmitted by female Anopheline mosquitoes. This mosquito transfers the parasite of the disease from one sick person to another. The parasite, when in the bloodstream, infects the red blood cells.
To treat malaria, there is no specific diet, but one needs to ensure adequate nutrition to help the body fight the disease. A diet for malaria should focus on boosting the immune system without causing harm to other organs like the kidney, liver or digestive system. It is best that a malaria patient has smaller meals throughout the day.
The diet for malaria patients should include the following:
When the patient has a malarial fever, the body’s calorie and nutritional requirement increases. This is known as the BMR or Body Metabolic Rate. Also, the need to increase calorie intake depends on the rise in body temperature.
Consume a high carbohydrate diet. Choose rice over wheat and millets. Rice can be digested easily and can release energy faster. Fresh fruits and vegetables work wonders for malaria patients. According to studies, vitamin A and vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables like beetroot, carrot, papaya, sweet lime, grapes, berries, lemon, orange help to detoxify and boost the immunity of the patient suffering from malaria.
When you have malaria you need to incorporate more phytonutrients into your diet that help to tackle antioxidative stress caused by an infection. Nuts and seeds are powerhouses of phytonutrients as well as healthy fats and proteins. When you feel like munching on something in between your meals and are wondering what to eat during malaria, nuts and seeds are always the best options as processed foods are completely out of your reach at this point in time.
I would like to share a helpful tip for dealing with malaria. Red palm oil contains antioxidants that might protect your body’s cells. It may reduce tissue damage and manage oxidative stress caused by malaria and other factors. Always remember to consume it in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional for comprehensive malaria management.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Did you know?
Unfortunately, at the time of fever, one experiences appetite loss, less tolerance and therefore, eating food becomes a challenge. To compensate for such a situation, one must drink glucose water, fresh fruit juices, coconut water, a sorbet made with lemon, salt, sugar and water and electoral water.
While drinking water, make sure it is boiled or sterilized. Take in fluids in every way possible- milkshakes, juices of fruits and vegetables, rice water, pulse water, stew, soup, etc. Doctors recommend a daily fluid intake of at least 3 to 3.5 litres, if not more. Fluids will help in washing out the toxins from the body via urine and stools and help you get well sooner.
Ajwain water is a wonder drink that you should add to your diet when you are suffering from malaria. Ajwain being a carminative (flatulence relieving property reflecting of drugs), reduces bloating and gas and works to keep your digestive system healthy.
I believe that it’s crucial to take precautions against mosquito bites to protect yourself from malaria. Applying mosquito repellent to exposed skin might be very helpful. Additionally, using mosquito nets over beds is highly recommended, especially while sleeping. By following these simple steps, you may significantly lower your risk of contracting malaria.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
There is an increase in the requirement of protein as one loose a lot of tissue. A diet of high carbohydrate and high protein is helpful as the body can utilise the protein for anabolic and tissue repair and building process. Eating curd, lassi and buttermilk is highly beneficial.
High temperature makes the body weak and reduces appetite. Food rich in protein helps to synthesize immune bodies, which can help to fight parasites. Try to incorporate fish stew, chicken soup, eggs and pulses in your diet.
According to my knowledge, the seeds of the fever nut plant might be a helpful remedy for malaria. They possess special properties that may help fight against the malaria-causing parasites. Additionally, these seeds also have anti-inflammatory effects!
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Also Read: Do Eggs Have Carbs? Debunking Nutritional Myths
Fats are necessary for the body, but moderation is the key. Using dairy fats like cream, butter and fats from milk products aid indigestion. These foods contain MCT or medium change triglycerides. Using excessive fats or eating fried foods can increase the risk of nausea, indigestion and loose bowels.
Keep fats as far as possible from your malaria diet. Load up on Omega 3 fats such as fish, fish oil supplements, flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts. They work well in reducing inflammation in the body. Also, read top anti-inflammatory foods to include in your diet.
Avoid very high fibre foods like green leafy vegetables, fruits with thick skin, whole grain cereals. Stay religiously away from food high in fat content like fries, chips, pastries, anything with a lot of cheese in it, food made from maida, etc. Refrain from having food that is spicy and/or hot. It will result in unnecessary stomach problems and heartburn. Sauces and pickles shouldn’t be included anywhere in the diet for a malaria patient. Avoid intake of coffee, tea, cocoa, cola or any other caffeinated beverages.
It is important to work on vitamin loss by drinking electrolytes. Eating soups, stews or drinking fruit juices or dal water, coconut water, etc. are important. Vitamin C and A rich foods such as papaya, beetroots and other citrus foods, etc. with vitamin B complex are important for a malaria patient.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Monsoon is upon us! By the end of June, it will have arrived in all parts of India. Its arrival is indeed a cause for celebration because it brings respite from the blistering heat of summer. But there is a flip side to monsoon as well. It is the season of vector-borne diseases. And one of the most prevalent and most feared diseases is malaria.
According to the World Malaria Report, 2018, 94% of India’s population lives under the threat of malaria. Close to 8 million people are diagnosed with it every year – India reels under one of the highest malaria burden rates of the world.
The Indian government has promised to eradicate malaria by 2030. But every citizen needs to do her/his part to make India malaria-free.
According to CDC Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat when you are outdoors. Spray insect repellent on your clothes for extra protection or buy a product with permethrin to treat your clothes and bed net to repel insects. Sleep in a well-screened or air-conditioned room, or sleep under a permethrin-treated bed net.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
At the root of malaria is a parasite called plasmodia. It enters human beings through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. It is not contagious.
Malaria breaks out in warm, muggy and wet climates – the kind that prevails in India during the monsoon season. The more temperate or drier regions of India like the desert or mountainous areas are relatively safe from malaria.
Don’t undermine malaria. It is a life-threatening disease. And certainly, don’t surrender your fate to the hands of your local municipality whose job it is to curb malaria. Their efforts are often slipshod. Your safety is, to a large extent, in your own hands. Here are a few measures you can adopt to protect your loved ones and yourself from the grasp of this horrific disease.
Uncomplicated malaria: Symptoms may include fever, chills, sweats, headaches, muscle pains, nausea and vomiting. Severe malaria: Symptoms may include confusion, coma, focal neurologic signs, severe anaemia, and respiratory difficulties. Medical intervention is proven to be helpful in preventing complications of malaria.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
A mosquito’s tiny little bite can be the kiss of death. Its population has to be nipped in the bud. Female mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnated and still water. In your neighbourhood, there will possibly be plenty of places where rainwater accumulates. It could be a pothole, a garbage dump, a construction site or a field studded with depressions. Rainwater may also collect at the base of your potted plants. These are prime breeding spots for mosquitoes. And any number of them could be the Anopheles variety – the carrier of malaria.
So, don’t let water pool in these spots. Some more steps that you can take are:
Also Read: 8 Simple Home Remedies for Malaria
Personal Safety –
Anopheles mosquitoes usually bite at night. To adopt the following measures:
If you or someone you know has contracted a fever that hasn’t subsided in 3 days, it’s time to consult a doctor who will, in all likelihood, prescribe a blood test. Do not drag your feet. Delaying treatment can be fatal.
Wage a determined war against malaria. A few simple steps and awareness on your part can save lives.
Must Read: 10 Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites & Mosquito Control
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Come monsoon and the mosquitoes flit in and out of our homes, biting us surreptitiously. Most mosquito-borne diseases are fatalistic in nature causing diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. Therefore it is important that you prevent their proliferation and treat the mosquito bites. The best thing is to control mosquito populations in the vicinity. Most species of these pests have become resistant to insecticides. The best bet would be to depend on home remedies for mosquito control. Let us take a look at some of them.
Dry ice emits a lot of carbon dioxide but works like a charm against mosquitoes. In a container put some dry ice and keep it some distance away. When mosquitoes have filled up the jar, close the lid.
Sprinkle some coffee grounds on stagnant water, the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. This asphyxiates the eggs and prevents their hatching.
In a closed room, light up some camphor and leave the room for thirty minutes. Once you are back, no mosquitoes will be present. Camphor balls and neem oil are other good options.
Mix this oil in some water and sprinkle around the house. It is a very effective mosquito repellent.
Plants like catnip and feverfew are potent mosquito repellents. Plant them in pots and place strategically around the house.
Mosquito bites can be quite irritating and uncomfortable. Instead of scratching, you could use some of the following home remedies for mosquito bites to provide relief to yourself and to your loved ones. Here is our list.
Powder oatmeal and mix with water. Apply on the bites for immediate relief. Oatmeal soothes the skin and relieves irritation.
Crushed ice or regular ice cubes can be applied to the affected area. The cold temperature reduces swelling and numbs the skin. Apply ice for no more than five minutes in one go.
The humble household plant, Aloe Vera, is very good for the skin as it relieves itching and irritation. It has anti-inflammatory properties. Cut a small section and apply the gel part of the plant to the bites for immediate relief. Wash off the area after some time.
Baking soda is another regular kitchen component that can soothe mosquito bites. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area. Leave it for ten minutes before removing it.
The staple vegetable can be used over mosquito bites. They are antifungal and reduce irritation. Chop a slice from an onion and let it sit over the bite for some time. Rinse the area after you remove it.
Use a mosquito net to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. Prevention is better than cure. Avoid water stagnating around your homes to keep the mosquito populations under check.
Also Read: Malaria Prevention Tips – How To Avoid Malaria
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Malaria is one of the major causes of preventable deaths in the world today. One of the interesting Facts about Malaria is that it is a parasite infection spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are the infection carriers. Symptoms of this disease could be seen as early as 6 days or might take up to 15 days after the mosquito bite.
Malaria is a significant global problem and there are approximately 216 million cases of people being affected by it in a year. It has been prevalent for so long that it has altered many of the genes. In South Africa, many suffer from sickle cell anaemia and thus it confers some immunity from Malaria. Some of the majorly important Facts about Malaria are as follows:
Symptoms and Risks
People suffering from this disease usually show the following symptoms-
Malaria is found majorly only in subtropical and tropical countries. If not diagnosed immediately, it could lead to life-threatening complications such as – kidney failure, swelling of blood vessels, low blood sugar, anaemia, etc.
A common approach usually applied is an “ABCD” of malaria – A standing for awareness of the risk, B for bite avoidance, C for compliance with chemoprophylaxis, and D for diagnosis in case of fever.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Treatment
Treatment for this disease is usually provided in the hospital. The doctor prescribes medication according to the kind of malarial parasite you have and also depending on the severity of the disease. Treatment usually lasts for 3 to 7 days, depending on the type of medication. To get rid of the parasite, it is important to take the medication for the exact duration as prescribed. Many times, drugs may turn out to be ineffective. In such cases, the treatment may require more than one medication or a complete change in approach.
People who get help immediately after being diagnosed have a good long term outlook. But if there a lot of complications involved then the outlook may be poor.
Malaria infection during pregnancy can have adverse effects on both mother and fetus, including maternal anemia, fetal loss, premature delivery, intrauterine growth retardation, and delivery of low birth-weight infants (<2500 g or <5.5 pounds), a risk factor for death, early diagnosis and intervention is very critical.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Prevention
There are no vaccines available for Malaria. The best way to avoid getting bitten is to stay in a mosquito-free environment, use mosquito net shields while sleeping and also use recommended mosquito repellent creams. Prefer wearing light coloured long sleeve pants and tops while in a mosquito prevalent areas.
Since mosquitoes are night feeders, hence take extra precautions to avoid getting bitten at night. Using mosquito coils and aerosolized insecticides also help improve protection during this time and read more Facts about Malaria to stay on the safer side of the boat.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
