Malaria

Malaria is a common fever, occurring frequently in tropical regions like India, Africa etc. It often causes severe debility, and anaemia in the victims.

Causes

Malaria is caused by a tiny, single­celled parasite. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The malarial parasites belong to the genus of Plasmodium. The most dangerous member of this family is Plasmodium falciparum.

Signs & Symptoms

• Malaria usually occurs with flulike symptoms, including a severe headache, body aches, and pains in the muscles.
• Shivering and high temperature. The shivers usually take the form of full blown rigors.
• Temperature rise is dramatic, and vomiting may occur.
• This is followed by a phase of heavy sweating and a fall in temperature.

These cycles of fever may come and go.

Herbal Medicines

1. Tulsi: The tender leaves of holy basil are the best anti-malarial remedy. Fresh juice extracted from 10 leaves (about 10ml) well mixed with 10ml of honey should be repeated 4 times a day.
2. Chirayata: Botanically known as Swertia Chirata, it is a proven remedy for malaria. An infusion is prepared and given.
3. Black tea prepared with sonth and black pepper is also useful in the malarial fevers.

Ayurvedic Remedies

1. Ayush tablets are proven anti-malarials. 2 tablets thrice a day with hot water is the dose.

   These are available in the market under brand names like Chirakin, Antimal etc.

2. Sudarshana Ghanavati is the classical remedy given in doses of 2 tabs. thrice a day.
3. Amrutarishta an oral liquid should be given in dose of 30ml with equal quantity of lukewarm water thrice a day. This prevents the debility, that generally occurs.
4. Godanti Mishran given in the dose of 125mg three to four times a day.
5. Shetbhanji Ras is a drug of choice in the dose of 250mg with honey thrice daily.

Do's & Don'ts

Prevention

Malaria can be prevented by protecting from mosquito bites. Hygienic and sanitary conditions should be improved, so as to ensure that there is no pool of stagnant water, where mosquitoes breed.

1. Hydrotherapy should be done to reduce fever.
2. Patient should be adequately covered in case of rigor.
3. Fruit juice of apple, orange, malta, narangi should be given.