Malaria is one of the most widespread diseases in the world. Hundreds of millions of people are affected by malaria, of which there are three main types: vivax, falciparum, and malariae. When the female of this particular species bites a patient who has malaria, she draws up a small quantity of blood containing the parasites. These parasites then pass through several stages of development within the mosquito's body, and finally find their way to its salivary glands. About ten days after the mosquito has injected these parasites into a person's blood stream. Most of them are now within the bred blood cells of the victim.
Many of the parasites are destroyed by the defense system of the body, particularly by the white blood cells in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. But enough of them survive to cause plenty of trouble.
During the acute attack of malaria, the patient complains of fever, weakness, headache, and chilling sensations. In more severe cases, the attack begins abruptly with shaking chills, fever, and sweating. Between the paroxysms, the patient usually feels miserable and runs a low-grade fever. The temperature may run to 104 0F., and the patient may complain of severe headache, and may manifest drowsiness, delirium, and confusion.
With this serious complication the patient suffers from jaundice, anemia, severe prostration, and shock.
HOME REMEDIES FOR MALARIA
Boil 1 glass of water with 1 tspn Cinnamon powder added to it. Drink this after adding a dash of pepper powder and honey to it. Grapefruit is one of the most effective home remedies for malaria. It should be taken daily The seeds of the fever nut plant are another effective remedy for malaria. About six grams of these seeds should be given with a cup of water two hours before the expected onset of the paroxysm of fever, and a second dose should be given one hour after the attack. About two and a half freshly sprouted leaves of datura plant should be made into a pill by rubbing them with jaggery and administered two hours before the onset of the paroxysm. Prepare an infusion by steeping 15 gm of chirayata in 250 ml of hot water with aromatics like cloves and cinnamon, should be given in doses of 15 to 30 ml. This is very useful home remedy for malaria. About three grams of lime should be dissolved in about 60 ml of water and the juice of one lemon added to it. This water should be taken before the onset of the fever. Alum should be roasted over a hot plate and powdered. Half a teaspoon should be taken about four hours before the expected attack and half a teaspoon every two hours after it. This will give relief. For malaria treatment take an infusion of holy basil leaves. The juice of about eleven grams of leaves of holy basil mixed with three grams of powder of black pepper can be taken beneficially in the cold stage of the malarial fever. The best way to reduce temperature naturally during the course of the fever is by means of a cold pack, which can be applied to the whole body. Malaria can be prevented by protection against mosquito bites, cleanliness of surrounding areas, and ensuring that there is no pool of stagnant water lying around. Lie on a bed covered with a blanket, for 15 to 20 minutes. Drinking a hot liquid also helps. Take 10 grams (one-tablespoon) raisins and 10 grams (one tablespoon) fresh ginger. Crush and put in 200-ml. water for one hour. Boil this decoction till the water reduces to 50 ml. Strain and drink while warm. This is also very useful home remedy for malaria. Exposure to extreme cold or heat, exertion, exercise, mental stress, sexual activity and any other type of physical activity should be avoided until the patient regains strength. The patient should be given plenty of fluids, fresh fruit juices, and a balanced diet. Sleep under a mosquito net. Children's bed should especially be screened by nets. Small amounts of whole grain bread or biscuits can be taken with milk. Heavy foods that are difficult to digest like fried foods, fast foods, meat, chicken, fish, and raw foods should be completely avoided. The patient should plenty of rest. For malaria treatment small quantities of cow milk can be taken two to three times a day Khichadi is very good with spices like cumin seeds, coriander, turmeric, ginger and salt can be also be added to it. Eggplant, bitter gourd and cooked radish and barley water is good.