World Malaria Day 2022: Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Treating Malaria
World Malaria Day is celebrated every year on 25 April as an
opportunity for the global community to collectively raise our voices in unison to keep malaria high on the global health agenda. This year, the theme is a reminder for us to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives.
Malaria is a vector-borne disease commonly found in tropical countries such as Asia and Africa and other areas which receive a high duration of rainfall or monsoon season. The malarial parasite—Plasmodium is spread to humans through the bite of infected mosquitos. Symptoms include fever, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and many more. If not detected and treated properly, it can lead to serious health problems and death.
The Ayurveda perspective describes malaria under the concept of Jwara—where the body has less strength (bala). Ayurveda advocates preventing malaria by improving our immunity. This can be achieved by:
✅ following a healthy diet
✅ nurturing emotional wellbeing
✅ having a good restful sleep time
✅ exercise or Yoga
If you start showing symptoms of malaria, try these Ayurvedic home remedies:
- Drink two liters of water boiled with small ginger slices + turmeric powder + coriander seeds.
- Include dry raisins, gooseberries, kiwi, or other dry berries in your daily food intake.
- Eat light and easily digestible food such as khichdi. This helps to improve the agni digestive fire and metabolism.
- Apply eucalyptus oil over the forehead to reduce headaches.
- Steam inhalation with basil leaves twice daily for 5-10 minutes can help reduce nasal congestion and breathing difficulties.
- Fresh basil juice + 1 teaspoon ginger juice mixed with honey + a pinch of black pepper helps to reduce the fever.
- During high fever periods, try cold water sponging over the forehead and the body to bring down the temperature.
However, if you are still feeling weak and the temperature does not come down, then please seek the nearest medical help.
Dr. Resmi V. Rajagopal, BAMS, MS (Ayurveda Gynec), PGDYN
Dr. Resmi is a versatile Ayurvedic physician from Kerala, India, specializing in women’s health and pregnancy care, therapeutic yoga, and nutrition.
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