Swift Aid: Speed Up Recovery of Your Child from Dengue and Malaria Using Simple Home Solutions
In many parts of the world, including India, children are at risk for two potentially dangerous diseases: dengue and malaria. These diseases have become endemic in about 100 countries, including India, where recent years have seen a significant rise in cases.
Dengue, also known as breakbone fever, is a severe tropical disease characterised by sudden onset of fever, body aches, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, severe joint and muscle pain, fatigue and exhaustion, nausea and vomiting, skin rash similar to measles, and low blood pressure. Malaria, on the other hand, presents with symptoms such as vomiting, fatigue, profuse sweating, high fever, diarrhea, moderate to severe chills, muscle pain, convulsions, jaundice, blood in stools, anaemia, convulsions, and coma.
Understanding the symptoms of both these diseases is crucial for timely intervention. If a child starts showing symptoms, it is essential to visit a doctor immediately for detection and treatment.
However, there are several natural remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms and boost the immune system.
Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is a popular herb in Ayurveda. It is known to help bring down fever, protect blood cells, and has anti-bacterial properties effective against both dengue and malaria. To use holy basil, boil leaves of holy basil with black pepper powder or powdered cardamom in half a litre of water and feed this concoction to your child. Another method is to make your little one chew on basil leaves. Spraying basil essential oil around the house also helps in repelling mosquitoes.
Basil is not the only natural remedy. Fenugreek seeds, known for their cooling properties, help reduce fever and have a soothing effect on pain for dengue. To use fenugreek seeds, soak the leaves in water and then serve the water to your child for relief.
Papaya leaves are another effective natural remedy. They help increase blood platelet count and combat the symptoms of dengue. To use papaya leaves, crush them and strain them with a cloth to get juice which can be consumed directly.
Cinnamon, with its anti-inflammatory properties, helps provide relief from symptoms of malaria-like nausea, loss of appetite, indigestion, and cramps. To use cinnamon, boil one teaspoon of powdered cinnamon in a glass of water with a pinch of pepper powder and a teaspoon of honey and feed it to your child every day.
Fever nut (Kantakareja) is another traditional remedy. To use fever nut, take six grams of the seeds with a glass of water and feed it 4 hours before the attack of the fever. One glass should be taken after one hour of the bite.
In addition to these remedies, preventive measures are essential. To prevent dengue and malaria, make your child wear clothes with maximum coverage, use mosquito repellent sprays and roll-ons, spray mosquito repellent essential oils around the house, drain collected water regularly, and avoid fruity and sweet fragrances. Goodknight Fabric Roll-On is recommended for children as it contains natural oils and protects from mosquitoes for up to 8 hours.
The recent floods in India have increased the risk for mosquito-borne viruses. Therefore, it is crucial to take extra precautions during such times. Neem leaves, known for their repellent properties, can help in this regard. Steep neem leaves and feed your child the brew of these leaves. Spraying neem fragrance around the house effectively repels mosquitoes as well.
Turmeric, known for its immunity-boosting properties, is also recommended for dengue. The classic turmeric milk is recommended for dengue.
While these natural remedies can provide relief, it is important to remember that they are not a substitute for professional medical care. If a child shows symptoms of dengue or malaria, it is crucial to visit a doctor immediately for detection and treatment.
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