Home Remedies For Viral Fever

Abstract

Fever is a very common symptom. Whenever any foreign microbe enters the body of the individual then the first reaction of the body is fever. This fever is dangerous if it increases highly but sometimes it works in favour such as whenever temperature rises in the body it does not provide a suitable environment for proliferation of microbial growth. Some home remedies are discussed below in this article for the management of viral fever.

Introduction

Fever as per most of the physicians they describe it like fever is a temperature which is higher than normal. This definition is not complete without the importances of anatomical sites and what are the causes which are responsible for this. Monitoring the body temperature for the first time is not known. But ancient medical books like Charak samhita mention various types of fever in it. Fever is known to be ‘jwar’ in ayurveda which is critical and important among all the diseases because it affects every individual i.e it is put on first place as per classical textbook of ayurveda. Fever is a noted feature in almost every disease; the response for febrile conditions are due to its involvement with the central nervous system and through endocrine, neurological, immunological and behavioural mechanisms. Fever is not only a rise of temperature but it is accompanied by various changes in the body like metabolic and physiological changes.

Types Of Fever

According to the duration of the fever:

• Continuous Fever - In this type of fever, fever is not fluctuating from more than 1℃ and not becoming normal at any time.
• Intermittent Fever - This type of fever present for some hours during the day.
• Remittent Fever - This type of fever is of fluctuating nature and fever changes more than 2℃ but not becoming normal at any time.

Sign And Symptoms Of Fever

• Sweating
• Chills and shivering
• Headache
• Muscles aches
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Generalised weakness

Causes Of Fever

• Infectious -  Virus, bacteria, parasites, fungal fever or due to any other microbial agent etc
• Non infectious - Autoimmune disease, trauma, malignancy, drug induced fever, other causes like transfusion of blood, central fevers, intra abdominal, pulmonary etc.

Let's now discuss one of the most common types of fever which is viral fever. Viral fever is caused by a viral agent. In this type of fever the common symptoms which can be seen are as follows: high grade fever, burning in the eyes, headaches, body aches, nausea and vomiting. It is common among childrens and old age individuals because of their low immunity. This fever is not an illness basically it is a symptom of an underlying cause which is viral infection. Human body can be affected with many types of viral infections which can cause either low grade fever or high grade fever.

Pathogenesis

Viral fever is an infectious type of fever which is transmitted through one person to another. An Infected person transmits the infection to another person through yawning, sneezing, coughing or even talking if the other person is near to the infected person. Once the virus enters in the body system of the healthy individual it takes 16 hrs to 48 hrs to show the symptoms of fever prominently.

Fever As Jwara (Described In Ayurveda)

Jwara is described in Atharvaveda as takman (Son of God Varuna) and drugs like kustha and anjana are given to manage this. References of jwara are also given in other non medical literature like mahabharat, puranas etc. Acharya sushuruta explained it like man in this world comes with this and departs from the world with it. Jwara not only affects the physical body but also the mind also.

Jwara Uttpati

According to Ayurveda, Jwara originated from the destructive and hot breath of lord shiva which was produced due to anger and grief of shiva after his wife (Durga) died.Jwara is the king of diseases, destroyer of every individual health so we must be cautious about it and take it seriously.

Home Remedies For Viral Fever

For Consuming (Eating)

Black Pepper And Ginger Tea - It is beneficial in patients of viral fever who have irregular bowels. Black pepper helps in detoxification of the body and ginger has an analgesic, anti-inflammatory property which helps in viral fever.

Use - Make a tea with the use of ginger and black pepper into hot water.

Coriander Seed Tea - Coriander is a rich source of vitamins and phytonutrients. It naturally helps in boosting immunity of patients. Coriander tea is helpful in soothing symptoms like running nose.

Use - Add coriander seed in water and a little bit of milk with honey.

Tulsi Leaves - Tulsi has many important properties like antibacterial and antibacterial which helps in viral fever.

Use - Take one cup of water and add 6-7 leaves of tulsi, boil till it remains half and drink.

Garlic - There are many hidden benefits of garlic which is very useful in the treatment of fever. It has antiviral properties and antibacterial properties which help lower the temperature of the body during fever. It acts as a natural detoxifier.

Use - It can be used in raw form like just take 2-3 cloves from 1 garlic and chewed or can be used in cooking.

For Local Application

Sandalwood Paste - It is known generally for its cooling property. It will help in lowering down the temperature and also have anti inflammatory properties. It should be used in the form of thick paste and applied several times a day on the forehead.

Sponging - It can be done at home by anyone easily. Sponging basically is done in case of high fever but antipyretic drugs should also be administered. Take a cotton cloth dipped in tepid water (water should not be cold)and place it on the forehead, stomach, palm and back of the patient. It should be done for 15-20 minutes.

Apple Cider Vinegar - This is a very useful home remedy for fever. It helps in lowering down the fever. This works like withdrawing fever from the body. Take a washcloth and soak it in the solution of water and apple cider vinegar then place it on your forehead and stomach.

Drink Fluids - Dehydration is commonly seen in patients with viral fever so it is important to take proper fluids. In viral fever the patient's body remains much warmer than usual; this causes sweating to cool down body temperature. Electrolytes may be imbalanced so normal water is not enough. Any of these can be used: soups, decaffeinated tea, electral etc.

Some Herbs For "Jwara"

Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Properties

Rasa -  Madhura (sweet), Guna - Guru (heavy), Vipaka - Madhura (sweet), Veerya - Sheeta (cold)

Due to its veerya it is helpful in lowering down the temperature of the body and works like antipyretic.

Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia)

Properties

Doshatrayahara (balance tridosha - vata, pita, kapha)

It is well known as “Giloy” it is used widely in the treatment of fever, diabetes, urinary tract disorder, anaemia, jaundice etc

Papaya (Carica Papaya)

Carica papaya have antihelminthic, anti protozoan, antibacterial, antifungal, anti viral, anti- inflammatory and antioxidative properties.These medicinal properties of carica papaya are very much beneficial for the patient against dengue virus.

Conclusion

Home Remedies have been used for many centuries and they are giving beneficial results. But it should be from a relevant source otherwise it will be harmful for the patient. If individuals are using these home remedies and still not getting results then they have to consult the doctor and also mention these remedies to provide correct information to the physician so that it will be helpful during treatment.