Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a parasite transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. The parasite, a species of Plasmodium, enters the liver and red blood cells, causing fever, sweating, headache and nausea. Conventional treatment may include drugs, such as chloroquine and mefloquine, but the parasites are becoming resistant to these drugs in many parts of the world. Herbal medicine for malaria may be useful in preventing and treating this disease. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal therapy.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for malaria work in diverse ways. Some contain chemicals that interact with your immune system to kill the Plasmodium parasite. They may disrupt the parasite's biological functions or destroy its DNA. An herb's efficacy may depend on the species of Plasmodium, so always check with a knowledgeable practitioner for instruction about dose and preparation before using herbs to treat malaria.
Red Cinchona
Red cinchona, or Cinchona pubescens, is a large tree native to Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Herbalists use the bark to treat malaria, flatulence and poor appetite. The active ingredient is an alkaloid known as quinine, which has potent antimalarial actions. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink note that quinine interferes with the parasite's metabolism and DNA reproduction. Do not use red cinchona if you are taking heart medication.
Chinese Wormwood
Chinese wormwood, or Artemisia annua, is a bushy annual native to Europe and Asia. Traditional healers use the whole herb for fever, indigestion and malaria. Van Wyk and Wink state that the chemical artemisinin is the active antimalarial ingredient. They also note that the World Health Organization recommends artemether, another chemical in the herb, for resistant and cerebral malaria. Use this herb only under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner.
Spanish Needle
Spanish needle, or Bidens pilosa, is a tall annual found throughout the world. It's a traditional remedy for high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes and malaria. The plant is rich in flavonoids. A study published in the August 2004 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" found that the flavonoids have antimalarial actions against Plasmodium falciparum parasites that are resistant to chloroquine and mefloquine. Check with your doctor before using this herb if you are diabetic, have bladder or kidney problems, or are taking medicine for hypertension.
References
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Antimalarial Activity of Bidens Pilosa L. (Asteraceae) Ethanol Extracts From Wild Plants Collected in Various Localities or Plants Cultivated in Humus Soil; Valter F. Andrade-Neto, et al.; August 2004
