Malaria is contracted when suffering a bite from a mosquito infected with a Plasmodium parasite. Usually within a few weeks, you will develop fever, chills and sweating, but the parasite can also lie dormant for years before producing symptoms. Conventional treatment may include antimalarial drugs like chloroquine and mefloquine, but the parasite has become resistant to these drugs in many parts of the world. Antimalarial herbs may be a natural way to treat the disease. See your doctor for advice before using herbal medicines.
Sweet Wormwood
Sweet wormwood, Artemisia annua, is a tall annual plant found throughout the world. Traditional healers use all parts of the herb to treat malaria, stomach upset and fever. The main ingredient is a chemical called artemisinin, which has antimalarial and antibiotic actions. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink state that sweet wormwood is effective in preventing and treating malaria. They also note that it works against drug-resistant strains of the Plasmodium parasite. Consult a practitioner for instructions on usage and safe dosage.
Red Cinchona
Red cinchona, Cinchona pubescens, is a large tree native to South America. Herbalists use the bark to treat malaria, poor appetite, dyspepsia and heart problems. The bark is rich in quinine, a potent antimalarial chemical. Van Wyk and Wink explain that quinine blocks the metabolism of Plasmodium parasites and also targets their DNA. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant or nursing or if you have heart problems.
Basil
Basil, Ocimum basilicum, is an aromatic cooking and medicinal herb. The leaves are rich in essential oil, which herbalists use to treat indigestion and parasites. In parts of Africa, traditional healers use basil as a remedy for malaria. A study published in the June 2010 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Plants Research" tested chemicals known as quinones for antimalarial action. The researchers found that three quinones found in basil had high activity against malaria. This study supports the traditional use of basil for malaria. Do not use basil long term or if you are pregnant or nursing.
Beggar's Tick
Beggar's tick, Bidens pilosa, is a tall annual plant with tiny yellow and white flowers. Healers in China and South America use the roots to treat malaria, hypertension, ulcers and diabetes. A study published in the August 2004 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" found that wild species of the herb were highly active against parasites resistant to chloroquine and mefloquine. The researchers note that the active antimalarial components of the herb may be the flavonoids. Do not use if you are pregnant and first check with your doctor if you are taking heart medicine.
References
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "Journal of Medicinal Plants Research"; In Vitro Anti-malarial Activity of 20 Quinones Isolated From Four Plants Used by Traditional Healers in the Democratic Republic of Congo; J.S. Kayembe, et al.; June 2010
- "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
