Dengue Fever & Herbal Treatment

Dengue fever is an infectious viral disease spread by mosquitoes. It is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates. The disease is characterized by the onset of a sudden high fever and a measles-like rash, followed by severe body pain. It is not to be confused with Dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is a much more serious disease. Several herbal remedies may be helpful in reducing pain and speeding recovery of Dengue fever. Consult your health practitioner before using unfamiliar herbs if you think you have Dengue fever.

Symptoms

The initial fever can be as high as 104 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and come on very suddenly. The fever is followed by a red, flat rash on the limbs, and hypersensitivity of the skin. You may experience nausea, vomiting, severe headache, pain in the eyes, loss of appetite, exhaustion, and severe arthritic pain or swelling in the joints and muscles. Blood tests may be necessary to diagnose and confirm this condition.

Duration

A bout of Dengue fever commonly lasts for about ten days to two weeks; however, it can also take up to a month for symptoms to completely disappear. In some cases, the virus becomes dormant in the body and later causes a recurrence.

Ayurvedic Herbs

The ancient practice of Ayurveda provides several herbal treatments for Dengue fever. Mix 306mg Shunti Churna with 125mg Hinguleshwar and take with tea or hot water four times daily, suggests the Ayurvedic-Medicines website. They also recommend using tulsi, or holy basil, for treating Dengue fever. Tulsi soothes the stomach and relaxes the nerves.

Eupatorium perfoliatum

The folk remedy Eupatorium perfoliatum, or boneset, has been used throughout history to treat severe fevers, especially those where there is great pain in the bones and joints. It may also relieve nausea, vomiting, chills and sore throats, according to Georgina Robinson of Wilkes University. It is an excellent choice for treating Dengue fever. Anecdotal evidence indicates that boneset has cured cases of viral and bacterial-based fevers overnight when consumed in tea, adds Robinson. The herb is alleged to act as an anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti microbial agent. In addition, it may kill parasites, act as an anti-inflammatory, and relax muscle spasms.

Homeopathic Remedy

Boneset is also available as a homeopathic remedy under its Latin name, Eupatorium perfoliatum. In his book "Materia Medica and Repertory," homeopath, Dr. William Boericke notes it is indicated for the flu when accompanied by high fever, severe body pain, headaches and orbital neuralgia, or eye socket pain. Eupatorium perfoliatum in both herbal and homeopathic form is considered safe when taken according to the directions from your health practitioner. Eupatorium perfoliatum is available over the counter from health food stores. Ask your health practitioner for dosing guidelines. Dengue fever should not be self treated.