Ayurvedic perspective of Dengue Fever

Description of dengue as Dandaka Jwara is found in the parishishta chapter of Madhava Nidana.It has been described that a particular species of mosquito is the basic cause of spread of fever called Dandaka jvara. This fever mostly subsides within a week, however, it is said to be more dangerous for the children and old people.

Premonitory symptoms (purvarupa)

Feeling of breaking of bones, weakness, dyspepsia, tastelessness of food are the premonitory symptoms of dandaka jwara.

Symptoms

Severe breaking pain in bone and joints as if some one has been beaten by stick. Reddish or purpuric rashes on the body, fleeting/shifting joint pain associated with swelling may occur. High temperature of 103 to 105 degrees F. may occur which gets subsided and may relapse again within three to four days. On 8th day, it subsides on its own..During fever, pulse is not proportionately as fast as it should be with fever . Symptoms of common cold (Pratishyaya) cough, and throat pain are also common symptoms of dandaka jwara which becomes endemic due to virulence of kapha and vata dosha.

Management

Although there is no specific treatment for disease, Ayurveda stresses to strengthen immune system of the body and keeping a control on hyperthermia.

Amrita (Guduchi)Tulasi(Holi basil) Shunthi(Dried ginger)Papaya are the commonly available medicinal plants and used to prevent its complications by potentiating immune system so that disease gets controlled within a period of 4to 8 days.

Diet During Dandaka jvara

Rice gruel (Kanji),Rice porridge (khichari) cooked with ginger and lemon is useful.

Tea prepared with Tulasi, Ginger and cardamom may be taken at two hourly interval.

Spicy and Oily food should be strictly avoided.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR DANDAKA JWARA :-

Leaves of coriander should be taken to reduce fever.
Eatables rich in Vitamin C, especially Amla should be consumed as it helps in absorption of Iron .
Chyavanprash can be taken as an immune booster.
Punarnava (Borhavia diffusa) Is a herb which helps in flushing out toxins through perspiration.
Amrithotharam kashayam,Amritha satva(Sat giloy) are some of the good herbal medicines advised in Dengue fever.
Boil tulasi in water and drink this water throughout the day to build up immune system.
10-15 basil leaves should be chewed twice a day, to strengthen body’s defence mechanism.
Dhatura is an ayurvedic herb which has potency to reduce seriousness of dengue fever,but should be strictly taken after consulting Ayurvedic physician.
Fenugreek leaves can be taken as herbal tea to reduce fever.
Pomegranate /black grape juice can be taken to increase blood count.

Common plants used in Dengue Fever