Malaria is a parasitic infection which is transferred through an already infected Anopheles mosquito’s saliva when it bites you. Although there are well-known, tried and tested medical treatments for malaria, over-use has seen the development of a degree of drug resistance. This is why many people look to use home remedies for malaria alongside medical treatments.  

Symptoms of Malaria

The most common symptoms of malaria include…

• Extremely high fever
• Pain in the limbs or throughout the body
• Alternate shivering and sweating
• Persistent headaches

Home Remedies for Malaria

1. Ginger

Ginger is known to boost your immune system and possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It’s also easy to purchase and can be consumed as an herbal tea or added to cakes or biscuits which makes it one of the easiest to use and access.

 

2. Grapefruit

Grapefruit contains a powerful substance which has been known to neutralize the malaria-inducing parasites. Simply add fresh grapefruit into your diet to aid your recovery and improve your overall health.

 

3. Cinnamon

Tackling the symptoms of malaria is one of the best ways to treat the condition. Cinnamon is a great home remedy for malaria as it helps combat fever, headache, and diarrhea – common symptoms of malaria. This is all thanks to a powerful component in cinnamon called cinnamaldehyde which acts as an anti-inflammatory, reducing many of the aggressive and painful symptoms of malaria.

 

4. Citrus Fruits

Most common citrus fruits are recommended to support malaria treatments. This is because they contain antioxidants and are packed full of the vitamins and minerals needed to boost your immune system, fight your symptoms, prevent the spread of the malaria infection and speed up the healing process. Simply consume fresh citrus fruits or add a few drops of citrus juice to a glass of water and drink.

5. Fever Nut

Fever nut is often used as a popular home remedy for malaria in India and the surrounding countries. Its seeds contain a powerful ingredient that can help break your fever, helping to relieve one of the main symptoms of your malaria infection. IT also helps to boost your immunity and speed up your recovery.  

 

6. Holy Basil

To reduce the severity of your malaria symptoms you could use holy basil as a home remedy. It contains an active ingredient called eugenol which helps to fight infections and improve your immune system.

 

7. Orange Juice

Orange juice is packed full of vitamin C, which is well-known for its ability to boost your immune system which would make it a great home remedy for malaria. Additionally, because malaria symptoms can make it difficult to keep food down, orange juice is a great way to increase your intake of vitamin C that you should be able to keep down regardless of your symptoms. Plus, the antioxidant content of the juice can help to speed up your recovery and keep you hydrated.  

8. Warm Water Enema

Because malaria can affect your bowels it often causes diarrhea as a common symptom. This means it’s important to keep your bowels clean so that the parasite which causes malaria cannot thrive in your digestive system. Using a warm water enema will help to flush out your bowel, keeping them clean, reducing inflammation and preventing diarrhea.  

 

9. Mosquito Avoidance

The best way to treat malaria is to prevent it. The best way to do that is to avoid mosquitos as best as you can. Use a powerful bug repellant which you can purchase in most stores and sleep under a mosquito net. You could also cover your windows and doors with mosquito netting as an extra level of defense.

10. Lemon

Lemon plays a vital role in reducing malaria fever thanks to its high mineral and vitamin content. Its antioxidant content also helps to boost your immune system and reduce the damage to your cells.

 

11. Alum

When roasted and powdered, alum can be used as an effective home remedy for malaria fever.

 

12. Chirayata

Chirayata is a very beneficial herb for treating malaria. It helps to lower your temperature and reduce inflammation. This will help to speed up your recovery.  

13. Lime Juice

Consuming fresh lime juice is another great way to combat your malaria. It’s packed full of vitamin C which will help to boost your immune system and speed up the healing process so that you’ll start to feel better sooner. At the same time, it prevents the infection from spreading and relieves many of the symptoms. Simply add a few drops of lime juice to a glass of water and drink.

 

14. Drink Warm Water

Sometimes the simplest of remedies are some of the best. Drinking a glass of warm water will help to flush out your system, regulate your bowel movements and rehydrate you. This will help your body fight off your malaria infection and neutralize the infection.

 

15. Strawberries

Strawberries are another useful home remedy for malaria. All you need to do is eat a handful of fresh strawberries on a regular basis and their antioxidant properties and the various enzymes they contain will help to fight off the parasites and treat your malaria infection. The nutrients in strawberries will also help you to regain your energy and speed up your recovery.  

16. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are loaded full of with antimicrobial qualities. You should try to incorporate these seeds into your diet if you have been infected with malaria as they will help to treat the infection and boost your overall health. You can drink powdered fenugreek seeds after diluting them in a glass of water. If you experience any nausea after consuming the drink, consult your doctor immediately. You can find out more about the health benefits of Fenugreek seeds in our previous article.

 

17. Chamomile

Chamomile makes a great home remedy for malaria as it helps to tackle many of the symptoms, including fever, chills, and nausea. Plus, it will also help to speed up your recovery and help you to relax so that you get a good night’s sleep – another great way to aid your recovery.  

18. Lemongrass

Lemongrass it sometimes called fever grass and is arguably one of the most common plants in Nigeria. When boiled, the resulting lemongrass infusion can be taken on a daily basis to relieve malaria symptoms and fight the disease.

 

19. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is used as a home remedy for a number of different conditions – malaria is one of them! It helps to lower your body temperature and helps to fight infections by strengthening your immune system. As a result, consuming apple cider vinegar each day could help your body recover faster.

You can add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink twice a day. You could also mix a quarter of a cup of vinegar in a bowl of water and dip a clean towel into the mixture to create a cold compress. Place this on your forehead for ten minutes.

20. Herbal Tea

Herbal teas are generally a great source of antioxidants. This means they can help to give your immune system the boost it needs to effectively fight off a malaria infection. It will also help to bring your fever down and tackle a number of common symptoms of malaria.

 

21. Datura

Datura is an Indian herb which has been known to make a great home remedy for malaria. Simple crush two to three datura leaves and add them to half a teaspoon of jaggery to make pills. You can take one pill every two hours before a malaria attack. This is particularly effective in treating the fever caused by your malaria infection.

 

22. Mustard Seed Oil

Mustard oil has been shown to help tackle malaria infection, especially the oil derived from black mustard seeds. You can use mustard seed oil to cook or you could add it to smoothies. Either way will help to combat the infection, boost your immune system and help you to recover faster.  

 

23. Turmeric

Turmeric can be mixed into a glass of warmed milk and drunk as an effective home remedy for malaria. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of turmeric will help to fight the infection and reduce your symptoms. Drink turmeric milk every night before bed and you should start to see your condition improve.

Which of these home remedies for malaria will you try? Comment below!

References

https://www.organicfacts.net/home-remedies/10-natural-remedies-malaria.html

https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/effective-home-remedies-to-treat-malaria/

https://www.parashospitals.com/parasbliss/blogs/natural-remedies-treat-malaria-home/

https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/11-natural-home-remedies-malaria/

https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/beauty-health/5-home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-malaria-parasite-id8443618.html

Chiryata flower picture by Dinesh Valke.