HOME REMEDIES FOR DENGUE

What is dengue?

Dengue (break-bone fever) is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people . It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates. Most people who get dengue will not have symptoms.  Note that DEengue is not contagious and someone must be bitten by an infected mosquito to get dengue.

Symptoms of Dengue include:-

Most people with dengue have mild or no symptoms and will get better in 1–2 weeks. Rarely, dengue can be severe and lead to death.  If symptoms occur, they usually begin 4–10 days after infection and last for 2–7 days. Symptoms may include:

• high fever (40°C/104°F)
• severe headache
• pain behind the eyes
• muscle and joint pains
• nausea
• vomiting
• swollen glands
• rash. 

Individuals who are infected for the second time are at greater risk of severe dengue.

Severe dengue symptoms often come after the fever has gone away:

• severe abdominal pain
• persistent vomiting
• rapid breathing
• bleeding gums or nose 
• fatigue
• restlessness
• blood in vomit or stool
• being very thirsty
• pale and cold skin
• feeling weak.

People with these severe symptoms should get care right away. After recovery, people who have had dengue may feel tired for several weeks. 

Signs of dehydration in children include: 

• Unusually sleepy, lack of energy, very fussy. 
• Dry mouth, tongue, lips. 
• Fast breathing. 
• Sunken eyes. 
• Few or no tears when crying. 
• Cool, discoloured hands or feet. 
• Urinates less often. 
• Urine is dark yellow and strong smelling. 

How do you prevent mosquito breeding?

Mosquito breeding can be prevented by:

• preventing mosquitoes from accessing egg-laying habitats by environmental management and modification;
• disposing of solid waste properly and removing artificial man-made habitats that can hold water;
• covering, emptying and cleaning domestic water storage containers on a weekly basis;
• applying appropriate insecticides to outdoor water storage containers.

How do you prevent mosquito bites?

• Avoid going outside during peak mosquito activity. (You’re most likely to be bitten during 2 hours after sunrise and just before sunset.) 
• Wear loose clothing, that covers your arms and legs. 
• Wear socks and full shoes to minimize exposed skin. 
• Use mosquito repellents.
• Spray mosquito repellent around buildings.  
• Use mosquito coils. 
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping – especially during the day.  
• Use air conditioning, if available. If not available, keep windows and doors closed, or use mosquito nets. 
• Use door and mosquito screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Repair any holes in screens. 

Home Remedies for Dengue:-

• Rest and recuperation
• Drink plenty of liquids and stay hydrated.
• Eat nutritious food. 
• Sponge the skin with cool water to reduce fever. 
• Papaya:- Papaya leaf extract could be given at any stage of the disease. But for best results it should be given from the first day of fever. 5. Papaya leaf extracts could be taken as syrup; 30ml three times a day before meals for an adult and 5-10ml three times a day for a child until you have fully recovered from the illness. Papaya leaf juice has gained attention for its potential to increase platelet count and boost immunity in individuals battling dengue fever. 

Papaya Leaf Juice:-

Ingredients:

5 fresh papaya leaves1 cup water

Method:

Wash papaya leaves thoroughly and chop into tiny bits. Boil water and add leaves. Wait till the water changes its colour to green. Strain the juice. Since it is bitter in taste, give some sugar or jaggery to the patient immediately after consuming the juice.

The dosage for adults is 30 ml twice a day and for kids is 5 to 10 ml, depending on the doctor’s advice. 

• Fenugreek Seeds:- Soak a teaspoon of seeds in water overnight and then drink the water in the morning on an empty stomach. You may also ground the seeds and eat the powder. 
• Turmeric Milk:- Researchers have found that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric help boost your immune system and reduce the severity of symptoms. Plus, the warm milk can provide some comfort and hydration when you’re feeling under the weather. .Just mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder into a glass of warm milk, add a touch of honey if you like, and sip on it a couple of times a day. It’s a simple and soothing way to support your body through the healing process. 
• Basil Leaves:- Basil leaves are known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can help in reducing fever and boost the immune system. You can either chew on a few fresh basil leaves or drink basil tea to reap the benefits. Just crush the leaves to release the natural oils, add them to hot water, and let them steep for a few minutes. It’s a simple and natural way to tackle the symptoms of dengue fever. 
• Pomegranate Juice:- Pomegranate juice might just be your new best friend! This delicious and refreshing juice is not only packed with antioxidants but also has anti-inflammatory properties. It has proven to be helpful in combating the symptoms of dengue fever. 
• Orange:- Oranges are rich in antioxidants and vitamins which help in treating the secondary symptoms of dengue. Orange juice also helps in eliminating dengue virus. The miraculous drink promotes antibodies in the immune system, increases urination, thereby releasing toxins from the body. Orange juice also repairs your body cells as it has Vitamin C which is crucial in creating collagen. 
• Coconut Water:- Coconut water is enriched with electrolytes to replenish fluids and minerals in the body. It can also help prevent dehydration, which is essential during dengue fever. Drink fresh coconut water 2-3 times daily to stay hydrated and relieve dengue symptoms. 
• Ginger and honey:- Ginger contains excellent anti-inflammatory characteristics that help alleviate dengue fever symptoms such as joint discomfort and headache. Honey, on the other hand, is known for its antimicrobial and calming properties. Try preparing ginger and honey tea by combining grated ginger, honey, and boiling water. It’s a soothing drink that helps alleviate the discomfort caused by dengue illness. Just remember to take necessary caution and consume this magical combination in moderation. 
• Kiwi Juice:- Kiwis are high in nutrients and minerals that can help you overcome the two symptoms of dengue fever: fatigue and weakness. They also have vitamin C, which helps to increase your general immunity. This fruit can also help increase blood platelet count. This can be drunk twice daily. 
• Neem Leaves:- They’ve been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their antibacterial and antiviral properties. Neem leaves can help boost your immune system and reduce fever, which can be especially helpful during a dengue fever infection. You can make a neem leaf tea or simply chew on a few leaves to harness their benefits.  

Natural Mosquito Repellents Do It Yourself:-

1. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil:-You can create your own mixture with 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil to 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel, Do not use on children under 3 years old.
2. Lavender:-You can grow lavender in an outdoor garden or in indoor planters. Crush the flowers and apply the oil to bite-sensitive areas of the body, such as your ankles and arms. Also, drop some lavender oil on a clean cloth and rub it onto the skin. 
3. Cinnamon Oil:-To make a diluted 1 percent solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon (or 24 drops) of oil for every 4 ounces of water. You can spray the fluid onto your skin or clothing, around your home, and onto upholstery or plants. Be careful when applying cinnamon oil, as a concentrated dose can irritate your skin. 
4. Thyme Oil:-For a homemade brew, combine 4 drops of thyme oil to every teaspoon of base oil, such as olive or jojoba oil. For a spray, mix 5 drops of thyme oil with 2 ounces of water. 
5. Soybean Oil:-In addition to soybean oil, you can also add a little lemongrass oil to your home mixture. The combination has been tested to guard against different species of mosquitoes. 
6. Citronella:-Citronella is a common natural and effective essential oil that works against mosquitoes. Made from a mix of herbs, it’s an ingredient in many mosquito repellents. When outdoors, citronella candles can provide up to 50 percent extra protection. 
7. Tea tree oil:- This oil is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. But studies also suggest that tea tree oil may be an effective insect repellent. Field testing shows that repellents containing tea tree oil are effective against mosquitoes, bush flies, and biting midges. 
8. Neem Oil:-To repel mosquitoes with neem oil, dilute 50 to 100 milliliters of neem oil in water, oil, or lotion. It’s also important to choose extra virgin, cold-pressed neem oil. 
9. Burning of Black Sage:-This keeps mosquitoes at bay.

Plants that repel mosquitoes:-

https://gardencenterohio.com/herbs-2/herbs-repel-bugs/

https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/ten-plants-mosquitoes-dont-like-pictures

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/a20706110/best-plants-that-repel-mosquitoes/