Home remedies for global health emergency- Yellow fever

Beware!!! Two professors from Georgetown University have called on the World Health Organization to convene an emergency committee under the International Health Regulations. This is because they fear potential yellow fever epidemic.

In wake of this new global health emergency, WTN gets you some home remedies to deal with it.

Yellow fever is a tropical mosquito-borne viral hepatitis, spread through female Aedesaegypti mosquitoes that are also responsible for transmitting dengue fever and chikungunya.

So, the best way to keep yellow fever at bay is to either stay out of mosquito reach   or get immunisation. However, vaccination is not for all. Infants, expecting or lactating mothers, people allergic to egg protein, elderly and those with severe immunodeficiency (HIV/AIDS) etc, can suffer from

Symptoms

The signs of yellow fever surface after an incubation period of 3-6 days and is classified into two stages – acute or the initial stage and second or toxic

Acute stage symptoms

· Fever

· Chills

· Loss of appetite

· Body & muscle pain

· Dizziness, nausea, vomiting – sometimes blood

Toxic phase:

Only about 15 per cent of people suffer from the toxic phase of the disease due to liver damage, but could sometimes be life-threatening. The acute stage symptoms may seem to vanish and one might feel being on the path of recovery, but they may reappear after 24 hours or so. Though usually there is no irreparable organ damage, there could be chances of multiple organ failure if it the strike is really severe.

Symptoms

· Jaundice

· Hemorrhage

· Abdominal pain

· Recurring fever

· Irregular heartbeats

· Decreased urination

· Live & kidney failure

· Fatigue, sluggishness, lethargy

· Delirium, seizures & sometimes coma

· Bleeding from the mouth, eyes and gastrointestinal tract

Home remedies

Cayenne Pepper: It is effective in reducing fever. Cayenne has capsaicin chemical which deals with the infection and symptoms of yellow fever. Remember capsicum is the fundamental component of cayenne peppers. It is found in health drinks, tea and can be cooked as well.

Catnip: This traditional herb is effective in reducing several symptoms like body aches, insomnia, flu, gastrointestinal upsets and more. The deep rich golden coloured catnip oil also acts as a strong mosquito repellent while spreading its fragrance.

Fenugreek seeds: Chewing the seeds or drinking its decoction benefits the sick. It is effective on gastrointestinal disorders, aids bowel movements and clears excess bronchial tract mucous. It is packed with fibre, protein, niacin, vitamin C, iron, potassium and alkaloid.

Feverwort or Centaury: Native and North American tribes drink a tea prepared from this long and paired leaf herb to combat the symptoms of yellow fever.  The concoction can be added to a juice, tea or coffee. Also, taking a daily dose (1/2 teaspoon) of feverwort tea before meal has its own set of goodness.  It thrives in damp meadows and

Garlic pods: This natural tonic is laden with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Eating 8-10 cloves of raw garlic on an empty stomach, or just before going to bed works as a good agent. Garlic strengthens the overall immunity system,   increases appetite, controls soaring blood pressure and more.

Golden rod: A kind of flowering plant, this herb promotes sweating which brings down the fever, is effective on getting rid of gas. The herb is usually found in dry and sandy soils and is effective on mosquito bites if applied.

Dogwood tree bark: Tea made from the inner bark of the dogwood tree is laden with tannin and reduces the effect of yellow fever.

Cinchona Officinalis Bark, Irvingia Gabonensis Bark: 60 grams of Cinchona officinalis bark boiled in half a litre of water and then strained to drink reduces all symptoms of yellow fever and is a favourite of naturopathy practitioners.

Similarly, the Irvingia Gabonensis Bark and its powdered seeds can be used to make a decoction which is effective to treat yellow fever. However, its consumption should be discontinued after a week.

Oregano:Oregano is very effective in treating gastro intestinal disorders, urinary tract disorders etc. It is an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which boosts the immunity system.

Marjoram: Marjoram tea calms the symptoms of yellow fever, menopause etc. Adding a spoon of marjoram to half litre of boiling water and consuming it when warm cures viral infections, sinusitis, bronchitis etc.

Hydrate with…

Yellow fever can cause severe dehydration. In order to refill the essential vitamins and minerals to the dehydrated body, you need to drink

Lemon & salt: Vomiting during yellow fever is a common and dehydrates the body. Mix four spoons of lemon juice to a glass of water and add a pinch of salt to it. This helps flushing unwanted or harmful toxins from the body. Also, it stimulates sweating.

Sugarcane juice: It supplies essential proteins to your body and reduces the temperature. It provides glucose to the body and helps the muscles get back its natural power.

Coconut or barley water: Coconut water hydrates and nourishes the body with essential nutrients. On the other hand, barley, the cereal plant is a good source of vitamins B1, B2, B5, B9, vitamin E and copper. It effectively restores the electrolyte and can be easily prepared at home.

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