NATURAL REMEDY FOR ZIKA FEVER

What is Zika?

Zika virus is a member of virus family Flaviviride and genus Flavivirus. It is transmitted by mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus which are active in the day time. These are the same type of mosquitoes which transmit diseases like dengue, yellow fever and Japanese Encephalitis. The disease caused by Zika virus is known as Zika fever. It can be transmitted from the infected pregnant woman to her fetus.

History of Zika

In 1950s, it was spread from Africa to other countries. Recently in 2016, Zika virus was spread over Latin America and the Caribbean islands, causing birth defects mainly microcephaly which causes abnormal head sizes in the new born babies of infected mothers. Now, cases of Zika virus are reported in states like Rajasthan.

Adverse effects

The virus has been linked to thousands of birth defects like microcephaly, wherein the babies are born with smaller heads and brains, other problems like  seizures, vision problems, hearing loss, intellectual disability, developmental delay and problems with movement and balance. These problems can range from mild to severe and are often lifelong which can even be fatal in some cases. Anyone who is living in or traveling to an area where affected by Zika virus, who are not already been infected are at risk of infection. A person bit by an infected mosquito takes about 2 - 7 days to show symptoms.

Symptoms

• Mild fever
• Skin rash
• Conjunctivitis
• Muscle and joint pain
• Weakness
• Fatigue

These symptoms are usually mild and is often confused with the symptoms of common flu and can be confirmed only by a blood test.

Natural Remedy for Zika fever 

• Papaya leaf juice: Boosts immune system and increases blood platelet count.
• Turmeric: Boosts immunity system because of its antioxidant property and is a powerful antimicrobial agent.
• Basil (Tulsi): Antiviral property prevents free radical from entering the body.
• Vishnugrandhi: Cures all types of fever.
• Ginger, Garlic, Pepper, Long pepper: Boosts immune system and has antimicrobial property.
• Nilavembu: Cures all types of viral infection and fevers.

    

Preparation of decoction

• Take a handful of basil leaves (tulsi), vishnugrandhi powder, nilavembu powder, an inch of ginger, 4 cloves of garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, pepper and long pepper.
• Mix all the above ingredients, add 5 glasses of water to it and allow it to boil to half its volume.
• Strain the remaining mixture and take the decoction seperately.
• While consuming, 50 mL of this decoction needs to be mixed with 5 mL of honey. This procedure has to continue for 3-5 days, 3 times per day.