Malaria means bad air. Malaria is derived from this Italian word. It is also known as marsh fever, jungle fever and periodic fever. Malaria has a tendency to attack you again and again.

Malaria is a part of the ancient heritage of man’s sickness. The guesswork that Malaria is caused by mosquito bites, was confirmed in the year 1898. Anopheles, a type of mosquito is responsible for getting you this fever. It is a universal disease found in all parts of the world. In tropical climates it is more prevalent.

The malaria mosquito is female. The male mosquito doesn’t contribute to your malaria. The parasites by the mosquito bite are transmitted into the blood stream and from there they enter the liver. Here they mature and multiply, and then they reach the blood stream.

The preventive aspect of Malaria is more important. Killing the mosquitoes by insecticides is one thing. Removing the filth that provides the breeding ground for the mosquitoes is the correct approach. Everybody knows that prevention is better than cure. Stagnant pool of water is the breeding ground for mosquitoes. Formerly, spraying of insecticides was considered as the best way to get rid of the mosquitoes. Now, it has been researched that the mosquitoes have developed resistance to the insecticides.

Home Remedies: Cold water should be given to the patient in sufficient quantity. If the temperature is above 40 degree C, cold compresses should be used. They should be lodged on the forehead and replaced at periodical intervals to maintain the cooling effect. The juice of 10 gms of holy basil mixed with 3 gms. pepper powder should be taken when the temperature is high. This treatment would arrest the temperature. Holy basil is an ancient remedy for Malaria fever and in fact for all types of fever. A special tea is also given with boiling leaves of basil and pepper. This infusion needs to be given at least four times a day, during the initial attack of the fever. There are many herbal remedies like Sheetmani Rasa, Godanti Bhasma, Shudha Shatika, Tala Bhasma, etc. which should be taken in consultation with an Ayurvedic medical practitioner.

Another preventive measure is your diet. Solid food should be discontinued during the attack of the fever. Switch over to the liquid diet. Even during the post-recovery stage, fruits and fresh boiled vegetables are recommended. Proper rest is advised during the post-fever stage. When you suspect the attack of malaria, a mild laxative is administered to the patient. The idea is to remove as much impurities from the body as is possible.