Home Remedy For Malaria In Nigeria

Before the introduction of drugs in Nigeria, we have always used natural home remedies for malaria infection. Research has shown that most of these remedies are both effective and safe.

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Malaria is caused by a parasite that is transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Five species of malarial parasites infect humans (Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium knowlesi). P. vivax is the most common worldwide; P. falciparum is responsible for the most severe disease.

Home Remedy To Treat Malaria

There are several drugs used in the treatment of malaria. There are also some natural home remedies for malaria.

Concoction

In African folklore medicine, the hot infusion from the boiled green leaves of papaya combined with leaves of Azadirachta indica (Dogonyaro), Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass), Psidium guajava (guava) and stem bark of Alstonia boonei is drunk as one wine glass full three times daily in the treatment of malaria.

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Water extracts of pawpaw and mango leaves have been confirmed to show potencies against malaria parasites and they compare favorably with an established long acting orthodox anti-malarial drug, sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine.

In severe cases, the patient is bent over a steam of the concoction and covered with a thick blanket. This prevents the steam from escaping. They can also bath in it. This is the most effective natural home remedy for malaria.

Bitter leaf can be consumed to treat fever, feverish condition, joint aches, different levels of intestinal complaints, stomach ache, as well as parasite induced disease like malaria.

Some foreign home remedies have been introduced in Nigeria. They are;

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is effective in treating malaria. Add one teaspoon of powdered cinnamon, a teaspoon of honey, a dash of pepper powder and boil the mixture in a bowl/glass of water. It can be taken daily and is considered as a valuable remedy for treating the disease.

Ginger

Studies found that taking ginger could ease nausea and vomiting in some pregnant women. But pregnant women should be careful with ginger. Some experts worry that it could raise the risk of miscarriage, especially in high doses. Ginger seems to help with nausea caused by vertigo as well.

Grapefruit

Yes, grapefruit is considered safe for consumption during pregnancy. It is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich fruit that is relatively high.

Read Also: Natural remedy for malaria in pregnancy

Grapefruit is one of the most effective home remedies in treating malaria. Grapefruit contains a natural quinine-like substance, which can be extracted by boiling a quarter of it and straining its pulp. It is beneficial for curing malaria and can be taken everyday.

Holy Basil

Holy basil leaves, which are a beneficial remedy for treating malaria, can be consumed raw or you can also make a decoction of them and drink it.

Women who are pregnant should avoid holy basil, since it might cause the uterus to contract.

Others are;

Apple Vinegar– Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water, soaked in a towel and kept on calves for 10-12 minutes.

Herbal Tea and Milk– Have 2 cups of herbal tea or turmeric milk every day.

Turmeric also helps in killing malaria parasites. Anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing muscle and joint pain, which are common in malaria. Drink a glass of turmeric milk every night to deal with malaria.