Ayurveda for fever is a medical condition characterized by an elevation of body temperature above the normal range of 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F) due to an increase in the body’s core temperature. It is often a sign of an underlying infection, inflammation, or other medical condition. The body’s natural response to infection or inflammation is to produce cytokines, which signal the hypothalamus in the brain to raise the body’s temperature set-point, leading to a fever. Common symptoms of fever include sweating, chills, body aches, headache, and fatigue.
Types Of Jwara
- Vata Jwara: This type of fever is characterized by symptoms like dryness of the mouth, thirst, body aches, and constipation. It is believed to be caused by an imbalance of the Vata dosha.
- Pitta Jwara: This type of fever is characterized by symptoms like burning sensations, sweating, nausea, and diarrhea. It is believed to be caused by an imbalance of the Pitta dosha.
- Kapha Jwara: This type of fever is characterized by symptoms like a feeling of heaviness in the body, cough, and congestion. It is believed to be caused by an imbalance of the Kapha dosha.
Basic Remedies For Fever
In Ayurveda, fever is known as “Jwara” and is believed to be caused by an imbalance of the three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) in the body. According to Ayurveda for fever, there are different types of fever, each with its unique characteristics and treatment approaches. Here are some general Ayurvedic principles and remedies for fever:
- Diet: Ayurveda recommends a light and easy-to-digest diet during fever. Warm, cooked, and easily digestible foods like soups, broths, and steamed vegetables are recommended. Avoid cold, heavy, and oily foods.
- Herbal remedies: Ayurveda for fever offers various herbal remedies for treating fever. Some common herbs used in Ayurvedic fever treatments include ginger, turmeric, holy basil, neem, and giloy. These herbs are known for their anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and immune-boosting properties.
- Lifestyle changes: It is essential to rest and avoid overexertion during a fever. Ayurveda also recommends staying warm and avoiding exposure to cold drafts or winds.
- Panchakarma: In severe cases of jwara, Ayurveda for fever recommends Panchakarma, which is a set of therapeutic procedures designed to detoxify and rejuvenate the body. Panchakarma includes procedures like Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), and Basti (medicated enema).
Vata Jwara Remedies
Vata Jwara is a type of fever in Ayurveda that is caused by an imbalance of the Vata dosha in the body. Vata is one of the three doshas, and it is associated with the elements of air and space. Vata Jwara is characterized by symptoms such as dryness of the mouth, thirst, body aches, constipation, and insomnia.
Ayurvedic treatment for Vata Jwara involves balancing the Vata dosha in the body. This may include:
- Herbs: Ayurveda for fever recommends using herbs such as ginger, cinnamon, fennel, and cumin, which can help to balance the Vata dosha and reduce fever symptoms.
- Diet: Ayurveda recommends a light and easily digestible diet during fever. Foods that are warm, cooked, and moist are recommended to balance the dryness caused by Vata. Foods like soups, broths, and steamed vegetables are ideal for Vata Jwara. Avoid cold, heavy, and dry foods.
- Lifestyle changes: It is essential to rest and avoid overexertion during a fever. Ayurveda for fever also recommends staying warm and avoiding exposure to cold drafts or winds. Regular massage with warm herbal oils can also help to calm the Vata dosha.
Pitta Jwara Remedies
Pitta Jwara is a type of fever in Ayurveda that is caused by an imbalance of the Pitta dosha in the body. Pitta is one of the three doshas, and it is associated with the elements of fire and water. Pitta Jwara is characterized by symptoms such as burning sensations, sweating, thirst, nausea, and diarrhea.
Ayurvedic treatment for Pitta Jwara involves balancing the Pitta dosha in the body. This may include:
- Herbs: Ayurveda for fever recommends using cooling herbs such as coriander, fennel, and mint to balance the Pitta dosha and reduce fever symptoms.
- Diet: Ayurveda recommends a light and cooling diet during fever. Foods that are sweet, bitter, and astringent in taste are recommended to balance the heat caused by Pitta. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are ideal for Pitta Jwara. Avoid spicy, oily, and sour foods.
- Lifestyle changes: It is essential to rest and avoid overexertion during fever. Ayurveda also recommends staying cool and avoiding exposure to hot and humid environments. Regularly applying sandalwood paste or cooling oils can also help calm the Pitta dosha.
Suggestions to Control Kapha Jwara
Ayurveda recommends several approaches to balance the Kapha dosha in the body, which include the following:
- Diet: The Ayurvedic for fever suggests diet for balancing Kapha dosha should consist of warm, light, and dry foods. Kapha individuals should avoid heavy, oily, and cold foods. Spices like ginger, black pepper, and turmeric are recommended to boost digestion and metabolism. Kapha individuals should also consume more fruits and vegetables, especially those that are astringent and bitter in taste.
- Exercise: Regular exercise is essential for balancing the Kapha dosha. It helps to boost metabolism and circulation and also aids in eliminating excess Kapha from the body. Vigorous and stimulating forms of exercise like running, aerobics, or high-intensity interval training are beneficial for Kapha individuals.
- Herbal remedies: Ayurvedic herbs like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric can help to balance the Kapha dosha as per Ayurveda for fever recommendations. Other herbs like trikatu (a combination of black pepper, long pepper, and ginger), triphala (a variety of three fruits), and guggulu (a resin) can help to reduce excess Kapha and promote detoxification.
- Lifestyle changes: Kapha individuals should maintain a regular sleep schedule and aim to get enough sleep each night. They should also avoid daytime naps as it can increase Kapha in the body. Exposure to sunlight and fresh air is also essential for balancing Kapha dosha.
Tips To Balance Tridosha In Fever
Ayurveda for fever offers several home remedies for jwara roga, which include:
- Tulsi (Holy Basil) tea: Tulsi is a potent herb that has been traditionally used in Ayurveda for fever. Boil 3-4 leaves of Tulsi in a cup of water for 5 minutes, strain, and drink this tea 2-3 times a day. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties that help to reduce fever symptoms.
- Ginger tea: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and has a warming effect on the body. Boil a few slices of ginger in a cup of water, strain, and drink this tea 2-3 times a day to help reduce fever symptoms.
- Turmeric milk: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to boost the immune system. Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a cup of warm milk, and drink it before bedtime to reduce fever symptoms.
- Honey: Honey is a natural antibacterial and helps to boost immunity. Mix a teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water or herbal tea and drink it 2-3 times a day to reduce fever symptoms.
- Coconut water: Coconut water is rich in electrolytes and helps to keep the body hydrated. It is also a natural coolant that can help to reduce fever symptoms as per Ayurveda for fever.
- Garlic: Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties and is a natural immune booster. Boil 2-3 cloves of garlic in a cup of water for 5 minutes, strain, and drink the tea 2-3 times a day to reduce fever symptoms.