Fight fever naturally

With viral fevers and infections on the rise, there is a growing trend to seek benefits from traditional healing herbs. Many of these have been found to ease complications and aid recovery. Among these are papaya leaf, giloe and tulsi.

Papaya leaf: Anecdotal evidence suggests that the extract of raw papaya leaf helps to boost platelets, also known as thrombocytes and relieve symptoms. Few recent studies have shown the effect of papaya leaf juice in curing the dengue fever. A recent study done in Malaysia on mice in 2009 also reported significant improvement in thrombocyte count in the group which received papaya leaf formulations compared to the control group. It seems that this bitter green juice is showing benefits without posing any serious ill-effects.

Papaya leaf has also been found to possess powerful anti-malarial and anti-cancer properties. The leaf extract has been used as a prophylactic to prevent malaria in endemic regions. A study by researchers at Purdue University showed that papaya leaf consists of over 50 active ingredients found to kill fungi, worms, parasites, bacteria, and many forms of cancer cells. In addition, papaya leaves also contain important nutrients that support the immune system, including vitamins A, C, and E. Papain is an important enzyme in papaya leaves that breaks down proteins naturally and aids digestion.

For dengue fever it is suggested that the papaya juice is extracted by crushing and sieving fresh leaves of papaya. One leaf of papaya gives about one tablespoon of juice, which is quite bitter in taste. Two tablespoons of papaya leaf juice should be given to dengue patient three times per day after every 6 hours interval.

Giloe also known as Guduchi (plant which protects from diseases, Sanskrit), enjoys the reputation of being one of the most famous medicinal plants used in treatment of large number of human ailments as mentioned in Ayurveda.

Giloe too has been reported to help treat dengue in early stages without any side-effects. It has been reported to increase the platelets in a significant manner and lower the body temperature.

Giloe, known as Rasayana plant in ayurveda, has been reported to enhance general body resistance and promote longevity. It has also been reported to have anti-stress and adaptogenic properties.

Nutritionally, giloe is high in fibre, potassium and chromium, a good source of protein, carbohydrate, iron and calcium. Several bio-active components like alkaloids, flavanoids, tannins and plant steroids have been isolated from different parts of the plant and contribute to its high antioxidant status and curative properties. These components have also been reported to play an important role in blood glucose regulation, anti-diabetic potential, cholesterol-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects. Giloe has also been reported to possess immune-stimulating properties, which can reduce the side-effects of chemotherapy such as immune-suppression.

Tulsi, the “queen of herbs”: As implied by its name “Ocimum Sanctum” in Greek and “the incomparable one” in Sanskrit has been regarded as one of the holiest and most cherished herbs by virtue of its health promoting and healing properties.

Among its innumerable benefits, tulsi reduces stress, enhances endurance, increases oxygen utilisation, boosts the immune system, slows aging, reduces inflammation, prevents gastric ulcers, protects against radiation, lowers fevers, cholesterol and high blood pressure, protects teeth and gums, fights bacterial, viral and fungal infections, improves digestion and provides a rich supply of anti-oxidants and other nutrients. A premier adaptogen, tulsi offers remarkable preventive and curative potential with respect to many stress-related degenerative disorders, such as, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, hepatitis and neurological dementia. The leading active compounds in “holy” Tulsi include eugenol (volatile oil), ursolic acid and rosmarinic acid. Seeds contain essential fatty acids - linoleic acid and linolenic acid. Although, of not much nutritional significance, tulsi does contain vitamins like A and C and minerals calcium, iron, and zinc.

Although, tulsi has a long history of use and safety in traditional medicine, it has also been reported to have mild hypoglycemic (lowering of blood sugar) and blood thinning properties which must be kept in mind by diabetics and heart patients on medication.

As the long-term use of herbal medicines/ preparations has not been well established, these must be administered under professional supervision and guidance. In addition, herbal medicines must not be had by pregnant women, nursing mothers, toddlers and infants. A word of caution for especially for those suffering from auto-immune diseases and taking immune-suppressants, as these may interfere with medications.

Psychosomatic disorders

Which diseases are psychosomatic?

To an extent, most diseases are psychosomatic - involving both mind and body.

• There is a mental aspect to every physical disease. How we react to and cope with disease varies greatly from person to person. For example, the rash of psoriasis may not bother some people very much. However, the rash covering the same parts of the body in someone else may make them feel depressed and more ill.
• There can be physical effects from mental illness. For example, with some mental illnesses you may not eat, or take care of yourself, very well which can cause physical problems.

However, the term psychosomatic disorder is mainly used to mean ... "a physical disease that is thought to be caused, or made worse, by mental factors".

Some physical diseases are thought to be particularly prone to be made worse by mental factors such as stress and anxiety. For example, psoriasis, eczema, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure and heart disease. It is thought that the actual physical part of the illness (the extent of a rash, the level of the blood pressure, etc) can be affected by mental factors. This is difficult to prove. However, many people with these and other physical diseases say that their current mental state can affect how bad their physical disease is at any given time.

Some people also use the term psychosomatic disorder when mental factors cause physical symptoms but where there is no physical disease. For example, a chest pain may be caused by stress and no physical disease can be found. Physical symptoms that are caused by mental factors are discussed further in another leaflet called Somatisation/Somatoform Disorders 

How can the mind affect physical diseases?

It is well known that the mind can cause physical symptoms. For example, when we are afraid or anxious we may develop:

• A fast heart rate
• A thumping heart (palpitations)
• Feeling sick (nauseated)
• Shaking (tremor)
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• A knot in the stomach
• Fast breathing

These physical symptoms are due to increased activity of nervous impulses sent from the brain to various parts of the body and to the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) into the bloodstream when we are anxious.

However, the exact way that the mind can cause certain other symptoms is not clear. Also, how the mind can affect actual physical diseases (rashes, blood pressure, etc) is not clear. It may have something to do with nervous impulses going to the body, which we do not fully understand. There is also some evidence that the brain may be able to affect certain cells of the immune system, which is involved in various physical diseases.

What are the treatments for psychosomatic disorders?Each disease has its own treatment options. For physical diseases, physical treatments such as medication or operations are usually the most important. However, healthcare workers will usually try to treat a person as a whole and take into account mental and social factors which may be contributing to a disease. Therefore, treatments to ease stress, anxiety, depression, etc, may help if they are thought to be contributing to your physical disease.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Agni	Fire element, digestive fire.
Agni dipana	Increases digestive fire.
Ahamkara	Sense of separate self or ego. Literally, “I former.”
Alochaka Pitta	Sub-type of pitta which governs visual perception.
Alterative	Blood purifying substances that gradually restores healthy bodily functions.
Ama	Toxic residue of improperly digested food that can become the source of disease.
Ama pachana	Promotes digestion and the destruction of toxins
Amenorrhea	Absence or suppression of menstruation.
Anabolic	Constructive or building phase of metabolism.
Analgesic	A substance that relieves pain.
Anthelmintic	Destroying and dispelling parasites (including bacteria, yeasts and fungus).
Antibacterial	Inhibits or destroys bacteria.
Antibiotic	Inhibits or destroys bacteria and other microorganisms.
Antiemetic	A substance that prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting.
Antifungal	A substance that prevents and inhibits the growth of fungi.
Antipyretic	Dispels heat and reduces fever.
Antispasmodic	Relieves muscle spasms and cramping.
Antiviral	A substance that inhibits viruses.
Anupana	A Substance that serves as a medium of intake for herbs, such as honey, aloe vera juice, etc.
Apana Vayu	Downward moving sub-type of vata, responsible for elimination of waste products, gas, menstruation and child birth.
Aphrodisiac	Substances that stimulate and/or revitalize the reproductive system.
Arishta/Asava	Traditional medicated herbal wines used in Ayurveda.
Aromatic	Herbs containing volatile, essential oils that aid digestion and relieve gas.
Artava	Female reproductive tissue.
Asthi dhatu	Bone tissue.
Astringent	Substances that firm tissues and reduce discharges and secretions.
Avalambaka Kapha	A sub-type of kapha located in the chest region, mainly in the lungs.
Ayurveda	“Science of Life.” The ancient medical system of India.
Basti	Therapeutic enema, one of the five main cleansing measures of Panchakarma.
Bhasma	Incinerated and purified substance such as a mineral, gem, shell, coral, etc., with potent healing properties.
Bhedaniya	Substances that break down accumulated tissues and waste products.
Bhrajaka pitta	A subtype of pitta located in the in the skin and governs complexion.
Bhutagni	Digestive fire located in the liver that governs the metabolism of the five elements.
Bodhaka kapha	A subtype of kapha located in the mouth and tongue and is responsible for taste and digestion.
Buddhi	Intellect (individual form).
Carminative	A substance that relieves gas and promotes digestion and peristalsis.
Catabolic	Destructive phase of metabolism.
Cathartic	Strong laxatives that cause powerful evacuation.
Charaka	Author of the ancient Ayurvedic text CharakaSamhita.
Chikitsa	Therapy or treatment.
Cholagogue	Promotes flow of bile from the gall bladder.
Cystitis	Inflammation of the urinary bladder.
Demulcent	Soothes, protects and nurtures internal membranes.
Dhatu	The seven main bodily tissues.
Dhatu agni	Specialized digestive fires located in the membranes of each of the seven bodily tissues.
Diaphoretic	Induces sweating and increases the release of toxins through the skin.
Diuretic	Promotes kidney and bladder activity and increases urination.
Dosha	Three basic energetic principles, which determine individual constitution.
Drastic	A strong laxative.
Dysmenorrhea	Painful or difficult menstruation.
Dyspnea	Difficulty in breath, often associated with respiratory and cardiac disease.
Edema	Swelling caused by fluid retention in the bodily tissues.
Emetic	A substance that inducing vomiting.
Emmenagogue	A substance that aids in promoting and regulating menstruation.
Emollient	Soothes, softens and protects the skin.
Enteritis	Inflammation of the small intestine.
Expectorant	A substance that encourages the clearing of phlegm from the lungs and throat.
Galactagogue	A substance that promotes the secretion of breast milk.
Gastritis	Inflammation of the stomach.
Ghee	Clarified butter.
Guna	Attributes, modes of nature that influence creation.
Hematemesis	Vomiting blood.
Hemoptysis	Spitting up blood from the lungs.
Hemostaic	A type of astringent that stops bleeding and internal hemorrhaging.
Kapha	One of three basic energetic principles composed of water and earth.
Kledaka kapha	A subtype of kapha located mainly in the stomach, which is associated with gastric and other mucous membrane.
Kundalini	Serpent like spiritual energy that rises from below the base of the spine when awakened.
Laxative	Substances that promote mild bowel movements.
Lechaniya	Scraping or reducing action.
Lithotriptic	A substance that dissolves and dispels gall bladder and urinary stones and gravel.
Mahat	Cosmic mind, cosmic consciousness.
Majja dhatu	Nervous tissue, bone marrow.
Mala	Bodily waste products.
Malabsorption	Abnormality in the absorption of nutrients across the intestinal tract.
Mamsa dhatu	Muscle tissue.
Manas	Recording or conditioned mind.
Mandagni	Slow or sluggish digestive fire.
Mantra	Sacred sounds, sacred syllables.
Meda dhatu	Adipose tissue.
Menorrhagia	Excess menstrual bleeding.
Nasya	Administration of medication through the nose.
Nephritis	Inflammation of the kidney.
Nervine	Substances that improve the function of the nervous system; may be stimulants or sedatives.
Nirama	Without toxins.
Nutritive tonic	Increases weight and strength and nourishes all the bodily tissues.
Ojas	Refined essence of all bodily tissues, which maintains immunity, strength and vitality.
Pachaka pitta	Subtype of pitta located in the stomach region governing digestion.
Pachana	Digestion; that which promotes digestion
Panchakarma	Five cleansing measures for eliminating ama and dosha from the body (emesis, purgation, enema, bloodletting and nasal medications).
Pitta	One of three basic energetic principles composed of fire and water.
Prabhava	The special potency or action of a substance that cannot be explained by the logic of its taste, energy or post digestive effect.
Prakruti	Eternal principle of matter, primordial energy of creation.
Prana	Vital life force, a subtype of vata governing inward movement.
Pranayama	Expansion of vital energy (prana), a term commonly used for yogic breathing practices.
Purgative	A strong laxative that often causes multiple loose bowel movements.
Purusha	The eternal Self, pure consciousness.
Rajas	Active principle.
Rakta dhatu	Blood tissue.
Ranjaka pitta	A subtype of pitta rooted in the liver and spleen and is responsible the color and formation of blood.
Rasa	Taste; plasma.
Rasa dhatu	Plasma, lymph, white blood cells.
Rasayana	Rejuvenation, rejuvenating therapies and substances.
Rejuvenative	Prevents decay, slows the aging process and revitalizes the organs.
Rhinitis	Sinus inflammation.
Rishis	An enlightened seer or sage.
Sadhaka pitta	A subtype of pitta located in the brain and heart responsible for mental and higher mind functions.
Sama	With toxins.
Sama agni	Balanced digestive fire.
Samana vayu	A subtype of vata present in the small intestine and navel region that governs the digestive system.
Samkhya	The System of Indian philosophy, which deals with cosmic evolution.
Sattwic	Purity, clarity, light, essence.
Sedative	A substance that calms or tranquilizes.
Sedative	Calms or tranquilizes.
Shakti	Divine creative energy, cosmic feminine energy.
Shleshaka kapha	A subtype of kapha present in the joints, which provides lubrication and freedom of movement.
Shukra	Sexual fluid.
Spermatorrhea	Abnormal loss of semen without ejaculation.
Srotas	Bodily channels or pathways.
Stimulant	Improves physical and mental function, increases heat and circulation, dispels chills, and strengthens digestion and metabolism.
Stomachic	A substance that strengthens stomach function
Suppuration	Pus formation and discharge.
Tamas	Inertia, darkness, stability.
Tarpaka kapha	A subtype of kapha associated with the white matter of the brain, cerebral spinal fluid and protective membranes in the nervous system.
Tejas	Superfine essence of pitta, flame of intelligence in the body.
Tikshna agni	Sharp digestion, excessive appetite.
Tikta	Bitter taste.
Tinnitis	Ringing in the ear.
Tridoshic	Balance of the three doshas, balancing to all threedoshas.
Udana	A subtype of vata that governs speech, energy, will power and exhalation
Urticaria	A skin condition characterized by itching or hives.
Vajikarana	A substances that enhance sexual energy and function.
Vasodilator	A substance that causes relaxation of the blood vessels.
Vata	One of three basic energetic principles composed of air and space.
Vedas	Ancient scriptures of India.
Vikruti	Disease, deviation from nature, imbalanced state of the doshas.
Vipaka	Post-digestive effect.
Virya	Energy of a substance such as heating and cooling.
Vulnerary	A substance that heals wounds and prevents infection by stimulating cell regeneration.
Vyana vayu	A subtype of vata governing the circulatory system and the movement of the musculoskeletal system.
Yoga	Union with God, the practical science of self or god realization