Natural Remedies for Viral Fever

One of my best friends Sujata who would always come up with something funny to say and crack me up, sounded very strange when she called me a couple of weeks ago. Her voice was weak, trembling and coarse. I instantly knew the cause of it. I asked her to come over as soon as possible. Her husband drove her to my clinic. When I saw her, she appeared weaker than what I imagined from her voice. She was suffering from viral fever, which is a pretty common in monsoon.

It's very easy to detect viral fever, just check for the following symptoms: sore throat, body pain, cough, and a runny nose. Sometimes, the fever can also lead to diarrhoea and vomiting.  I am sharing our discussion during which I recommended her some natural remedies which worked very well for her. I hope it helps you too.

Dr Nidhi : So Sujata, how are you feeling?

Sujata : First I had a sore throat and I knew I would be suffering from cold so I took few precautions but I soon got a temperature and lost all the strength in my body. What do you think it is?

Dr Nidhi: It's viral fever.

Sujata: Oh dear, is it contagious. I am worried about my kids.

Dr Nidhi: If proper precautions are not taken, it can pass on to your kids.
First of all make sure that the handkerchief that you use for coughing and clearing your nose is properly disinfected. Make sure that no one comes too close to you and your bed sheets and clothes are regularly changed. This will prevent the germs from affecting any of your family members. For the germs inside you here are some natural remedies.

1. Tulsi Leaves

Their anti-bacterial and antibiotic properties make Tulsi leaves an effective solution for viral fever. Boil some tulsi leaves in clean water, add half a spoon of clove powder and let the solution boil till the water shrinks to half. Drinking this mix at regular intervals can help you to fight off the infection faster.

2. Coriander Tea

It definitely sounds soothing to drink tea when you’re down with cold and fever. If you can make tea with coriander seeds, you’ll be surprised at how effectively it can boost your immune system too. Coriander seeds contain vitamins, antibiotic compounds and potent volatile oils, which help in reducing the symptoms of your viral infection. You can add one tablespoon of coriander seeds to one glass of water, boil it and allow it to cool. Strain the water and add sugar for a healthy and curing tea.

3. Fenugreek Water

Commonly available ingredients in the kitchen, Methi seeds are a reservoir of medicinal compounds that have the capabilities to treat viral fever and other infections. If you want to opt for holistic health care, fenugreek seeds are a great solution for a healthy body. Soak one tablespoon of seeds in half a cup of water overnight. In the morning, strain the solution and drink the water at regular intervals. You can also add some lemon or honey to the water for added benefits.

4. Ginger and Honey 

If you want some instant relief from the symptoms of viral fever, ginger is a magic ingredient due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Consume dry ginger along with some honey and you’ll feel much better in no time. You can also make tea with ginger and honey to feel better.

5. Neem

Neem has been used for holistic health care in traditional medicine and has countless benefits. Though all parts of the Neem tree are useful for holistic health treatments, the bark is considered most effective to treat viral fever.

Sujata: Thank you doctor. I was so worried about this disease. People say strange things about high power medicines and drowsy cough syrups but your remedies are so easy to make and administer.

Dr Nidhi: That's the beauty of integrated healthcare in Pune; it gives you relief without the risk of any side-effects. These natural remedies offer instant relief and keep your body feeling better and healthy for the long term. They also help in enhancing our immune system so that we are less prone to catch these infections in the future.
Sujata recovered rapidly during the next week. Thanks to her loving and caring family who followed all the instructions and kept her warm. This is how with simple home based remedies you can cure something as serious as viral fever.
I hope this information was useful to all of you.
Happy Healing

Word of Caution - Usage of home remedies is not generalized! Please consult a doctor or nutritionist for consuming any of the above.

All You Wanted to Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome

At the prime of his life when he was ready to take the challenges of life head on and make a difference, Abhimanya was being pulled back by his disease. He was suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS). It had already been 3 years since it was first diagnosed and the situation was getting worst by the day. The frequency of stools was 5-7 times a day, he had flatulence and heaviness of abdomen and was  losing weight every month. Sometimes he would even see blood present in his stools.

He came to know about the fascinating benefits of holistic health treatments and contacted my holistic health care center. I have shared our conversation in the lieu of throwing light on this syndrome and it’s remedies.

Dr Nidhi: I see in your reports that you have under gone a colonoscopy and endoscopy just a couple of month ago.

Abhimanyu: I was in excruciating pain, so the doctor suggested the test.

Dr Nidhi: But the results came normal, that’s bewildering.

Abhimanyu: Yes, it is. My symptoms stayed the same. Everyone almost thought that it was a self induced problem. That it was all in my mind.

Dr Nidhi: Tell me about your eating habits, what do you like to eat and often end up eating?

Abhimanyu: Well I usually eat up eating what I like. So it’s mostly spicy non vegetarian food and sweets.

Dr Nidhi: Ok, and how’s your work environment?

Abhimanyu: The work is mostly hectic, it’s one of the main reasons behind my unhealthy food habits.

Dr Nidhi: So, I guess  we have successfully found out the cause of your problem the solution to which is also simple. Don’t worry I won’t be suggesting you to leave your job, abandoned your social ties and live a life of a hermit in a jungle.
But there are some small lifestyle changes that can help you immensely. Things like yoga, meditation also a healthy diet and a regular sleeping pattern.

Abhimanyu: I guess it’s about time I start doing it. I will start it as soon as possible.

Dr Nidhi: Soon is good Abhimanyu. But now is great. I will give you some home remedies that will get you started right now, you can pick up the ingredient on your way back home.

1. Have one banana with yogurt every morning. The low fructose content of banana and probiotic action of yogurt it relieves the symptom of IBS.

2. Have pinch of grated ginger before meals. It has anti inflammatory properties so it helps in healing the gut .

3. Rice with ghee is another soothing agent for stomach so have it daily in lunch.

4. Keep sipping on water  with coriander leaves and peppermint leaves as it works like coolant for stomach acids.

5. Have one spoon fennel seeds with raw coconut post meals as fennel is one of the best digestive aids for ages.

6. Have turmeric in plain water at bedtime as it helps in reducing the inflammation of gut.

7. Eat frequent small meals and on specific time everyday.

8. You can also join laughter club, dance or Zumba classes to pepp up your spirits to reduce stress which is the main cause of IBS .

Abhimanyu: Wow, I did not know there were so many things that I could do to improve my condition.  This is why integrated health care is so amazing. I thought I would have to go on an abject diet and give up everything that I like and become a gym freak but your remedies sounds more like a healthy vacation.

Dr Nidhi: (laughs) Well that’s a great way to look at it. We have always tried to make our patients more confident about change and you seem to have embraced it quite confidently.

Abhimanyu: Thank you doctor.

In the following months Abhimanyu followed the above remedies and shifted to a healthier lifestyle. His bowel syndrome ceased to exist and since then he had no irritation but a smile on his face. I thought of sharing his experience since this syndrome is quite common in our society due to the unhealthy lifestyle that we embrace. I hope this information was useful to you.

Word of Caution - Usage of home remedies is not generalized! Please consult a doctor or nutritionist for consuming any of the above.