Home remedies for dengue: Papaya, goat milk top choices

Zee Media Bureau/Salome Phelamei

Currently, the national capital of Delhi is battling one of its worst dengue outbreak in recent years with the cases nearing to 2000. The dreaded mosquito-borne disease has claimed 16 lives so far in Delhi this year.

Also Read: Dengue breakthrough - Bengaluru-based lab develops botanical pill

Since there is no specific vaccine or drug to prevent dengue, people are looking for alternative or natural home remedies to control the dangerous disease.

Also Read: Signs and symptoms of dengue fever

Of the many options, papaya and goat milk are the ones that have gained top spots when it comes to treating and managing dengue naturally.

Now, touts are selling these items at a soaring prices- goat milk for Rs 2,000/litre and a dry blade of papaya leaf for Rs 500.

Also Read: What dengue can do to your body

Goat milk: While goat milk is believed to help in increasing platelet counts, there is no scientific proof yet to back this evidence.

Papaya leaves: As far as papaya is concerned, recently, a pill made of papaya leaf extract has been found to be effective in treating dengue patients.

Developed by a Bengaluru-based lab, Micro Labs, the pill 'Caripill' is the first drug to be backed by adequate scientific data to increase the platelet count in dengue cases.

Also Read: Useful tips to prevent dengue fever

The leaves of papaya can be crushed and then strained using a cloth to drink the pure juice.

Probably, papaya is the most well-known alternative treatment for dengue.

Also Read: Understanding and caring for dengue fever in kids

Neem leaves: Neem leaves and neem oil are considered as a great purifying agent. It is believed that drinking steeping neem leaves and then drinking the subsequent brew can help subside the fever.

Coriander leaves: Fresh coriander leaves can be taken in the form of tonic to reduce the fever dengue.

Basil leaves: Basil leaves are another great option for dengue treatment. As per traditional belief, drinking boiled tulsi water can help prevent the outbreak of dengue.

Water: Drink as much water as possible to keep the body hydrated and to replace the fluid loss. This will also bring down the body temparature while easing symptom like headaches and muscle cramps.