Chikungunya is a painful viral condition inflicted by two species of mosquitoes, namely the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. It is characterized by fever that lasts for 3 to 5 days and severe joint pain that last for months. While doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen to ease the pain and fever, research is yet to unveil drugs that offer comprehensive cure for the condition. Here are some natural ways you could try to ease the pain and pace up recovery from Chikungunya.
1. Give Your Joints a Good Massage!
You can ease the pain and improve the movement of your joints by massaging the area. Use the fingertips to massage the joints. Heat a little sesame seed oil or castor oil and add about 10 camphor flakes to the same. On low temperature, heat the mixture until camphor dissolves completely. Allow the mixture to turn warm and use it to massage the affected area. You can repeat the process twice a day, followed up hot water compress to improve circulation and promote healing.
[ Read: How To Make Natural Mosquito Repellents At Home ]
2. Papaya Leaf
There is a drastic dip in the platelet count in people who are under the attack of this viral condition. According to various studies, people who consume the extract of papaya leaves showcase an improvement in the platelet count within 3 hours. Remove the stems and veins of 2 papaya leaves and cleanse thoroughly under running water. Make the leaves into a thick paste by grinding it with very little water. Strain the extract and drink the juice. Repeat this for two to three days to see noticeable changes.
[ Read: How To Treat and Respond to a Mosquito Bite on a Toddler ]
3. Turmeric
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits of this golden yellow Indian spice makes it one of the best natural remedies for Chikungunya. Add 1 tsp of turmeric powder to 1 glass of cow’s milk and heat the mixture. Drink this concoction twice a day to eradicate the free radicals and destroy the infection causing germs. You could also apply turmeric by preparing a poultice. Crush basil leaves, garlic, and ginger. Mix 1 tbsp turmeric powder to this. Heat the mixture. Heat about 2 tbsp each of sesame seed oil and clove oil. Make a poultice by wrapping basil, garlic, ginger, and turmeric powder. Dip this in the hot oil and apply atop affected area to ward off the pain and inflammation.
[ Read: How To Get Rid of Mosquito Bites ]
4. Epsom Salt And Neem Bath
Epsom salt has pain healing properties; neem is a natural disinfectant. When both come together, the results are wonderful. Add a cup full of Epsom salt to a bathtub filled with hot water. Add a couple of drops of neem oil or a handful of freshly crushed neem leaves to the tub. Soak in the tub while water is still hot for about half an hour, adjusting the temperature.
5. Raisins
Raisins in a wooden spoon
According to Ayurveda, raisins are known to be beneficial in treating this viral condition. Clean raisins and soak them in water for about 30 minutes. Consume the soaked raisins with cow’s milk to improve your immunity, ease the pain, and recover faster.
[ Read: How To Cure Mosquito Bites In Babies ]
6. Carrots
Being rich in a wide array of antioxidants, carrots are beneficial in eliminating the free radicals that otherwise cause the pain in the joints. The beta-carotene and vitamins present in these orange-skinned root vegetable improves the immunity level. It also helps in developing resistance, thereby preventing further complications.
[ Read: How To Get Rid of Dengue Fever With Home Remedies ]
7. Try Some Gentle Yoga Stretches
Stretching the joints and muscles improves circulation, thereby easing inflammation and eliminating pain. Balasana, Uttanasana with a chair, Adho Mukha Svanasana, Seated Forward Bends, Gomukhasana hands, Tadasana, Parvatasana, etc are a few of the stretches you could try.
Have you ever battled Chikungunya? How did you recover? Share your views with us!