Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America.

 

Types of Malaria Parasites

• Plasmodium falciparum (most severe and life-threatening)
• Plasmodium vivax (can cause recurrent infections)
• Plasmodium malariae
• Plasmodium ovale
• Plasmodium knowlesi (zoonotic malaria, rare in humans)

Symptoms of Malaria

Symptoms typically appear 10-15 days after a mosquito bite and include:

1. Initial Symptoms (Uncomplicated Malaria):

• High fever (cyclic pattern in some types)
• Chills and shivering
• Sweating
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea (in some cases)

2. Severe Malaria Symptoms (Complicated Malaria):

• Severe anaemia
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Organ failure (kidneys, lungs, or liver)
• Cerebral malaria (affects the brain, leading to seizures or coma)

Causes and Transmission of Malaria

1. Transmission:

• Plasmodium parasites enter the bloodstream through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
• Rarely, it can spread via blood transfusion, organ transplantation, or congenital transmission.

2. Lifecycle:

• Parasites travel to the liver, mature, and infect red blood cells.
• Parasites reproduce inside red blood cells, causing them to rupture and spread infection.

Ayurvedic Perspective on Malaria

In Ayurveda, malaria can be compared to vishamajwara (intermittent fever) caused by an imbalance in the three doshas:

• Vata: Causes chills and shivering
• Pitta: Causes fever and sweating
• Kapha: Contributes to body aches and fatigue

Panchakarma Therapies

• Virechana (Purgation Therapy): Removes toxins from the body.
• Swedana (Herbal Steam Therapy): Reduces chills and fever.

Internal medicine

• Tribhuvan Kirti Rasa: Commonly used for fever with chills.
• Sudarshana Churna: A polyherbal formulation for fever and immune support.

Herbal Remedies

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia):

Boosts immunity and reduces fever

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata):

Antipyretic and hepatoprotective properties.

Neem (Azadirachta indica):

Antimalarial and blood-purifying properties.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):

Improves stamina and reduces post-infection fatigue.

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna):

Helps with anemia and cardiac health.

Diet

• Light, easily digestible foods such as soups, rice gruel, and fruits.
• Avoid oily, spicy, or heavy foods that aggravate doshas.

Lifestyle

• Rest during the acute phase of fever.
• Avoid cold environments and heavy physical activity.