Get,

Free Doctor Tips

to manage your symptom

Get your,

FREE Doctor Tips Now!!

4 Cr+ families

benefitted

Enter your Phone Number

+91

|

Enter a valid mobile number

Send OTP

Verify your mobile number

OTP sent to 9988776655

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You’ve successfully subscribed to receive

doctor-approved tips on Whatsapp


Get ready to feel your best.

Hi There,

Download the PharmEasy App now!!

AND AVAIL

AD FREE reading experience
Get 25% OFF on medicines
Banner Image

Register to Avail the Offer

Send OTP

By continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions

Success Banner Image
Verify your mobile number

OTP sent to 9988776655

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Leave your comment here

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

25% OFF on medicines

Collect your coupon before the offer ends!!!

COLLECT

Natural Home Remedies for Malaria

By Dr Siddharth Gupta +2 more

Introduction

Malaria is a serious but common infection that is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is mostly seen in hot and humid climates with the highest number of cases reported in Africa and South Asia. Unlike many other infections caused by viruses or bacteria, malaria is caused by a parasite. When an infected mosquito bites a person, it passes the parasite into the bloodstream. Malaria requires timely medical intervention. If not properly managed, it can lead to serious complications, such as seizures, breathing difficulties, organ failure, and even death1.  

Some herbs and home remedies may help ease malaria symptoms; however, these should not be used as a substitute for proper medical care. It is recommended to talk to a doctor before using any herbal remedies, so you can make well-informed choices for managing malaria. 

You or someone you know may have had malaria at least once in life. Continue reading to learn more about how this illness can be managed.  

What Causes Malaria

Malaria starts when the malarial parasite enters your body, usually through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito bites someone who has malaria, it becomes infected with the parasite. When that mosquito bites another person, it can pass the parasite to them2.  

Other, less common ways malaria can spread include: 

  • From a pregnant woman to her baby before or during delivery2 
  • Through blood transfusion or organ transplant 
  • By sharing of contaminated needles or syringes2  

While home remedies help in recovery, all should consult a doctor. However, prevention of mosquito bites by mosquito nets, mosquito repellent creams and prevention of water stagnation is as important.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Symptoms of Malaria

Symptoms of malaria usually appear about 10 days to a month after a person is infected. If you have malaria, you may experience symptoms like:  

  • Fever and chills3  
  • Sweating3
  • Shivering3  
  • Nausea and vomiting3 
  • Diarrhoea3
  • Headache and backache3 
  • Fatigue 
  • Chest pain 

Depending on the type of malarial parasite causing the infection, symptoms may be mild or severe. In some cases, you may experience worsening symptoms, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and anaemia1.  

Home Remedies for Malaria

Some herbs and home remedies may help ease certain symptoms of malaria and support your recovery. However, these herbs should not be used as a substitute for standard medical treatment. Always consult your doctor before taking any herbal or natural remedies for malaria. 

1. Ginger

ginger

People with malaria often experience symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Several clinical studies4 suggest that ginger may help manage these symptoms. While ginger alone may not be able to manage malaria, it may provide relief from some symptoms when used along with prescribed medicine5

Ginger tea is a commonly used home remedy to help manage certain conditions. To make ginger tea, you can boil some freshly crushed ginger in a glass of water. You may add a little lemon juice or a spoonful of honey for taste. 

2. Turmeric

turmeric

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has shown antimalarial activity in some animal studies6. While turmeric is not a substitute for medical management, it can be used as a supportive remedy under your doctor’s guidance. 

Turmeric can be added to your diet in several ways. You can mix a pinch of turmeric into a glass of warm milk or include it in everyday cooking, such as in dals, curries, or soups.  

3. Cinnamon

cinnamon

Cinnamon is a commonly used kitchen spice with many beneficial properties. Several studies7 suggest that cinnamon may have inhibitory effects against malaria-causing pathogens.  

Cinnamon can be added to your routine in several ways. You can add cinnamon powder to your herbal teas or mix the powder in a glass of warm water. You can also combine it with a pinch of powdered black pepper and honey to enhance the taste. 

Always speak with your doctor before trying cinnamon or other herbs alongside malaria treatment. 

4. Tulsi

holy basil tulsi

Tulsi is a well-known herb traditionally used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is believed support overall health and well-being. Many scientific studies suggest that tulsi may have antimalarial properties and may support the body’s immune response against infective pathogens8

You can make tulsi tea by boiling fresh tulsi leaves in water and straining the liquid into a cup. You can add a few drops of lemon juice or honey for additional taste. 

5. Neem

neem leaves

Neem has traditionally been used for managing malaria for centuries. The compounds found in neem have shown activity against malarial parasites. Neem may be useful in preventing malaria as well, as neem oil seems to be a good mosquito repellent. It is believed that neem may be able to lower fevers, stimulate the immune system, and support faster recovery from malaria9.  

You can drink neem tea or chew fresh neem leaves. To make neem tea, boil a glass of water, add some neem leaves to it, and let it steep for a while. Strain the mixture into a cup and your tea is ready to serve. You can add a dash of honey for flavour. 

6. Guduchi

guduchi

Guduchi is a well-known herb in traditional Indian medicine. Its juice may help boost immunity and help fight off infections. Studies10 suggest that guduchi may have anti-malarial properties and may be able to support better immunity. 

You can make guduchi juice at home by peeling off the skin of fresh guduchi, chopping it into pieces, adding a glass of water, and blending it into a fine consistency. Strain it into a cup and your guduchi juice is ready to drink. 

7. Coconut Water

coconut water

Coconut water has long been consumed for its refreshing taste and hydrating properties. It contains natural electrolytes that may help support fluid balance in the body. Some animal studies11 also suggest that it may have antimalarial properties. 

You can drink coconut water to prevent the dehydration induced by vomiting during malaria. 

8. Krishna Musali

krishna musali

Krishna musali, also known as golden eye grass, is a medicinal herb with many beneficial properties. The dried rhizome of this plant is believed to support immune functions. Krishna musali powder, consumed with a glass of milk, may help in faster recovery. Though some studies12 suggest that Krishna musali and certain other herbal remedies may have some benefits for individuals recovering from malaria, current evidence is limited. There is a need for large-scale human studies to establish the true extent of their benefits in individuals with malaria. Therefore, such remedies should be used with caution and never as a replacement for medical treatment.  

When to Seek Medical Help?

It is important to speak to a doctor as soon as you notice any symptoms that may be linked to malaria. Getting a timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can support quicker recovery1.  

Home remedies may offer some relief from mild symptoms, but they must not be used as a substitute for medical care. If symptoms do not improve or become worse, you should consult a qualified doctor without delay for proper evaluation and guidance.  

Conclusion

Malaria is a common but potentially serious illness that requires timely medical care to reduce the risk of complications such as brain damage or, in severe cases, death. Some natural herbs and spices available in your kitchen, such as turmeric, cinnamon, tulsi, neem, and ginger, have been traditionally used to help ease certain symptoms. While these may offer some relief, they should never be used as a replacement for proper medical treatment. 

If you suspect you have malaria, it is important to consult a qualified doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Always speak to your doctor before trying any home remedies, especially during an active infection.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the home remedies for malaria?  

Some commonly used herbs such as tulsi, neem, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, guduchi, and Krishna musali may help ease certain symptoms of malaria. However, these should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment. Always speak to a qualified doctor before using any home remedies.  

Can I treat malaria at home?  

While some home remedies may offer comfort or support recovery, malaria requires proper medical treatment. You must consult a doctor for accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Relying only on home remedies can delay recovery and may lead to complications1

Can malaria cause death?  

Yes, if left untreated or not managed properly, malaria can lead to serious complications such as brain damage, organ failure, or even death. Seeking prompt medical attention when symptoms appear is essential. 

Can I use neem for malaria treatment? 

Neem is traditionally believed to have properties that may help reduce fever and support immune health. Some early studies suggest it might help manage certain symptoms. However, neem should never be used without medical advice, especially during an active infection. Always consult a doctor before using any herbs for malaria. 

References

  1. Buck E, Finnigan NA. Malaria [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan– [updated 2023 Jul 31; cited 2025 Jul 1]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551711/ 
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Causes of malaria [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): CDC; [updated 2023 Jun 28; cited 2025 Jul 1]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/causes/index.html 
  3. Bartoloni A, Zammarchi L. Clinical aspects of uncomplicated and severe malaria. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis. 2012;4(1):e2012026. doi: 10.4084/MJHID.2012.026. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3375727/  
  4. Ernst E, Pittler MH. Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Br J Anaesth [Internet]. 2000 Mar [cited 2025 Jul 1];84(3):367–71. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10793599/
  5. Youkparigha F, Izah SC. Larvicidal efficacy of aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) against malaria vector Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) [Internet]. 2019 Jan [cited 2025 Jul 1];. Available from: https://bioaccent.org/envionment/Article/envionment-and-agricultural-science18.pdf  
  6. Nandakumar DN, Nagaraj VA, Vathsala PG, Rangarajan P, Padmanaban G. Curcumin-Artemisinin combination therapy for malaria. Antimicrob Agents Chemother [Internet]. 2006 May [cited 2025 Jul 1];50(5):1859–60. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1472230/ 
  7. Parvazi S, Sadeghi S, Azadi M, Mohammadi M, Arjmand M, Vahabi F, et al. The effect of aqueous extract of cinnamon on the metabolome of Plasmodium falciparum using 1H NMR spectroscopy. J Trop Med [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2025 Jul 1];2016:1–7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4745969/ 
  8. Cohen MM. Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. J Ayurveda Integr Med [Internet]. 2014 Oct 1 [cited 2025 Jul 1];5(4):251–9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/ 
  9. The neem tree, a wonder tool against malaria [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jul 1]. Available from: https://www.fawco.org/global-issues/environment/environment-articles/289-the-neem-tree-a-wonder-tool-against-malaria
  10. Upadhyay AK, Kumar K, Kumar A, Mishra HS. Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook. f. and Thoms. (Guduchi) – validation of the Ayurvedic pharmacology through experimental and clinical studies. Int J Ayurveda Res. 2010 Apr;1(2):112-21. doi: 10.4103/0974-7788.64405. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2924974/ 
  11. Onyeyilim EL, Ezema BE, Alumona TN. Determination of antioxidant capacity and antimalarial activities of unripe coconut water in blood serum. [Internet]. Feb 2018 [cited 2025 Jul 1]. Available from: http://www.cjpas.net/uploads/pdfs/12/1/4.%20Onyeyilim%204409-4414.pdf  
  12. Singh H, Dhole PA, Krishna G, Saravanan R, Baske PK. Ethnomedicinal plants used in malaria in tribal areas of Odisha, India. Indian J Nat Prod Resour [Internet]. 2018 Jun [cited 2025 Jul 1];9(2):160–7. Available from: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/229213957.pdf 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof. 

Likes 28
Dislikes 1

Comments

Leave your comment...