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.
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:
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 usually appear about 10 days to a month after a person is infected. If you have malaria, you may experience symptoms like:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Also Read: Effective Home Remedies for Period Pain
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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1Malaria is a protozoan disease caused by Plasmodium species and is transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito1. It is common during the monsoon season due to a rise in mosquito breeding. The disease can lead to systemic symptoms and metabolic stress, which can suppress immunity and increase nutritional needs.
Malaria typically presents with symptoms such as cyclical fever with chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and fatigue1. The Anopheles mosquito transmits the Plasmodium parasite through its bite, introducing the parasite into the bloodstream of a healthy individual. To treat malaria, there is no specific diet, but one needs to ensure good supportive nutritional care to help the body fight the disease. A diet for malaria should focus on boosting the immune system without causing harm to other organs like the kidney, liver or digestive system. In this blog, we will discuss what you should eat and what to avoid during malaria, to help manage symptoms better and reduce risk of complications.
When the patient has malaria, the body’s metabolic rate increases due to fever. This means that the body’s nutritional requirements increase and also the need to intake calories.
A high-carbohydrate diet can be good. Grains are a rich source but prefer rice over wheat and millets. Rice can be digested easily and can release energy faster. Fresh fruits and vegetables can also be great for malaria patients. According to studies3, vitamin A2 and vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables like beetroot, carrot, papaya, sweet lime, grapes, berries, lemon, orange, along with zinc, can help to boost the immunity, lower some symptoms and reduce risk of complications in patients suffering from malaria.
When you have malaria, you need to incorporate more phytonutrients into your diet that help to tackle antioxidative stress caused by an infection4. Nuts and seeds provide essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein. These nutrients help reduce oxidative stress and support healing. Choose unsalted, plain varieties and avoid commercially processed snacks.
I would like to share a helpful tip for dealing with malaria. Red palm oil contains antioxidants that might protect your body’s cells. It may reduce tissue damage and manage oxidative stress caused by malaria and other factors8. Always remember to consume it in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional for comprehensive malaria management.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Adequate hydration is essential to compensate for fluid loss due to vomiting and dehydration5. Oral rehydration solutions, fresh fruit juices, coconut water, and soups can be included. All water consumed should be boiled or filtered. Herbal remedies like ajwain water may help with bloating6, but should be used cautiously and not replace medical treatment.
While drinking water, make sure it is boiled or sterilized. Doctors usually recommend a daily fluid intake of at least 3 to 3.5 litres, if not more. Fluids will help in washing out the toxins from the body via urine and stools and help you get well sooner.
Protein is essential for tissue repair and immune function. Include well-cooked pulses, eggs, chicken, and dairy in your diet. If gastrointestinal symptoms are present, start with soups and broths. Some traditional foods like curd, lassi, and buttermilk is highly beneficial, but your doctor can guide you best on this.
Limit fried or greasy foods, as they can worsen nausea or diarrhoea. Small amounts of healthy fats such as omega-3s from flaxseed, fish or walnuts are beneficial. They work well in reducing inflammation in the body7. Avoid trans fats and excessive dairy cream.
According to my knowledge, the seeds of the fever nut plant might be a helpful remedy for malaria10. They possess special properties that may help fight against the malaria-causing parasites. Additionally, these seeds also have anti-inflammatory effects!
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Also Read: Excellent Health Benefits Of Sugarcane Juice
Avoid very high-fiber foods like green leafy vegetables, fruits with thick skin, and whole grain cereals, which may cause bloating or are hard to digest during acute illness. Refrain from high-fat, fried, or processed foods (e.g., chips, pastries, fast food). Also, refrain from having food that is spicy or acidic, like pickles and sauces. These can cause stomach problems and heartburn. Avoid intake of coffee, tea, cocoa, cola, or any other caffeinated beverages.
It is important to work on vitamin loss by drinking electrolytes5. Eating soups, stews, or drinking fruit juices or dal water, coconut water, etc., is important. Vitamin C and A-rich foods such as papaya, beetroots, and other citrus foods, etc. with vitamin B complex are important for a malaria patient.
I believe that it’s crucial to take precautions against mosquito bites to protect yourself from malaria. Applying mosquito repellent to exposed skin might be very helpful. Additionally, using mosquito nets over beds is highly recommended, especially while sleeping9. By following these simple steps, you may significantly lower your risk of contracting malaria.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Also Read: 18 Best Foods to Ease Your Cough and Cold
Malaria, a parasite infection caused by mosquito bites, can adversely affect your immune system. Following the right diet during malaria can help in dealing with symptoms and avoiding risk of complications. This comprehensive list of foods to eat and avoid can help you meet the body’s unique demands during this infection. But remember, while nutritional care is essential, medical therapy must be followed as recommended by doctor. Moreover, prevention of mosquito bites through repellents, nets, and protective clothing remains the cornerstone of malaria control.
Also Read: Food for Dengue – What To Eat And What To Avoid!
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.
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