Chikungunya Symptom Relief: Top Home Remedies for Fever and Joint Pain

Managing fever induced by chikungunya is crucial, as high temperatures can lead to serious complications if not managed promptly and adequately.  In our first blog post, we discussed basic treatment approaches to help manage fever.

In this section, we'll detail more advanced, natural, and effective methods to manage fever and other challenging symptoms of chikungunya. Incorporating these strategies into your routine care may support your body's recovery and minimize discomfort.

Chikungunya Fever Relief

Here are some Chikungunya Fever Relief you can try.

1. Herbal Cold Compress:

• Cold compresses can be enhanced by adding herbs to the water.
• Neem leaves or Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves can be added to boiling water, then cooled and applied as a compress.
• These herbs have anti-inflammatory properties that provide relief.

2. Giloy:

• Giloy is commonly used in herbal remedies for fever due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antipyretic properties.
• It can be used in capsule form, as Giloy Satwa powder, or as juice.
• For children above 5 years, the recommended dosage is no more than 250 mg per day, while adults can take up to 3 grams daily.

3. Grapes with Cow's Milk:

• Combining seedless grapes with cow's milk can help reduce fever and alleviate joint pain caused by chikungunya infection.

Home Remedies to Increase Platelet Count

• Certain home remedies can help increase platelet count.
• One effective remedy is consuming two tablespoons of papaya leaf juice every two hours.
• This can significantly increase platelet count and support chikungunya recovery.
• If fresh papaya leaves are unavailable, papaya tincture from pharmacies is a good substitute.
• Combining papaya leaf juice with Giloy juice is particularly beneficial.

Advanced Strategies for Joint Pain Relief

Joint pain due to chikungunya can be debilitating if left untreated. Here are some advanced measures to alleviate joint pain:

1. Castor Oil Packs:

Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used topically to treat joint pain. To prepare a castor oil pack:

1. Warm a small amount of castor oil.
2. Dip a piece of cloth in the oil and apply it to the affected joint.
3. Cover the cloth with plastic wrap and place a hot water bottle on top to enhance absorption.
4. Leave the pack on for 30 minutes, then remove.

This process can be repeated daily to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

2. Fenugreek Seeds:

• Fenugreek seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint inflammation.
• Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
• In the morning, consume the seeds on an empty stomach. Regular intake can help reduce inflammation and ease joint stiffness.

3. Acetaminophen for Pain Relief:

• Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin until a healthcare provider confirms the diagnosis.
• Acetaminophen can be taken after consulting a healthcare provider to manage pain associated with chikungunya.

Hydration and Rest: Optimizing Recovery

Hydration and rest are crucial for fast recovery. Here are some strategies to optimize these aspects:

1. Herbal Infusions for Hydration:

• Epsom Salt Soak: Epsom salt can ease pain with magnesium sulfate crystals, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation. Soaking in warm water with Epsom salt can be beneficial.
• Turmeric Tea: Contains curcumin, which has high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective in reducing pain caused by chikungunya.
• Ginger Tea: Offers anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It helps combat pain and provides relief.
• Coconut Water: Aids in speedy recovery and reduces symptoms, with positive effects on the liver often targeted by chikungunya virus.
• Tulsi (Basil Leaves): Reduces body temperature and boosts the immune system. Chew basil leaves once or twice a day, or boil in water and drink.

Keeping a good hydration schedule is important. It's better to consume small amounts frequently (every 15-30 minutes) rather than large amounts at once, especially if you have nausea or an upset stomach.

Rest Enhancements:

Efficient rest aids quick recovery:

• Sleep Environment: Create a quiet, comfortable, and dark room for optimal sleep. Using lavender essential oil in a diffuser can help relax and promote better sleep. Elevating the legs on a pillow can reduce swelling in lower joints.
• Relaxation Techniques: Regular meditation and relaxation techniques, such as guided visualization of quiet scenes or body healing, can soothe the mind and reduce stress, promoting better sleep.

Monitoring Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Closely monitor your symptoms to ensure home remedies are effective. Watch for the following signs:

Tracking Fever Progression:

• Keep a log of fever readings, noting the time of day and any associated symptoms.
• If fever fluctuates or spikes unexpectedly, consult a healthcare provider.

Joint Pain Severity:

• If joint pain worsens or spreads to new areas, seek medical advice.
• Persistent joint swelling, redness, or warmth could indicate secondary infections or complications requiring medical intervention.

Hydration and Urination:

• Monitor the frequency and color of urination as indicators of hydration status.
• Dark yellow urine or infrequent urination may suggest dehydration.
• If you experience symptoms of dehydration (e.g., dizziness or confusion), seek medical attention.

Mosquito Control: Prevention Measures

In our previous blog post, we discussed various mosquito control methods. Here are some advanced methods to avoid further chikungunya exposure:

`1. Natural Repellents:

• Neem oil mixed with coconut oil is an effective natural repellent.
• Indoors, use citronella candles or essential oil diffusers to keep mosquitoes at bay.

2. Indoor Protection:

• Use mosquito nets over beds and even over doors and windows to prevent mosquito entry.
• Installing fine mesh screens on windows and doors adds an extra layer of protection.

3. Environmental Management:

• Regularly check for mosquito breeding spots around your house.
• Drain standing water and apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI), a natural bacterium that targets mosquito larvae, to water that cannot be drained. Introducing fish like guppies into ponds and water tanks can also help control mosquito larvae.

5 Steps Guide for Chikungunya Prevention

Here are 5 Steps Guide for Chikungunya Prevention During This Monsoon.

Conclusion

In this continuation of our series on managing chikungunya, we have covered home remedies and advanced strategies for alleviating joint pain, optimizing hydration and rest, and implementing mosquito control measures.

 

By incorporating these measures, chikungunya symptoms can be managed effectively and recovery can be accelerated. While these home remedies can be very effective, always monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention when necessary.

 

Check 5 Steps Guide on Chikungunya Prevention Strategies for better recovery and better disease management to your health.

References:

1. Cleveland Clinic - Chikungunya
2. Odomos - Chikungunya Home Remedies
3. Credihealth - Chikungunya Home Remedies