Chikungunya Recovery: Simple Home Remedies That Work

For relief from chikungunya, take two giloy capsules per day after your meals or a dose of one gram a day is sufficient. Consume this herb continuously for a few weeks. Scientifically called Tinospora cordifolia and commonly known as 'Guduchi', this plant is used in Ayurvedic and herbal medicines to treat fever associated with various diseases. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and immunomodulatory properties relieve the symptoms of Chikungunya. It has antimicrobial properties that can aid in quick relief from the infection.

Giloy should not be given to children below the age of five. For children above five years, a daily dosage of 250 mg is sufficient. For adults, the daily dosage should not exceed 3 grams per day.

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Wash 7-8 fresh papaya leaves and remove the stem from the middle. Crush the leaves and add some water to get a liquid paste. Now strain this mixture and drink two tablespoons of this juice every three hours. Continue consuming this juice for 2-3 days. If the symptoms persist then continue consuming it for another week.

Papaya leaf is equally effective not only in dengue but also in chikungunya. In this fever, the platelets of the body fall rapidly, while papaya leaves increase rapidly. Thus it helps the body to recover from the infection.

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Peel and chop 10-12 garlic cloves. Grind it with water to get a paste. Apply this paste on the affected joints and leave it for a few hours. Follow this remedy twice a day.

Garlic is often used to relieve joint pain. When applied externally it reduces pain and inflammation and also improves circulation.

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Add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of lukewarm milk. Drink a glass of milk in the morning and a glass of milk before bedtime.

Turmeric is one of the most effective home remedies for major diseases. Turmeric is also a popular spice in India. Turmeric contains a strong antioxidant called curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make turmeric an effective home remedy for treating chikungunya symptoms.

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Heat 3 tablespoons of red chilli powder in water on a double boiler for 5-10 minutes. Now add half a cup of beeswax to it and keep stirring continuously until the beeswax melts and blends well. Now remove it from the heat and mix 1 cup of olive oil in this mixture and keep it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. And then apply it on the affected joints. You can store this paste in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks.

Red chilli powder is rich in capsaicin which acts as an effective anti-inflammatory agent. Scientific research has proven that this compound reduces inflammation.

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Crush some ice cubes and wrap the crushed ice in a small towel. Place the towel over the joints for a few minutes. Repeat this several times during the day. Cold compress is the best way to reduce swelling, pain and joint damage. It does this by slowing down the blood flow to the affected area.

(Read more - Joint Pain and Fever)

Lightly warm 2 tablespoons of castor oil and add a pinch of cinnamon powder to it. Mix well and gently massage the affected joints for a few minutes. Repeat the massage with this oil twice or thrice during the day.

The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil are known to reduce pain caused by the Chikungunya virus. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties and it helps in reducing joint pain and is a great boost to castor oil.

Chew a few seedless grapes and drink milk with it. You can repeat this for a day or two.

This remedy gives relief from severe symptoms of Chikungunya like pain and fever. Taking grapes with lukewarm cow's milk kills the Chikungunya virus. The phenolic compounds present in grapes have antioxidant and antiviral properties. Do not use this remedy if you are allergic to dairy and dairy products.

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Boil 10 Tulsi leaves in half a liter of water. And boil it till the water reduces to half. Now strain this decoction and sip it throughout the day. Keep consuming this Tulsi decoction for a few days.

Tulsi leaves are very effective when they are used to treat Chikungunya fever. These leaves reduce fever and boost the body's immunity. Their antimicrobial activity promotes the healing process.

(Read more - Home remedies for typhoid fever)

Drink 3-4 glasses of coconut water during the day for a few days. Coconut water is a good remedy for liver as well as Chikungunya virus. Drinking coconut water is one of the best home remedies as it helps the patients recover faster by cleansing their liver. Its manganese content helps in reducing joint pain as it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

(Read more - How to Relieve Joint Pain Naturally)

Home remedies can be very useful in reducing the symptoms of chikungunya and recovering faster. Taking adequate rest and consuming more fluids helps keep the body hydrated. Tulsi decoction, giloy juice, and papaya leaf extract are helpful in increasing platelets and strengthening the immune system. Turmeric milk is effective in reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Coconut water and vitamin-C rich fruits like orange and amla help in increasing body strength. Along with home remedies, it is also important to consult a doctor.