15 Home Remedies To Treat Dengue Fever

Those pesky tiny mosquitoes can surely cause so many problems for your body. One bite can get you bedridden with fever, skin rashes, joint pain, and fatigue. Even though medications are the best way to treat dengue, trying a few home remedies for dengue fever can get the fever under control. In this article, we take a deeper look at what dengue fever is, its causes and symptoms, and a few home remedies you can try. Scroll down to know more.

What Is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is the result of a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is also referred to as dandy fever and breakbone fever. Its causes are discussed below.

What Causes Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is mainly caused by viral infections transmitted by mosquitoes belonging to the Aedes family.

The most common culprit is the Aedes aegypti mosquito. When a mosquito bites an infected individual, the dengue virus enters that mosquito. This mosquito then transfers the virus to the next person it bites, and the cycle continues.

There are four types of dengue viruses (DENV) that cause dengue. If you are infected by one of these viruses, your body becomes immune to that particular mosquito. But in such scenarios, your chance of becoming infected by the other three types of dengue viruses and developing dengue hemorrhagic fever increases.

Dengue fever can give rise to various symptoms. Some of the most common ones are listed below.

What Are The Symptoms Of Dengue Fever?

The symptoms that surface with the onset of dengue fever are:

• High body temperature (Fever)
• Headaches
• Vomiting and nausea
• Pain behind the eyes
• Rash
• Swollen glands

Dengue can also have more severe symptoms like:

• Severe stomach pain
• Bleeding gums or nose
• Blood in stool or urine
• Difficulty in breathing
• Skin bruising as a result of bleeding under the skin
• Cold and clammy skin
• Fatigue and irritation

It is important to treat these initial symptoms at the earliest to avoid complications.

Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on dengue treatment at home, as they can provide specific recommendations based on the severity of your symptoms and individual circumstances. Here’s a list of remedies that can help in treating dengue naturally.

Although many of these symptoms can be treated at home, at times, they may require medical assistance. Scroll down to the next section to know how dengue is treated.

Treatment For Dengue Fever

There is no direct treatment for dengue fever. Instead, symptomatic treatment is followed along with certain precautions to ensure faster recovery. These include:

• Supportive Care: The primary focus should be on supportive care that can effectively relieve symptoms and provide comfort. It includes IV fluid administration, consuming immunity-boosting foods, or using fever-relieving medications.
• Hydration: Adequate hydration is recommended to combat fluid loss because of excessive sweating. One can have water, juices, or clear soups. However, severe cases might need IV fluids.
• Fever Control: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is used to reduce fever and pain.

Knowing how to get rid of mosquito bites and preventing them is also one way to protect yourself from dengue.In addition to following these, there are a few effective home remedies you can follow that will help in faster recovery.

How To Treat Dengue Fever Naturally

1. Papaya Leaf Juice
2. Goat Milk
3. Giloy Juice
4. Guava Juice
5. Jaggery And Onion
6. Apple Juice
7. Neem Leaves
8. Goldenseal
9. Kiwi Juice
10. Vitamin K
11. Fenugreek Leaves
12. Turmeric
13. Tulsi Leaves
14. Barley Grass
15. Crab Soup

Home Remedies To Treat Dengue Fever

1. Papaya Leaf Juice

You Will Need

A handful of papaya leaves

What You Have To Do

1. Take a handful of papaya leaves and crush them using a pestle and mortar.
2. Squeeze the papaya leaf extract and drink the juice.
3. You can also mix the papaya leaf extract with some honey or fruit juice to improve its flavor.

How Often You Should Do This

Consume two tablespoons of papaya leaf extract thrice daily.

Why This Works

The extract from papaya leaves is a proven way to treat dengue fever

(1). Papaya leaves are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants that help boost your immune system. Dengue fever often leads to a low platelet count, and papaya leaves can help by improving your blood platelet count  (2).

Trivia

Papaya leaf juice has been used in Siddha medicine to increase the platelet count, and the health benefits of the leaf are mentioned in the ancient Indian Ayurvedic texts.

2. Goat Milk

You Will Need

1 cup of goat milk

What You Have To Do

Drink a cup of preboiled goat milk.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink goat’s milk 1 to 2 times daily.

Why This Works

Dengue fever is often accompanied by selenium deficiency and decreased blood platelet count. Goat’s milk is an easy and effective remedy to treat dengue as it is rich in selenium and is known to increase the blood platelet count (3).

3. Giloy Juice

You Will Need

• 500-1000 mg of giloy extract
• 1 cup of water

What You Have To Do

1. Add the giloy extract to a cup of boiled water.
2. Mix well and consume it.
3. Alternatively, you can also use giloy leaves.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1 to 2 times daily.

Why This Works

Giloy is a plant commonly found in the tropical regions of India. It has natural antioxidant properties that can boost your immunity and protect your body from free radical damage. Giloy is also an antipyretic and is hence effective in reducing chronic fever (4). This plant is also believed to increase blood platelet count, and is thus one of the best natural options for dengue fever treatment.

4. Guava Juice

You Will Need

1-2 cups of fresh guava juice

What You Have To Do

1. Drink a cup or two of guava juice.
2. You can also have a bowl of cut guavas instead of the juice.

How Often You Should Do This

Consume guava juice twice daily for maximum benefits.

Why This Works

Guavas are a rich source of tanninsⁱ  Water-soluble complex chemical substances present naturally in parts of plants, food, and beverages (tea, coffee, chocolate). , vitamins, and minerals. The high vitamin C content of the fruits can help boost your immunity naturally. They are also known for their ability to increase the blood platelet count and are hence a great way to treat dengue fever (5).

5. Jaggery And Onion

You Will Need

• A small block of jaggery
• 2-3 small onions

What You Have To Do

1. Take a small piece of jaggery and crush it along with a few small onions.
2. Consume the onion-jaggery mixture.

How Often You Should Do This

Consume this mixture twice a day.

Why This Works

Onions are known to exhibit antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties (6). And, in combination with jaggery, they increase the platelet count in your blood, thus helping treat dengue fever.

6. Apple Juice

You Will Need

• 1 cup of fresh apple juice
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

What You Have To Do

1. Take a cup of apple juice and add a teaspoon of lemon juice to it.
2. Consume this juice mixture daily.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this 2 to 3 times daily.

Why This Works

This remedy can help increase the number of blood cells, which, in turn, improves your blood platelet count (7). Also, apples are natural antioxidants and can help protect your blood cells from free radical damage (8).

7. Neem Leaves

You Will Need

• A few neem leaves
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of honey

What You Have To Do

1. Take a cup of water and add the neem leaves to it.
2. Bring this concoction to a boil and let it simmer for some time.
3. Strain the solution and allow it to cool.
4. When the neem tea is warm enough to drink, add a little honey to it and consume immediately.

How Often You Should Do This

You can drink this neem solution 2 to 3 times daily.

Why This Works

Neem leaves are well known for their amazing healing potential. One of the many uses of this herbal remedy is its role in the treatment of dengue fever. Neem leaves are quite helpful in increasing the number of blood platelets and white blood cells, both of which see a drastic decrease in those affected by dengue (9), (10).

8. Goldenseal

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of goldensealⁱ  A perennial herb of North American origin used to treat fevers, skin disorders, ulcers, and other conditions. root
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of goldenseal extract to a cup of hot water.
2. Allow it to steep for 5 to 10 minutes and then add some honey to it.
3. Consume the herbal tea before it turns cold.
4. Alternatively, you can also take 350-500 mg supplements for goldenseal. However, consult your doctor before doing so.

How Often You Should Do This

Have goldenseal tea twice daily.

Why This Works

Goldenseal has many surprising benefits, one of which is its use in the treatment of dengue. It has been used for ages to treat the symptoms of fever and other infections due to its antiviral properties (11). Goldenseal is also beneficial in improving the blood platelet count.
It is believed that the indigenous people of North America used goldenseal root powder as an insect repellant.

9. Kiwi Juice

You Will Need

1 cup of fresh kiwi juice

What You Have To Do

Consume a cup of kiwi juice.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this twice daily.

Why This Works

Kiwis are packed with various nutrients and minerals that can help you overcome fatigue and weakness – two symptoms of dengue fever (12). They also contain vitamin C that helps in boosting your overall immunity (13). These fruits are also helpful in increasing the blood platelet count.

10. Vitamin K

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is often accompanied by bleeding, and vitamin K is known to stop excessive bleeding. Following a diet containing vitamin K-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, and cereals can help in curing dengue fever (14).

Polly, a blogger who had dengue, learned a unique remedy from her taxi driver. She shared in her blog, “He mentioned that they’d made their kids eat boiled eggs, but they’d stick to just the egg whites…eat large grapes after peeling off the skin. They did it to boost their sick children’s platelet count (i).” Polly, with her mother, adopted the method using quail eggs and green grapes. This unconventional yet effective approach yielded positive results, and her platelet count increased eventually.

11. Fenugreek Seeds

You Will Need

• 1-2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon or two of fenugreek seeds to a cup of steaming hot water.
2. Let it steep for 5 minutes, after which you can add a little honey to it.
3. Drink the fenugreek solution before it turns cold.

How Often You Should Do This

You can drink this concoction 2 to 3 times daily.

Why This Works

Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of vitamins C and K, fiber, and various minerals, which makes them a great option for treating dengue fever reduction. While the vitamins improve your immunity and prevent bleeding, the antipyretic properties of fenugreek seeds help in bringing down your fever (15).

12. Turmeric

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 glass of hot milk
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of hot milk and mix well.
2. Add some honey and consume the milk before it cools down.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this once daily, preferably before going to bed.

Why This Works

Turmeric has many medicinal benefits and is used as an alternative medicine in the treatment of various ailments. Most of these benefits are due to the presence of curcuminⁱ  A bright yellow pigment produced in turmeric that has metabolic activity and helps relieve inflammation, arthritis, and anxiety. in it. The immunomodulatoryⁱ  Category of drugs that modulate the immune system to help fight against infections, diseases, and cancer. functions of curcumin help in boosting your immunity, while its antiviral properties help in combating the root cause (viral infections) of dengue (16), (17).

13. Tulsi Leaves And Black Pepper

You Will Need

• A handful of tulsi leaves
• A pinch of black pepper
• 2 cups of water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Add the tulsi leaves to two cups of water and bring it to a boil.
2. To this, add a pinch of black pepper powder.
3. Simmer for 5 minutes and strain.
4. Let the solution cool for some time. Add honey.
5. Consume this concoction.
6. Alternatively, you can also chew on some tulsi leaves.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this 2 to 3 times daily.

Why This Works

Tulsi is also known as basil. This plant has some wonderful medicinal properties that are used in the treatment of various infections. Tulsi is a natural antioxidant that can improve your immunity and protect your body from free radical damage. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help eliminate the dengue virus (18).

14. Barley Grass

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of barley grass powder
• 1-2 cups of hot water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Take a teaspoon of barley grass powder and mix it with a glass of hot water.
2. Add some honey as per your requirement once the solution is cool enough to drink.
3. Drink the barley grass solution daily.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this solution at least twice daily.

Why This Works

Barley grass is yet another remedy that may be of immense help in treating dengue fever with its ability to increase your blood platelet count. It has antiviral and antioxidant properties that can fight the viral infection causing the dengue fever and boost your overall immunity (19), (20).

15. Crab Soup

You Will Need

A bowl of crab soup (1 to 2 crabs per meal)

What You Have To Do

Consume a bowl of freshly prepared crab soup.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this soup twice daily.

Why This Works

Crab soup is a rich source of various nutrients that are beneficial to your health. The intake of crab soup on a regular basis can help increase your blood platelet count, thus resolving one of the most serious complications associated with dengue fever (21).

These traditional medicines and remedies can help accelerate your recovery from the disease. If you have been fortunate enough to steer clear of dengue fever till now, you might want to take a look at the following tips to avoid contracting the infection.

Preventive Tips

• Keep your house well-screened or air-conditioned.
• Always use a mosquito repellent.
• Wear protective clothing like long shirts and pants.
• Keep your house and its surroundings clean.
• Avoid consuming oily food. Instead, opt for a diet that includes garlic, ginger, oranges, lemons, coconut water, vegetables, fruits, and protein-rich foods.
• Look for places where water stands still, like buckets, tires, or flowerpots. Empty them regularly.
• Teach people in your community about how to prevent dengue fever.

Who knew simple ingredients found in your kitchen could help you alleviate symptoms of dengue? Watch this video to learn more about dengue fever and effective natural remedies that offer relief.

Infographic: Effective Home Remedies To Treat Dengue Fever

Dengue is a serious disease and needs medical attention right from the start. However, there are some scientifically backed tried-and-tested home remedies that may help you recover quickly and effectively by increasing your blood platelet count and boosting your immunity. Check out the infographic below to learn about some of them.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the dengue virus stay in the body?

The dengue virus usually circulates from 2 to 7 days in the body of an infected individual. And they usually transmit the infection via mosquitoes after the appearance of a few symptoms. Dr. Sarah Yovino, MD, General Physician, says, “The incubation period for dengue fever is typically 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.”

Is there a vaccine for Dengue Fever?

Yes, there is a vaccine for dengue fever. But Dr. Yovino adds, “It is typically recommended for people who have had a previous dengue infection.”

Can Dengue Fever be transmitted from person to person?

No. Dr. Yovino assures that the dengue fever is not transmitted from person to person. She says, “It is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.”

Which mosquito causes dengue fever?

Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes belonging to the Aedes species. Within this species, Aedes aegypti is the most common mosquito that transmits dengue fever.

What is the difference between dengue, malaria, and chikungunya?

While dengue and chikungunya are caused by a viral infection, malaria is caused by a parasite called plasmodium. While chikungunya and dengue are transmitted by the Aedes species of mosquitoes, malaria is transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito. And although dengue and chikungunya are quite similar, the former lasts longer and is a lot more life-threatening.

Why do dengue fever patients have a low count of platelets?

Dengue fever leads to a low count of platelets because of the following reasons:

• Dengue virus causes bone marrow suppression.
• This virus also leads to the destruction of platelets by apoptosis.
• Infection of platelets by dengue virus that causes dysfunction of platelets and a low platelet count.

What are the tests to confirm dengue fever?

The most common tests used to confirm dengue fever are an antigen test and an antibody test. You can also opt for molecular tests using PCR to confirm dengue.

How can I get rid of dengue during pregnancy?

It’s best to consult a doctor to treat dengue during pregnancy. You may take medicine only if the doctors give the go-ahead. However, drink plenty of water and juices to stay hydrated, as it’s crucial to maintain embryonic fluid levels.

Does dengue spread in summer?

Yes. The mosquito that transmits dengue is highly adaptive to weather conditions. However, the outbreaks during the summer are sporadic and not endemic like during the monsoon season.

Illustration: Home Remedies For Dengue Fever

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Abby KramerDC

   

Dr. Kramer has 7 years of experience as a Chiropractor + Holistic Physician practicing in the Chicagoland area. She has been featured in various publications, including The Huffington Post, Bustle, E Health Radio Network, and the American Chiropractic Association Journal of Rehabilitation.

Read full bio of Dr. Abby Kramer

• 
  Dr. Sarah YovinoMD Dr. Sarah Yovino is a double board-certified master injector who specializes in non-surgical medical aesthetics and whole body rejuvenation. She graduated from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and now leads the non-surgical department of Ideal Face & Body. Dr. Sarah is also known for her painless lip augmentation technique that involves the use of dental blocks and her exlcusive custom-formulated numbing cream. She also uses lasers, radiofrequency, microneedling, chemical peels, as well as Botox and dermal fillers to offer her clients natural-looking results.
  
  Dr. Sarah Yovino is a double board-certified master injector who specializes in non-surgical medical aesthetics and whole body rejuvenation. She graduated from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and now leads the non-surgical department of Ideal Face & Body. Dr. Sarah is also known for her painless lip augmentation technique that involves the use of dental blocks and her exlcusive custom-formulated numbing cream. She also uses lasers, radiofrequency, microneedling, chemical peels, as well as Botox and dermal fillers to offer her clients natural-looking results.

Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

Read full bio of Shaheen Naser

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications.

Read full bio of Dipti Sharma