Home remedies for typhoid fever

Cold compresses are a commonly used home remedy for any kind of fever. According to a study based on 300 patients with typhoid fever, it was found that cold compresses with cold water and alcohol can lower the temperature of a patient. According to the study, fever can be reduced easily in typhoid as the temperature rise is gradual in the disease. You can dammpen a cloth with cold water and place it on the patient’s forehead, armpits and abdomen. The cloth should not be dripping water. Make sure that the water is not icy and the cloth is completely clean. Dip the cloth in cold water from time to time.

Apple cider vinegar is a natural antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory agent which can kill harmful microorganisms. Apple cider vinegar is also believed to work as an effective remedy for reducing fever. The acidic nature of the apple cider vinegar helps in drawing heat, leaving a cooling effect in the body. You can add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and consume it once daily.

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a power booster for every systemic disease. According to The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), fluid and electrolytes must be taken at regular intervals to compensate for the loss of vital fluids in the body. As per WHO, ORS should have four constituents which are to be dissolved in 1 litre of clean drinking water:

• Sodium chloride (3.5 grams) or common salt
• Trisodium citrate, dihydrate (2.9 grams)
• Potassium chloride (1.5 grams)
• Glucose (20 grams)

ORS solutions are clinically available in the market but if you do not have access to these, you can make one at your home by adding six teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt in one litre of boiling water. Let the solution cool down and consume it throughout the day.

Allicin and diallyl sulfides-sulfurous compound of garlic give it anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The warmth of garlic can reduce high fever by encouraging sweating. Garlic promotes faster recovery from typhoid fever with the help of its antioxidative properties. Garlic boosts immunity and detoxifies the body toxins. You can crush one garlic clove and add it to 1 cup of hot water. Let the solution rest for 10 minutes, and then strain. Drink this solution twice a day to reap its benefits.

The holy basil, also called tulsi, is known to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. According to ayurveda, daily consumption of tulsi can prevent diseases, promote general health, wellbeing and longevity. Basil is an effective herb which can be used to bring the temperature down as its healing properties help reduce the fever very quickly. You can take about 20 basil leaves, boil them and add 1 teaspoon of crushed ginger to it. Strain the water, add a little honey to it and drink this basil tea two or three times a day to get relief.

Clove is an excellent herb which is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and magnesium. The vitamins found in cloves are vitamin E, A, C, K, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) and folate. It is believed that the essential oils in cloves have antibacterial properties that fight against the bacteria that cause typhoid. You can add cloves in boiling water, strain in a cup and have two cups daily.

In a study done on children with typhoid fever, it was seen that a diet with bananas helped in reducing the temperature of the kids in two to five days. The kids were given bananas with skimmed milk or buttermilk. The period of acute symptoms was also shortened and the general well-being of the patient remarkably improved.

Bananas are rich in a fibre called pectin which is a soluble fibre that helps the intestines absorb fluids more easily, thus treating diarrhoea. Moreover, potassium in banana helps in replacing the electrolytes lost through loose motions. Banana is not only readily digestible but also provides sufficient calories, minerals, and vitamins required by the body. You can eat 2 bananas on a daily basis.

Various studies have concluded that probiotics like curd and buttermilk provide support to the immune system to prevent infections like colds and flu, and speed up the recovery time. Buttermilk has the ability to prevent the breakdown of protein, thus providing vital nutrients to the body while dealing with a fever. Buttermilk can be easily made at home and can be consumed one glass daily.