Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by contaminated water or food. It affects the intestinal tract and then spreads to the bloodstream. It is also known as “intestinal fever” as it mainly affects our intestines.
It is caused by the bacteria called Salmonella typhi. Poor hygienic conditions, unsafe drinking water, and contaminated food are the usual causes of typhoid. To promote quicker recovery, use home remedies with regular medication for the best results.
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Signs and symptoms of typhoid fever
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Abdominal pain with diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Enlarged liver
- Skin rashes
- Hallucinations
- Nosebleeds
- Delirium
Here are some of the time-tested home remedies for typhoid.
1. Increase Fluid Intake
Typhoid fever may cause vomiting and diarrhoea that might lead to severe dehydration. To prevent dehydration, keep sipping on fluids. Staying hydrated also helps in the timely elimination of waste materials and toxins from the body. Apart from water, have fruit juices, coconut water, and soups.
ORS is the best solution to combat the dehydration caused by typhoid fever. Ensure that you have WHO recommended ORS. Buy sachets from any chemist or keep deliciously flavoured tetra packs at home. You can even make it at home by mixing sugar and salt in a litre of boiled water.
2. Use Cold Compresses
To combat high fever, use cold compresses to bring down the temperature. You can Sponge off armpits, feet, groin, and hands. Applying cold compresses on the extremities brings down the fever most effectively.
You can also soak a washcloth in icy water, wring out the excess water and place it on your forehead. Change the washcloth frequently.
3. Have Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps to maintain a proper pH in the body. It draws out heat from the skin and therefore, reduces the body temperature. The loss of minerals because of diarrhoea is compensated by having apple cider vinegar. Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in water, add honey if needed. Drink before meals.
4. Basil
The holy basil is antibiotic and antimicrobial. Add basil to boiled water and drink three to four cups daily. Basil boosts immunity and calms the tummy. Or you can 4-5 basil/tulsi leaves to make a paste. Add pepper powder to this paste and a few strands of saffron or Kesar. Mix all these and divide them into three parts. Have this mixture after every meal.
5. Garlic
The antimicrobial properties present in the garlic help fight off typhoid bacteria. Garlic speeds up recovery from typhoid due to its antioxidative properties. It boosts immunity and detoxifies the body. Eat two cloves on an empty stomach. This is not conducive for pregnant women and children.
6. Bananas
Bananas can bring down the fever and treat diarrhoea in people with typhoid. Bananas have pectin, a soluble fiber that helps the intestines absorb fluids, thus curing diarrhoea. Potassium in the fruit helps in replacing the electrolytes lost through loose motions. It is one of the best things to eat when having typhoid.
7. Triphala Churan
This is an essential ayurvedic churan that shows positive effects on fever and typhoid. It hampers the growth of Salmonella typhi. Chemists provide this in the form of powder and tablets.
8. Cloves
Cloves fight against bacteria that cause typhoid. The essential oils in cloves have antibacterial properties that can kill the bacteria that cause typhoid. It also reduces nausea and vomiting caused due to typhoid. Boil water with cloves, strain in a cup and have two cups daily.
9. Pomegranates
Pomegranates are an effective home remedy against typhoid. It helps in preventing dehydration. Have it as a fruit or take out the juice.
Consult a doctor and use the home remedies as an adjunct therapy. With proper rest, light food, clean water, and patience, the patient will recover quickly.
Tips to follow:
- Avoid using items used by the infected person. E.g., towel, glass, napkin, etc.
- Drink only boiled water.
- Do not indulge in sweetened beverages and a big NO to coffee.
- Avoid using raw vegetables and fruits that you cannot peel.
- Consume curd, yogurt, and buttermilk to balance the intestinal bacterial flora.
- Bed rest is essential because the disease causes a lot of weakness.
Post remedy tips to follow
1. Avoid exposure to cold weather conditions. Stay in warm conditions till symptoms of typhoid completely subside. The body is still vulnerable after recovering from typhoid.
2. Hydration is a must. Stay adequately hydrated throughout the day during and after recovery from typhoid.
3. Stick to a soft diet till symptoms of the ailment completely subside. Consult a physician to know more about the diet you should follow post-remedy.
4. Do not engage in any strenuous activities after recovery. The body is still weak and needs time to get stronger over time.
5. Keep monitoring yourself and visit a physician when you feel uneasy or the symptoms of typhoid do not subside.
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