Siddha and Ayurvedic Treatment for Dengue and other Viral Fevers

-by Sheela Rani Chunkath

The Government of Tamil Nadu is one of the few states that has been aggressively promoting the use of herbal and Siddha medicines for the control of dengue and other viral fevers. This initiative is being reviewed by the Hon’ble Chief Minister herself personally and hence is being implemented very well in Tamil Nadu.

The Government has recommended the extracts of papaya leaves, mountain neem leaves and Andrographis paniculata (Nilavembu in Tamil) for the prevention and treatment of dengue fever. The last is available along with other herbs as Nilavembu Kudineer churanam in almost all Siddha hospitals, dispensaries and in the Siddha section of primary herbal centres and other hospitals in the state. Siddha vaidyars are also dispensing freshly prepared extracts of all herbals. The programme has caught on well as the government’s stamp of approval has helped people believe in the herbals prescribed.

In my article published on 22 November 2009 and 11th April 2010 and uploaded to my blog, arogyamantra.blogspot.in, I had occasion to write about the efficacy of Sudarshana chooranam and Dhanvantaram tablets in combating viral fevers.

According to my ayurvedic vaidyar, Sudarshana chooranam tablets are also very effective in combating dengue fevers. Sudarshana chooranam tablets are made from 50 herbals, and one the main ingredients is Andrographis paniculata, the same herb which is found in Nilavembu Kudineer. Siddha practitioners normally prescribe Nilavembu Kudineer, while ayurvedic practitioners prescribe Sudarshana chooranam. Since Sudarshana chooranam is available in tablet form, it is easier to administer and distribute.

The dosage prescribed by ayurvedic vaidyars for chikunguniya, dengue and other viral fevers is one tablet of Sudarshana chooranam and one tablet of Dhanvantaram once in four hours for children between the ages of three and five. For children between six and eight, it is one and half tablets each, for children between nine and twelve, it is two tablets each, once in four hours. For adults, the dosage is as much as four tablets of Sudharshan and three tablets of Dhanvantaram once in four hours. The tablets are given three to four times a day usually on an empty stomach. Ayurvedic Vaidyars caution that while Sudarshana chooranam and Dhanvantaram tablets are extremely effective one should consult a vaidyar if the fever persists, especially in children. Sudarshana chooranam tablets are extremely effective because of the synergistic effect of the 50 herbals it contains. Andrographis paniculata has antipyretic, antifungal, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, and liver protective properties. As the composition of Sudarshana chooranam is found in the Sarangadhara Samhita written in the early part of the 14th century and has continued to remain popular, one can say that this herbal composition has stood the test of time.

If the fever is accompanied with a cold, taleesadi chooranam (detailed write-up in my article dated 26th November 2010) is usually administered. For children, a quarter teaspoon can be given with honey three to four times a day. For adults, up to one teaspoon can be given with honey. Honey is a necessary adjuvant as it reduces kapha and phlegm. Sudarshana chooranam, Dhanvantaram and Taleesadi form part of the village health nurse’s medicine kit that was introduced almost 10 years ago by the present Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. My house is always well stocked with these herbals and they are my first line of defence against colds, coughs and fevers.

While suffering from fevers one should pay attention to one’s diet. Easy to digest parboiled rice kanji will help to manage the fevers, as it gives energy while at the same time it does not trouble the stomach. Malayalis love kanji but not so Tamilians and others. I used to hate it but it is so efficacious that I am now a convert. 

--- The writer was earlier Health Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu and is currently Additional Chief Secretary and Chairman & Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation. She can be reached at Sheelarani.arogyamantra@gmail. com. Earlier articles can be accessed at http://arogyamantra.blogspot.com/