Dengue home remedy
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Drink plenty of water. That’s what your doctor will tell if you are suffering from viral fever or dengue this monsoon. At least one member in every third household probably down with either viral fever or cough and cold or dengue. Paracetamol along with continuous fluid intake is the standard protocol that everyone is suggesting as viral fever or dengue home remedy. 

Have you ever wondered why doctors are giving extra stress on sufficient fluid intake? 

Dengue home remedy 13

The fluid is recommended due to the following reasons-(4)

  • They prevent dehydration.
  • The fluid is better tolerated than solid foods.
  • The juice is rich in vitamins, minerals, etc. which help in the rapid recovery of the patients.
  • They are useful to reduce the severity of the symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and fever.
  • They are very helpful in maintaining the water and electrolyte balance,
  • They detoxify the body.

But what are the most effective fluid under these situations? How to take them? How much is enough? Let’s check out.

Which kind of fluid is beneficial for viral fever or dengue home remedy?

No prize for guessing, of course, it’s water. Safe drinking water is all you need at the foremost. A patient needs to drink 3-4 liters of water to minimize developing the chance of any complications. You must be thinking what’s the point of mentioning it. I know that you guys are aware of it but unfortunately, we all do the same mistake. We simply forget to drink water. So stay alert, you can’t afford to miss drinking water especially while suffering from fever and body ache. Since one needs an adequate supply of nutrition too, only water is not sufficient. 

You need fluids /liquids for serving 3 major purposes along with hydration –

  • to supply adequate electrolytes
  • to maintain the level of micronutrients and phytonutrients
  • to increase the platelet count – in case of severe dengue

A. Fluids that ensure to maintain electrolytes –

High fever leads to dehydration and creates an insufficiency of electrolyte in our body. You can’t ignore it as apart from playing numerous roles, electrolytes control your muscle contraction, transmit nerve impulse, maintain blood pressure and the pH of the blood. Consider coconut water or ORS for supplying electrolyte during dengue or viral fever.

1. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Coconut Water –

Dengue home remedy 1

It’s underrated at least in comparison to soft drinks. But it’s the best natural drink to supply ample electrolytes – sodium, potassium, manganese, etc. One coconut contains approx 250 ml of coconut water which can be safely given to the patient once a day.

Read – 5 reasons to drink coconut water

2. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Oral Rehydration Salt –

ORS hydrate the body and supplies sodium, potassium, chloride, and dextrose to the body. Don’t just use half packet in a glass of water or something else. The drill is simple. Dissolve one 20g (approx) sachet in 1 liter of water and keep sipping throughout the day. Finish it within 24 hrs or discard the liquid. Remember the concentration of the liquid is important. 

B. Fluids that supply micronutrients and phytonutrients

The primary objective of supplying nutrients without fail during fever is to –

  • maintain daily demand for nutrients
  • boost the immunity – vitamin A, D, E, C, folate, iron, zinc, selenium are essential
  • increase the platelet count – iron, vitamin C, vitamin B 12 and folate are needed

Fruits, vegetables, milk are the best source of micronutrients-vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Therefore fresh fruit juices, vegetable soups, milk-based beverages are a great option to serve the purpose. 

Please note, every patient down with dengue or viral fever, is unique and might have his/her own set of problems. Therefore offer any of the fluid in little amount first, if well tolerated then consider serving a glass/ bowl/cup of it. 

Why you must ensure adequate supply of vitamin C ?

Fruits like guava, amla, lemon, sweet lime, orange etc -are rich sources of vitamin-C. Supply of vitamin-C is essential for home remedy because-

  • Vitamin C is water-soluble, easily absorbed by the body.
  • It boosts immunity.
  • It helps in iron absorption which is essential for the formation of new blood cells.
  • It is also a good source of fiber and antioxidants. Antioxidants help in early recovery of the patient where fibre helps to prevent constipation. (1)

Powerful fruit juices that you must consider as dengue home remedy is- 

3. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Lemon water –

Dengue home remedy 2

It’s simple, basic but very effective. Just squeeze a lemon in water, add a spoon of raw honey or sugar and a pinch of rock salt. That’s it. The drink is refreshing, rich in vitamin C -helps to boost immunity. The best part is that it’s available around the year.

Read – Honey lemon water

4. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Amla water –

Nothing can beat the vitamin C content of amla. It’s the highest -600mg per 100g. Try to one or two fresh amlas. Cut them into small pieces. Don’t forget to discard the seed inside. Put them in a mixer and strain the juice. Mix 2 spoons of fresh amla juice with a spoonful of honey in a glass of water and serve. If you already have homemade amla juice, you can use that as well. Just remember, preservation reduces vitamin C content of amla juice with time.

Planning to buy amla juice online? Check this link.

https://amzn.to/3mGZau9

5. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Guava juice –

Guavas are best when eaten raw. It is another great source of vitamin C, potassium, etc. If amla or lemon is not available, you may consider making fresh guava juice. Cut guava into small pieces and put them in a mixer. Add little water, sugar, and pinch of rock salt as per taste. Mix well to make a semi solid-liquid. Strain to separate the seeds and serve. Guava juice with 3 to 4 guava fruits is recommended for Dengue patients.(2)

Read – Guava- the superfruit

6. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Sweet lime juice –

Mousambi or sweet lime is another fruit which is available almost throughout the year. It’s another basic and super tasty juice which all most everyone love. It is a rich source of potassium, copper and a fair source of vitamin C.

7. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Pomegranate juice –

Dengue home remedy 3

It’s rich in potassium, copper, manganese, zinc, and niacin. They help to produce new blood cells and helps to feel the patient energetic. You can make a basic pomegranate juice by following the usual juicing procedure or can be creative to add a few pieces of beetroot in it. No need to add any sugar as a pomegranate is generally sweet enough. Add a few drops of ginger juice, lemon and a pinch of rock salt. This concoction is an immunity booster, rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants. Beetroot contains nitrate which converted to nitric oxide and acts as a vasodilator and promotes better blood flow.

Read: Beetroot Pomegranate recipe and benefits

8. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Papaya Juice –

Papaya is rich in vitamin A, a fair source of vitamin C along with other micronutrients. It has many health benefits. It helps in proper digestion and improves immunity. Intake of papaya is beneficial in Dengue fever. Papaya is soft and sweet when ripe, so making juice of it is very easy. Adding half teaspoon of roasted cumin powder enhance the taste of the juice. Try it once. (3,5)

Vegetable soup that works best for viral fever or dengue home remedy is – 

9. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy;Tomato soup –

Tomato is also rich in vitamin C, K1, folate, potassium and antioxidants- lycopene, beta carotene, etc. So regular intake of tomato soup is beneficial for the Dengue patient. The tangy taste of tomato soup generally works as a palate cleanser for the patient. (6)

10. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Spinach soup –

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Spinach is rich in vitamin A, C, K1, iron, folate, calcium, etc. It has many phytonutrients – lutein, nitrates, etc. Prepare spinach soup with mild spices as per the patient’s choice.

11. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Pumpkin soup –

It’s soft, sweet and tasty. Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin A, C, zinc, manganese, copper, potassium, etc. Pumpkin soup can be added as a part of lunch or dinner. Just like spinach soup mild spices can be added considering patient’s tolerance of food and taste.

Milk-based beverages as dengue home remedy – 

Patients suffering from dengue or viral fever require fluid which boosts energy as well as the immunity. One must take care of the gut health to encourage the activity of the body-friendly bacteria. These bacteria help to synthesize vitamin like B 12 in the gut which is essential for blood cell formation. Milk-based drinks help to fulfill such requirements.

12. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Buttermilk/ Chaas–

If patient unable to tolerate milk during fever, buttermilk or chaas may be a good choice. Make basic simple buttermilk with or without sugar as per the patient’s preference. This act as probiotic. Try giving a glass of buttermilk for better digestion, gut health, and immunity.

13. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Turmeric milk –

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Turmeric has a wide variety of medicinal properties. It possesses antiviral properties against Dengue virus. If the patient can tolerate milk, you may consider making turmeric milk. It’s simple. Boil a glass of milk and add a pinch of freshly grated turmeric root. Don’t forget to add 1-2 crushed peppercorn. Piperine (in black pepper) helps to absorb curcumin (in turmeric) better – responsible for most of the health benefits of turmeric. Mix a spoon of raw honey or sugar as per taste and drink before bed. Try this out.

Looking for turmeric tea online? Click on this link below –

https://amzn.to/3jsEO5V

Other drink with medicinal properties you may consider as dengue home remedy –

14. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Turmeric tea –

If patient unable to digest milk, instead of turmeric milk, turmeric tea can be given. The procedure is the same as turmeric milk. Just replace milk with water

Read: Turmeric milk; recipe and benefits

Turmeric tea: recipe and benefits

Time to take turmeric seriously

15. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Tulsi Tea –

It may sound fancy but very simple to make. All you need is to boil few (approx 30) clean tulsi or holy basil leaves in 200 ml (approx a glass) of water for 5-7 minutes on low flame. Strain and the drink are ready. You may add a pinch of crushed peppercorn, a spoon of raw honey as per your taste. Regular intake of tulsi leaves strengthens our immune system. (7)

C. Drink that helps to increase the platelet count –

16. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Papaya leaves

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The juice of raw papaya leaves is an effective herbal therapy for curing dengue fever. Fresh papaya leaves should be collected, washed, crushed and the juice is to be squeezed and filtered using a clean cotton cloth. One leaf provides approximately one tablespoon of juice. The juice is quite bitter, so it should be sweetened with honey or sugar or mixed with fruit juices to make it a bit tasteful.

Dengue patients should consume 2 tablespoons of papaya leaf juice, 3 times daily, at 8 hours intervals.  The leaf should not be boiled or cooked since heat reduces the beneficial effects of papaya juice. (8,9, 10) Papaya leaf has great potential to fight against dengue fever. 

Interested to buy papaya leaf powder? Click on the following link-

https://amzn.to/3BmtCxG

17. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Coriander leaves

Intake of coriander leaves in the form of a tonic helps to reduce the fevers in dengue. Clean, chop and grind coriander leaves. Squeeze the extract. One can have 2 tsp of coriander leaves extract just like that or may consider adding fresh coriander in soup or may prepare juice with added water, lemon juice, and rock salt. (11)

Read – Coriander -A wonder herb

18. Drink for viral fever and dengue home remedy; Guava leaves

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Intake of guava leaf juice is beneficial for Dengue patients. Fresh guava leaves should be collected and cleaned with water. Then the 1 cup of leaves is to be blended with 1 cup of water in a juicer into a smooth paste and should be strained using a strainer. The juice can be stored for 3 days in the refrigerator. (12)

Interested to buy guava leaf powder? Click on the link –

https://amzn.to/3kEXgaA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcTMFqZXNKY

 Summary: Powerful drink ideas for viral fever or dengue home remedy

Why? What?
A. To supply adequate electrolytes Coconut Water
Oral Rehydration Salt
B. To maintain the level of micronutrients
and phytonutrients
Fruit Juices
(Lemon Juice/ Amla Juice/ Guava Juice/
Pomegranate Juice/ Sweet Lime Juice/
Papaya Juice)
Vegetable Soup
(Tomato Soup/ Spinach Soup/ Pumpkin Soup)
Milk-Based Beverages
(Buttermilk/ Chaas/Turmeric milk)
Medicated tea
(Turmeric Tea/ Tulsi Tea)
C. To increase the platelet count –
in case of severe dengue
Papaya Leaves Juice
Guava Leaves Juice
Coriander Leaves Juice

How much of drink is enough for a day?

The patient needs to drink 3-4 liters of fluid per day. You can plan to provide 50% of the fluid from juice/soup/tonic/ tea etc and rest by drinking water. One can choose a cup of medicated tea (turmeric or tulsi), 1-2 glasses of fruit juices (any one or two mentioned above), 1 glass of coconut water, 1-2 bowls of vegetable soup, and 1-2 homemade herbal tonic (as mentioned above) along with 7-8 glasses of plain water.

Over drinking of fruit juice, ORS, coconut water all together may not be a good idea. Therefore plan the fluid distribution mindfully. 

What not to drink?

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I know making fruit juices or vegetable soup is a task. Do not try to make your life easy with packaged fruit juices or instant soup mix or soft drinks. No matter how healthy they claim, they are nothing but a mixture of various form of sugar, chemicals, and preservatives.

Yes, often they claim that they are added with vitamins and minerals but the study suggests that mostly they are not being absorbed in our gut. So it’s pointless. Make fresh juice, soup at home. it’s the best choice any time any day.

Also read: Dietary guideline for dengue fever treatment

Bottom Line –

Fluids are essential for viral fever and dengue home remedy. Drinking enough fluid- 3-4 liters per day during viral fever or dengue is not an option but a necessity to keep the health situation under control. Drinking water seems to be simple but very hard to follow. Add fresh fruit juices, homemade vegetable soups, coconut water, ORS, leaf extract to ensure supply of all the essential nutrients, electrolytes and also to increase the platelet count. Consider the patient’s food tolerance level and taste before offering any drink. Encourage, ensure and moreover let the patient enjoy the drinks throughout the day.


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Dr. Sagarika Chakraborty was awarded her doctorate in Food and Nutrition from University of Calcutta (C.U.) in 2017. She is an experienced Researcher, working in the field of Food Science for more than 12 years and published papers in international and national journal. She has also presented papers in national conferences.

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11 Comments

Avarage Rating:
  • 0 / 10
  • Anonymous , 30th August 2019 @ 7:47 am

    Well written

    • Dr. Sagarika Chakraborty , 3rd September 2019 @ 9:43 am

      Thank you.

    • Dr. Sagarika Chakraborty , 4th September 2019 @ 10:44 am

      Thank you

  • Sonu singhal , 31st August 2019 @ 12:11 pm

    Wonderful Sagarika…crisp and clear.. keep writting

    • Dr. Sagarika Chakraborty , 4th September 2019 @ 10:45 am

      Thank you

  • Rajkumar Murthy , 3rd September 2019 @ 8:34 pm

    super. detailed home remedies really useful

  • venkatanaresh , 2nd June 2021 @ 8:52 am

    Taking full fruit juices and vegetable juices are beneficial during a viral fever. My doubt is, Can I use medicine on this juice type diet?.

    • Dr. Sagarika Chakraborty , 2nd June 2021 @ 4:04 pm

      Medicine can be taken with juices. Otherwise you can take medicine with water.

    • Dr. Soma Chakrabarty , 26th July 2021 @ 12:10 am

      Yes, sure… Feel free to take meds as per your doctor’s advice.

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