Chikungunya is a viral infection caused by the Chikungunya virus which is transmitted through mosquito bites. Individuals under stress, children, and pregnant women are more prone to complications when afflicted with Chikungunya. The symptoms in this medical condition include high fever, severe headache, chills, rash, nausea and vomiting, muscular pain, and severe pain with swelling in joints. The Chikungunya virus can be very infective and disabling, and can affect large populations at a time. People affected with this condition usually continue to have symptoms for several weeks or even several months.
The Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Chikungunya consists of giving symptomatic treatment for the fever and also using Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have an anti-viral action and which control the Chikungunya virus. Medicines are given to control fever and body ache, as well as chills and rash. Medicines are also given to control nausea and vomiting and other symptoms commonly seen in this medical condition. More importantly, aggressive treatment is given for the swollen and painful joints which are characteristic of Chikungunya, and which persist for a long time, often disabling the patient considerably. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which reduce pain, control the inflammation and reduce swelling in the joints, are used in high doses in order to bring about a fast and significant relief for the painful joints. Oral medication is supplemented with the use of local treatment in the form of herbal ointments and medicated oils. Local hot fomentation is also applied on the affected joints in order to give faster relief from pain and swelling.
Lastly, Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a strong anti-viral action are used in the treatment of Chikungunya in order to inactivate this virus and prevent its replication and spread. These treatments help to control the fever as well as other symptoms and complications, and also prevent community spread of this condition. Ayurvedic herbal treatment needs to be continued for about 4 to 12 weeks in order to completely treat this condition as well as its complications.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously utilised in the management and treatment of Chikungunya.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
