The Government of Tamil Nadu is one of the few state governments 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 personally reviewed by the chief minister herself and hence is being implemented very well in the state.
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 one is available along with other herbs as Nilavembu Kudineer Chooranam in almost all Siddha hospitals, dispensaries, 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 approval has helped people believe in the prescribed herbals.
In my earlier articles, I wrote 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 of 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 the tablet form, it is easier to administer and distribute.
The dosage prescribed by ayurvedic vaidyars for chikungunya, 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-a-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 Sudarshana and three tablets of Dhanvantaram, once in four hours. The tablets are to be taken three to four times a day, usually in empty stomach. Ayurvedic vaidyars caution that even though Sudarshana Chooranam and Dhanvantaram tablets are extremely effective, one should consult a vaidyar if the fever persists, especially in the children. Sudarshana Chooranam tablets are extremely effective because of the synergistic effect of the 50 herbals they contain. Andrographis paniculata has antipyretic,
antifungal, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial 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 clearly say that this herbal composition has stood the test of time.
If the fever is accompanied with a cold, Taleesadi Chooranam 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. As you may know, 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 cold, cough and fever.
While suffering from fever, one should pay attention to one’s diet. Easy to digest parboiled kanji rice will help to manage fever, as it provides energy while at the same time it does not trouble the stomach. Malayalis love kanji, but not so in case of the 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, Tamil Nadu, and is currently Additional Chief Secretary, and Chairman and MD, Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation. She can be reached at Sheelarani.arogyamantra@gmail.com.Earlier articles can be accessed at
www.arogyamantra.blogspot.com