Home Remedies for Malaria

Home care for malaria supports recovery. It cannot cure the infection. Antimalarial medicine from a doctor is needed, and the test should come first.

Simple care during treatment

• Rest: the body is fighting a heavy infection, and tiredness can last for weeks
• Fluids: water, oral rehydration solution, coconut water and thin soups help replace what fever and sweating remove
• Light food: rice gruel, khichdi, bananas and soft cooked vegetables are easier to keep down
• Fever comfort: a lukewarm sponge and light clothes help. Paracetamol can be used as the doctor advises.
• Take the full course: finish every antimalarial tablet, even when the fever goes

Keep mosquitoes away from the patient

A person with malaria can infect mosquitoes. Use a net, screens, repellent and cover the skin, so the infection does not pass to others at home.

Things to avoid

• Do not rely on kadha, herbal drops or folk cures instead of testing
• Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen for fever unless a doctor says so
• Do not give honey to infants under 12 months
• Do not give home remedies to infants. Take them to a doctor.

When home care is not enough - go to a hospital (112 or 102)

Confusion, fits, fast breathing, dark urine, yellow eyes, bleeding, vomiting that stops tablets staying down, or any severe weakness.

Pregnancy and children

Fever in a pregnant woman or a child under 5 needs a doctor the same day.

Key point

Home care is rest, fluids and light food while the prescribed treatment works. It is never a stand-in for testing and medicine.