Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by contaminated water or food. It affects the intestinal tract and then spreads to the bloodstream. It is caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. Poor hygienic conditions, unsafe drinking water, and contaminated food are the usual causes of typhoid. Fever, headaches, abdominal pain and weakness are the primary symptoms. With the progression of the disease, delirium, hallucinations, chills, enlarged liver and nosebleeds might also surface. To promote quicker recovery, use home remedies with regular medication for the best results. Here are some of the time-tested home remedies for typhoid.

1 Increase Fluid Intake

To prevent dehydration, keep sipping on fluids. Staying hydrated also helps in the timely elimination of waste materials and toxins from the body. Apart from water, have fruit juices, coconut water, and soup

2 Use Cold Compresses

To combat high fever, use cold compresses to bring down the temperature. Sponge off armpits, feet, groin, and hands. Applying cold compresses on the extremities brings down the temperature most effectively.

3 Drink ORS

Ensure that you have WHO recommended ORS. Buy sachets from any chemist or keep deliciously flavored tetra packs at home. You can even make at home by mixing sugar and salt in a liter of boiled water

4 Have Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps to maintain a proper pH in the body. It draws out heat from the skin and therefore, reduces the body temperature. The loss of minerals because of diarrhea is compensated by having apple cider vinegar. Mix a teaspoon in water. Add honey if needed. Drink before meals.

5 Basil

The holy basil is antibiotic and antimicrobial. Add basil to boiled water and drink three to four cups daily. Basil boosts immunity and calms the tummy. Or you can 4-5 basil/ tulsi leaves to make a paste. Add pepper powder to this paste and a few strands of saffron or Kesar. Mix all these and divide them into three parts. Have this mixture after every meal

6 Garlic

Garlic speeds up recovery from typhoid due to its antioxidative properties. It boosts immunity and detoxifies the body. Eat two cloves on an empty stomach. This is not conducive to pregnant women and children.

7 Bananas

Bananas have pectin, a soluble fiber that helps the intestines absorb fluids, thus curing diarrhea. Potassium in the fruit helps in replacing the electrolytes lost through loose motions. It is one of the best things to eat when having typhoid

8 Triphala Churan

This is an essential ayurvedic churan that shows positive effects on fever and typhoid. It hampers the growth of Salmonella typhi. Chemists provide this in the form of powder and tablets.

9 Cloves

Cloves fight against bacteria that cause typhoid. Boil water with cloves, strain in a cup and have two cups daily

Tips to follow:

• Avoid using items used by the infected person. E.g., towel, glass, napkin, etc.
• Drink only boiled water.
• Do not indulge in sweetened beverages and a big NO to coffee.