Dengue fever has been classified as an epidemic in Pakistan and the number of people it infects continues to rise. The cure is limited to taking a lot of rest and staying hydrated; acetaminophen can be administered for the pain. Dengue takes a toll on the platelets and white blood cells, and leaves the patient extremely fatigued and in a tremendous amount of pain.
Read more: Dengue 101: Causes And Treatment
One home remedy that has been referred by many patients of dengue, is the use of papaya leaf juice to increase platelet count. An in depth survey showed how over the course of 5 days, papaya leaf juice increased the WBC count as well as the NEUT%.
How to prepare papaya leaves
Method 1:
Wash the papaya leaves thoroughly and dry them. Now place them in a blender and blend them very well, the juices of the leaves will be extracted. Have 2 tablespoons of this mixture twice a day. You may add some sugar to mask the taste of the bitter leaves and some water to make the consistency smoother. You may strain the mixture through a muslin cloth (malmal ka kapra).
Method 2:
Chop clean papaya leaves and add in a saucepan with thrice the amount of water. Let them boil until the water is reduced by half. Strain this concentrated juice and drink a quarter glass, twice a day.
The benefits of papaya
Papaya contains two active compounds known as papain and chymopapain, which are commonly used for the treatment of digestive disorders. The entire fruit (ripe and unripe), inclusive of the seeds, stem, root and fruit flesh contains benefits ranging from anti-microbial to anti-malarial properties.
Read more about the many amazing benefits of papaya for your health
References:
Ahmad, N., Fazal, H., Ayaz, M., Abbasi, B. H., Mohammad, I., & Fazal, L. (2011). Dengue fever treatment with Carica papaya leaves extracts. Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine, 1(4), 330-3.
