Malaria
This is a widespread and dangerous systemic infection, claiming
many lives globally every year. Parasites of the Plasmodium genus,
carried by the Anopheles mosquito, infect humans when the mosquitos
feed. It is usually characterized by fevers, sometimes very high,
cold sweats, delirium, dehydration, body pain and extreme tiredness,
and potentially death. Often, the fevers and debility come and go
on a three or four day cycle.
Suspect malaria in cases of recurring high fever with pain, delirium
and chills, when in a tropical or semi-tropical environment or after
returning from one. It can take up to 6 weeks for symptoms to manifest
after the initial infection, depending on which strain of Plasmodium
is responsible.
Treatment Goal(s):
· Eliminate the infection, manage fever, tonify physiology.
Primary Treatment:
· Administer extracts of Artemisia annua (Sweet Annie), 5
ml five times daily.
· Administer decoctions of Cinchona (Peruvian bark, quinine),
1 quart daily.
· Administer extract or whole-food preparations of Allium
sativum (Garlic), up to ½ head daily.
Supportive Treatment:
· Use alterative and eliminative remedies such as Trifolium
praetense (Red Clover), Arctium lappa (Burdock), and Calendula.
· If necessary (diarrhea, active high fever), employ Cryptolepsis
sanguinolenta.
· Manage the fever appropriately using diaphoretics, fluid,
and plenty of constant rest.
Differential diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· If tremors, seizures, or loss of consciousness occur, immediately
seek additional medical help.
· Cardiovascular complications can result. Watch for anemia
(loss of coloration under the lips and eyelids), chest pain of any
kind, or numbness and tingling and seek additional help.
· The kidneys can also be involved. Watch for lower back
pain or any urinary symptoms, such as a sudden darkening of the
urine, or a foul smell. Seek additional help immediately.
