10 Nigerian Natural Herbs That Prevent/Treat Malaria Effectively
- Introduction
- 10 Nigerian Natural Herbs That Prevent/Treat Malaria Effectively
- Conclusion
Malaria is a common ailment in Nigeria due to the prevalence of mosquitoes in most regions of the country. Malaria can be traced to the plasmodium parasite; it is a life-threatening disease as simple as it sounds. It is a public health issue faced by millions of people in the world. Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to this disease. Malaria used to be incurable in the past, but the advancement in medical science has provided a cure for malaria. Many modern medicines treat malaria effectively, without a doubt. Just like modern medicines, there are traditional approaches to preventing and treating malaria parasites in the body.
The cost of antimalarial drugs in Nigeria is presently affecting many in treating malaria disease. This blog post will highlight 10 natural herbs that treat and prevent malaria effectively to support Nigerians. Traditional medicine features natural materials to treat diseases in the body. Nigeria is especially blessed with powerful herbs that can treat many diseases if proper research is done. Here are 10 natural herbs in Nigeria that treat malaria:
For centuries, traditional medicine has been a reliable ally in the fight against malaria.
- Dogonyaro (Neem, Azadirachta indica)
Neem is popularly referred to as dogonyaro in Nigeria. It is a powerful plant that possesses potent compounds that tackle malaria parasites in the body. Dogonyaro, as neem is called in Hausa, is one of the most potent natural remedies for malaria in Nigeria. Every part of the neem tree, from its leaves to seeds, barks, and blossoms, are powerful materials used in medicine.
How It Works: Quercetin, nimbolide, and azadirachtin are part of the natural components that combat the plasmodium parasite responsible for malaria in the body. These bioactive compounds also reduce fever and inflammation, which are common symptoms of malaria. Its antioxidant properties also support the immune system, allowing the body to heal and fight against diseases.
Usage: Avilan Neem tea comes in tea bags, which prevent overdosing. Brewing 1 or two tea bags can serve as a natural remedy against malaria and its symptoms.
Neem oil may also serve as a mosquito repellent, hence preventing malaria parasites in the body.
- Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina)
Bitter leaf is another common herb in Nigeria known for its bitter taste. It possesses powerful antimalarial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potent medicinal plant.
How It Works: Vernodalin and vernomygdin are two potent compounds found in the bitter leaves. They contain antimalarial, antioxidant, and antibacterial qualities, which combat malaria parasites in the body as well as aid detoxification.
Bitter leaves are squeezed to extract their beneficial juice and mixed with water. It can also be boiled and consumed as tea.
- Scent Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum)
Scent leaf is commonly referred to as Efinrin in Yoruba and Nchanwu in Igbo. It is a versatile plant that is used as medicine and food.
How It Works: Scent leaves contain eugenol, a substance that possesses antimalarial and antifungal properties. It alleviates malaria symptoms like fever, nausea, and so on. It also boosts the immune system.
Usage: Scent leaves should be freshly picked and brewed for premium quality. It can also be used in malaria decoctions along with other malaria-potent herbs.
- Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Lemongrass has a natural and refreshing aroma; it is popularly known as kooko oba in Yoruba. It is a common herb used to prepare malaria decoctions in Nigeria, popularly known as Ogun Iba (Malaria remedy). Its invigorating scent alone evokes the senses and rejuvenates the body. It alleviates malaria symptoms like fever, nausea, headache, sore throat, and many more.
How It Works: Citral and limonene are found in lemongrass, and they contain anti-inflammatory and antimalarial properties, making them a natural remedy for preventing malaria. It can act as a natural detoxifier, removing toxins and unwanted substances from the body.
Usage:
Avilan lemongrass tea comes with a powerful herb, clove. It can be used to prevent malaria. Its flavour can also be enhanced by adding pure honey or ginger. This also add additional benefits to the body
- Moringa (Moringa oleifera)
Moonga is popularly referred to as Zogale in hausa and miracle tree generally. It possesses powerful benefits that nourish the body. It is an effective natural remedy for malaria and other ailments. It contains quercetin, vitamins, antioxidants, and kaempferol compounds, which prevent the spread of malaria parasites in the body. They are also immunity boosters, helping the body fight against malaria parasites.
Usage:
Moringa leaves can be brewed as tea and consumed to prevent malaria in the body. Its powder can also be used in smoothies, soups, and beverages to prevent malaria.
- Pawpaw Leaves (Carica papaya)
Pawpaw leaves are effective natural materials to prevent and treat malaria. It possesses powerful properties such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic substances that are antimalarial and anti-inflammatory. They alleviate malaria symptoms, boost the immune system, and act as a blood purifier.
Usage:
Fresh pawpaw leaves can be prepared as tea by boiling the leaves in water.
The leaves can also be crushed to release their juice, then drunk directly.
- Mango Leaves (Mangifera indica)
Mango leaves can also prevent malaria and other diseases. It is rich in flavonoids and tannins, which are powerful to combat malaria parasites in the body.
Usage:
Mango leaves can be brewed and served as warm tea. This is a natural solution for malaria tea. It can be prepared with other malaria herbs for improved results.
- Aidan Fruit (Tetrapleura tetraptera)
This can be used as a natural remedy for treating malaria. It is naturally fragrant and possesses materials that are beneficial to the body. Its antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds combat malaria parasites and aid the immune system to fight malaria parasites by alleviating their symptoms.
Usage:
Aidan fruit is usually boiled, making it a herbal decoction. It can be added to other malaria herbs also for boosted performance in the body.
- Cashew Tree Bark (Anacardium occidentale)
The cashew bark contains properties that serve as a traditional medicine for malaria and other ailments. It contains phenolic compounds, tannins, and alkaloids that prevent the spread of malaria parasites in the body.
Usage: The cashew bark is boiled and drunk to prevent the spread of malaria parasites in the body.
- Guava Leaves (Psidium guajava)
Guava leaves possess antioxidants like flavonoids and antimalaria and antipyretic properties like tannins and saponins that tackle malaria and its symptoms. It fights malaria parasitae and promotes quick recovery.
Guava contains properties that combat malaria parasites in the body. Seep one or two tea bags in hot water for at least five minutes and drink consistently to prevent malaria.
These natural herbs are common in Nigeria and can be used to prevent malaria parasites in the body. Their active compounds inhibit the spread of malaria parasites, preventing malaria ailment in the body. They also boost the immune system, strengthening the body to combat diseases and infections in the body.
Although these herbs are effective, they are best used to prevent malaria parasites in the body. Primarily, use these herbs to prevent malaria. This does not mean they do not treat malaria. Further research may be required to completely harness their potency against malaria. Till then, enjoy these herbs and prevent malaria parasites in your body.
