Antipyretic Drugs In Ayurveda

The antipyretic drugs are used in treating high body temperature, to reduce the body temperature and then restore it back to normal. This is a medicine that can be used for the prevention of feverish conditions as well as bringing down the high body temperature to normal condition. The antipyretics do not interfere with the body temperature in a healthy state.

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According to Ayurveda the ancient Indian medical system, fever is named Jwara. Jwara or fever can be described as the body’s natural tendency to burn ama, the toxins. Therefore there is no need to suppress it but when it rises beyond 102 degrees, efforts must be taken to reduce it. The normal body temperature is 98.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degree Celsius.  Fever occurs independently or as a symptom of some other disease.  The pathological impact of microbes and some other traumatic conditions may cause fever.  Ayurveda is divided into several types in accordance with the theory of dosha. Antipyretic drugs in Ayurveda are classified into two broad categories namely Antipyretics and Analgesic and Diaphoretics.

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The body tries to digest ama (toxins) during fever in an attempt to protect itself. Excess heat is produced inside the body due to this process and the body will take the excess of it. Taking antipyretic drugs will help in checking the process of producing excessive heat in the body. The body uses its full potential to combat the ama. Fits may occur in rare cases at this stage.

Treatment of fever – pyrexia

Ayurveda aims to eliminate the root cause of the high temperature in the body. When the body stops sweating, the condition is known as Swedavrodha, which causes a rise in body temperature. Fasting namely Langhanam and usage of appetizers and other digestive stimulants called paachan are recommended in Ayurveda to treat fever. Other therapeutic methods are also used in Ayurveda to treat fever depending upon the diagnosis.

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How Antipyretic drugs work

Antipyretic drugs act by speeding up the heat radiating off the body and reducing the activity of the hypothalamus. They also step up the sweating activity in the body. Bitter-tasting medicines namely Tikta rasa pradhan are effective in treating pyretic conditions.  The medicines are used in various forms such as pills, powder, or diet preparations.  Herbal tea without tea leaves in different combinations of herbs is also used in treating certain types of fever.

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Antipyretic Ayurvedic drugs

Ayurvedic antipyretic drugs have a common name Jwaraghana. Amla, Abhya, Atis, Bhibhitaki, chandan, Gaduchi, Dhatura, Kaarvellak, Kalmegha, Karanj, Katuki, Patha, Madan Phala, Moorva, Nimba, Rakta chandan, peelu, Droon pushpin, Arka, Sahdevi, Sharkarapatala, Shewats chandan, Karvir , purushaka and Manjishta etc. Mineral based drugs include Gadanti, Hartaal, Praval, Kaparda, Narsaar, Pkitkari, Shankha, manashila and Neelanjana. These medicines are prescribed according to the condition of the patient and the specific doshas involved.   Many combination drugs are also used as antipyretics in Ayurveda. Tribhuvan Kriti Rasa, Godanti Mishrana, and Sanjivani Vati are given in the case of navajwara which is acute fever.   Saptaparna Ghana Vati and Sudarshana choorna are used to treat malarial fever which is known as Visamajwara.   Decoctions of Aranda, Shaobhanjan, Yava, Shweta Punarnava, and Kulatha are used as antipyretic drugs. Minral combinations like Naracha Rasa, Tarun Jwarari Rasa, Prataap Martanda Rasa, Mritansanjavini Rasa and Chintamani Rasa are also used.

Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum is also found to have antipyretic properties and is widely used in Ayurveda to treat feverish conditions.