Herbal, siddha to prevent dengue

Herbal and siddha medicines are administered to people as a preventive method from dengue fever. Begging to be different, allopathic doctors questioned scientific base of these prescriptions.

Poly-herbal concoctions, herbal medicines and powdered medicines are sold freely to improve the immune system to stave off dengue fever. These concoctions are prescribed in 20 gm to 300 gm, depending on the age.

Dr B. Raju, a senior general physician, said, “These concoctions contain five to seven herbs. They are antipyretic and help reduce fever. They also help in controlling the anti-inflammatory effect of the infection caused by the pathogens. Due to these features and the immediate relief, people find it good. But does it help fight the virus? What are the sideeffects? These need to be studied.”

Over-the-counter sale of these drugs without proper studies has got allopathic doctors agitated. A senior doctor noted, “These medicines are sold as prevention combinations. But do they really prevent or create an immediate temporary relief ? Soon, we will have a situation, where there are too many chemicals or adverse reactions of medicines.”

Dr Adil Sheikh, a senior general physician, said, “There are a section of people who take a long time to respond to medicines. This is because there are too many different chemicals pumped into the body. This causes the delay. Often in the case of dengue, malaria and swine flu, this kind of delayed response is noted.”