Five herbs that may help cure Zika virus infection – Watch slideshow

The Zika Virus is one of the most dangerous viruses spreading to new areas of the world. Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.

The symptoms of Zika virus are similar to arbovirus infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, muscle and joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), malaise, and headache, etc, which are usually mild and last for 2-7 days.

Zika virus has been linked to unusually small heads and brain damage in newborns - called microcephaly. So far, there is no medicine or vaccine for Zika. However, there are some natural remedies you can consider:

Papaya juice, which is one of the most popular home remedies for dengue fever, is useful for treatment of Zika as well. However, it should not be given to pregnant women as a treatment for Zika because the powerful enzyme papain foun din papaya is known to induce miscarriages and could be dangerous to an unborn baby, although it can help boost the immune system, increase blood platelet count.

Turmeric (haldi) is one of the best anti-inflammatory and natural analgesic herb commonly used in India to treat various health problems. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a substance with powerful antioxidant properties and has the abitily to boost the strength of the immune system.

This is another amazing herb extensively used as home remedy for various illnesses. Basil is also being used abundantly in many ayurvedic formulations. Packed with vitamin A, C and many other phytonutrients, it is an excellent antioxidant herb that protects body from free radicals.

The health benefits of ginger range from relieving digestive problems such as nausea, motion sickness to providing relief from joint pain and respiratory illnesses like nasal congestion and cough. The anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and antioxidant properties in ginger have been known and valued for centuries.

The active ingredient in garlic, allicin, is believed to bring the most of the health benefits. Allicin can strengthen the immune system and eliminate the symptoms of the virus, such as fevers and aching muscles. Garlic has been used as a food and medicine for generations. 

By: Salome Phelamei