Ayurvedic Treatment of Fever (Jwara) – Principles, Slokas & Medicines

Introduction

Fever (Jwara) is one of the most commonly discussed diseases in Ayurveda. It is considered the king of diseases (Rogaratna) because it can affect all bodily systems. The treatment of Jwara is detailed in classical texts like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya.

According to Ayurveda, Jwara is caused by an imbalance in the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, along with Agni Mandya (weak digestion) and Ama (toxins). The treatment aims at removing Ama, balancing doshas, and restoring Agni.

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1. Causes of Fever (Jwara Hetu)

Sloka Reference

"मलसङ्गाज्ज्वरः क्रुद्धैर्दोषैः सम्प्राप्य देहम्।"
(Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra 39.3)

Explanation

Jwara occurs due to:

• Improper digestion (Agni Mandya) leading to toxin accumulation.
• Imbalance of Vata, Pitta, or Kapha.
• External infections or seasonal variations.
• Mental stress and overexertion.

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2. Types of Fever (Jwara Bheda)

Ayurveda classifies fever into different types based on dosha involvement:

Type	Symptoms	Treatment Approach
Vataja Jwara	Dry skin, chills, body pain	Warm, nourishing food, Sneha (ghee), Dashamoola decoction
Pittaja Jwara	High fever, thirst, burning sensation	Cooling herbs like Chandana, Guduchi, Amalaki
Kaphaja Jwara	Low-grade fever, heaviness, mucus formation	Dry, light food, Pippali, Trikatu
Sannipataja Jwara	Severe fever with mixed symptoms	Detoxification (Shodhana), Tikta (bitter) herbs
Agantuja Jwara	Fever due to external causes (infections, trauma)	Strengthening immune system, Rasayana therapy

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3. Ayurvedic Treatment of Fever

A. Langhana Therapy (Fasting & Light Diet)

Sloka Reference

"ज्वरार्तस्य लङ्घनं सर्वथा हिततमम्॥"
(Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 3.149)

Explanation

• Fasting (Langhana) is the first-line treatment for fever. It helps the body digest Ama (toxins).
• Light, easy-to-digest food like Peya (thin rice gruel) and Yusha (moong dal soup) should be given.

Recommended Diet:

• Peya (Rice gruel with ginger and cumin).
• Mudga Yusha (Green gram soup).
• Warm water with honey (for Kapha fever).

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B. Ama Pachana (Digestive & Detox Herbs)

Sloka Reference

"दीपनं पाचनं चैव यथास्वं समुपाचरेत्॥"
(Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 3.150)

Explanation

If fever is due to Ama accumulation, digestion should be improved with Deepana-Pachana herbs.

Best Ama-Pachana Medicines:

1. Shunthi (Dry Ginger) – Increases digestion, relieves chills.
2. Trikatu Churna (Pippali, Black Pepper, Ginger) – Burns Ama, balances Kapha.
3. Hingwashtaka Churna – Best for Vata-induced fever.

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C. Swedana Therapy (Sweating Treatment)

Sloka Reference

"सन्तर्पणं च लाघवं स्वेदनं ज्वरनाशनम्॥"
(Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 14.4)

Explanation

• Sweating therapy (Swedana) helps in Vata-Kapha fevers where chills and body stiffness are present.
• It should be avoided in high Pitta fevers.

Methods of Swedana:

• Bashpa Sweda (Steam therapy with herbal decoction).
• Upanaha (Hot herbal poultice for body pain).
• Hot water bath (for mild fevers).

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D. Shamana Chikitsa (Pacification Therapy)

After digestion is improved, specific medicines are given based on dosha type.

Ayurvedic Formulations for Fever:

Condition	Medicine	Dosage
General fever	Sudarsana Churna	1 tsp with warm water
Vata-Pitta fever	Amrutottaram Kashayam	15 ml with warm water
Kapha fever with mucus	Tribhuvan Kirti Rasa	125 mg with honey
High Pitta fever	Chandrakala Rasa	125 mg with milk
Viral fevers	Guduchi Ghanvati	2 tablets twice daily

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E. Rasayana Therapy (Rejuvenation for Post-Fever Fatigue)

After fever subsides, Rasayana (rejuvenating) herbs help regain strength.

Best Rasayana Herbs:

1. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) – Immunity booster.
2. Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry) – Replenishes strength.
3. Ashwagandha – Restores energy and reduces weakness.

Recommended Medicine:

• Chyawanprash – 1 tsp daily with milk.

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4. Panchakarma for Chronic Fever

If fever becomes recurrent or chronic (Jeerna Jwara), detoxification is needed.

Best Panchakarma Therapies:

1. Vamana (Emesis Therapy) – If Kapha accumulation is present.
2. Virechana (Purgation Therapy) – If Pitta is aggravated.
3. Basti (Medicated Enema) – If Vata is dominant in chronic fever.

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5. Preventive Measures for Jwara

1. Follow Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) to avoid seasonal fevers.
2. Consume warm water and herbal teas like Tulsi, Ginger, and Turmeric.
3. Avoid heavy, oily, and junk foods that create Ama.
4. Daily practice of Pranayama (deep breathing) strengthens immunity.
5. Maintain a balanced diet and proper sleep to prevent fever recurrence.

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Conclusion

The Ayurvedic approach to fever treatment focuses on digesting Ama, balancing doshas, improving Agni, and detoxifying the body. By following these principles along with herbal medicines and dietary changes, fever can be effectively managed without suppressing natural immunity.