Jwara (Fever) in Ayurveda

Jwara (Fever) in Ayurveda

Jwara (ज्वर) is considered one of the most significant diseases in Ayurveda. It is described as the first disease to affect the human body and is caused by the imbalance of doshas. Fever is classified based on doshic involvement, causative factors, and chronicity.

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Types of Jwara in Ayurveda

1. Based on Dosha Involvement

1. Vātaja Jwara – Dryness, body ache, restlessness, scanty sweating.
2. Pittaja Jwara – High fever, thirst, burning sensation, yellowish skin and eyes.
3. Kaphaja Jwara – Mild fever, heaviness, drowsiness, excessive mucus.
4. Sannipataja Jwara – Combination of all three doshas, severe and chronic fever.

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2. Based on Causative Factors

1. Agantuja Jwara – Caused by external factors like infections, injuries.
2. Nija Jwara – Due to internal doshic imbalance.

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3. Based on Chronicity

1. Satata Jwara – Continuous fever.
2. Sannipata Jwara – Irregular fever with severe complications.
3. Vishama Jwara – Intermittent fever (like malaria).

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Ayurvedic Treatment Principles for Jwara

1. Langhana (Fasting & Light Diet)

"लङ्घनं स्वेदनं काशायं ज्वरघ्नं वा प्रयोजयेत्।"
(Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 3/167)
Meaning: Fasting, sweating therapy, and decoctions are useful in treating fever.

• Yusha (light soup), Peya (thin gruel), and Lajamanda (rice water with medicinal herbs) are recommended.
• Avoid heavy, oily, and cold food.

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2. Pachana (Digestion & Detoxification)

• Trikatu Churna (Pippali, Maricha, Shunthi) helps in digestion.
• Hingwashtaka Churna improves digestion and prevents Ama formation.

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3. Shamana (Palliative Treatment)

Vātaja Jwara Treatment

• Dashamoola Kwatha – Reduces body ache and restlessness.
• Maharasnadi Kwatha – Effective in pain relief.
• Tila Taila Abhyanga (Sesame Oil Massage) – Relieves Vata-related symptoms.

Sloka:

"महा स्नेहो ज्वरं हन्ति वातपित्तकफोद्भवम्।"
(Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 3/180)
Meaning: Oleation therapy (Sneha) is beneficial in all types of fevers.

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Pittaja Jwara Treatment

• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) – Reduces burning sensation.
• Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) – Cools down body temperature.
• Pravala Bhasma & Mukta Pishti – Acts as natural antipyretics.

Sloka:

"गुडूचीं मधुकं शारिवां चन्दनं वासकं धृतम्।
पित्तज्वरहरं श्रेष्ठं शीतलं दाहशान्तिकम्॥"
(Ashtanga Hridaya, Chikitsa Sthana 1/24)
Meaning: Guduchi, Madhuka, Sariva, Chandana, and Vasaka are excellent for relieving Pittaja fever.

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Kaphaja Jwara Treatment

• Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) – Removes excess mucus.
• Sitopaladi Churna – Helps in cough and congestion.
• Talisadi Churna – Clears respiratory pathways.

Sloka:

"तालीसपत्रचूर्णं हि मधुना सह संयुतम्।
श्लेष्मज्वरं हरेत् क्षिप्रं स्वरं च प्रतिपद्यते॥"
(Ashtanga Hridaya, Chikitsa Sthana 1/28)
Meaning: Talisadi Churna with honey cures Kaphaja Jwara and improves voice quality.

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Sannipataja Jwara Treatment

• Maha Sudarshana Churna – Balances all three doshas and acts as a broad-spectrum antipyretic.
• Tribhuvan Kirti Rasa – Effective for chronic and complicated fevers.
• Dashamoola Arishta – Strengthens the body after prolonged fever.

Sloka:

"सुदर्शनं सन्निपातं हन्ति ज्वरं चिरं स्थितम्।"
(Bhavaprakasha, Jwara Chikitsa 2/15)
Meaning: Sudarshana Churna is excellent in treating chronic and severe fevers.

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4. Rasayana (Rejuvenation After Fever)

• Chyawanprash – Boosts immunity post-fever.
• Ashwagandha & Shatavari – Helps in regaining strength.
• Draksharishta & Lohasava – Improves digestion and blood circulation.

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Conclusion

Jwara is one of the most critical conditions in Ayurveda. Management includes fasting, herbal decoctions, dosha-specific medicines, and rejuvenating therapies. Proper diagnosis and treatment selection based on dosha involvement ensure better recovery.