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| - Last Updated on August 8, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
An Instagram video claims that a concoction of Tulsi leaves, rock sugar and black pepper can treat fever at home. We did the fact check to term it as Half True.
The Claim
According to an Instagram video, taking ‘chemical’ medicines for fever can lead to death. Instead, one should go for a concoction made of Tulsi leaves, black pepper and rock sugar (Mishri) to treat fever at home.
Fact Check
Can Tulsi leaves cure infection?
Not really. Holy Basil or Tulsi, scientifically known as Ocimum sanctum L., is a popular medicinal herb with reported antimicrobial activities. Studies show that the essential oils of basil possess antimicrobial properties, exhibiting activity against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Additionally, components of basil, such as ursolic acid, inhibit viral infections, including herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as tumour growth. There are numerous studies on animals or in the lab experiments, but we still need more human studies to confirm its efficacy for treating fever at home.
Is black pepper good for fever?
To some extent. Black pepper, scientifically known as Piper nigrum, is celebrated as the “king of spices” due to its pungent aroma and flavour. Piperine, a major alkaloid in black pepper, exhibits various pharmacological properties, including antipyretic effects. Research demonstrates the antiviral activity of black pepper extracts against different viruses. Additionally, bioactive compounds from black pepper, such as piperdardiine and piperanine, show considerable activity against COVID‐19 in docking-based studies.
What are the benefits of Tulsi and black pepper?
Tulsi, or Holy Basil, and black pepper contain bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. Tulsi shows the ability to enhance immune response and exhibit inhibitory effects against viral infections and tumour growth. Similarly, black pepper’s piperine has a promising antiviral activity against certain viruses (vesicular stomatitis virus: an enteric virus and human parainfluenza virus on human cell lines).
Can Mishri, Tulsi and black pepper herbal concoction treat fever at home?
It may work, to an extent. But there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that a herbal concoction made of Mishri (rock sugar), Tulsi (basil), and black pepper can effectively treat fever at home. Tulsi and black pepper have been studied for their potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. But, the combination of these ingredients as a home remedy for fever lacks empirical support.
Another post of the social media claims that consuming a mixture of fresh holy basil, black pepper and mishri will eliminate fever in a day.
Tulsi, known for its immunomodulatory and antiviral properties, may help boost the immune system and offer some relief from symptoms of viral infections. Similarly, black pepper, with its active compound piperine, has demonstrated various pharmacological effects, including antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity. However, these benefits are not enough to substantiate the use of Tulsi and black pepper in treating fever specifically.
Fever is a complex response of the body to infections and other illnesses, and it often requires a targeted approach to manage effectively. The scientific community emphasises the need for treatments that have undergone rigorous clinical testing to ensure their safety and efficacy. Even though traditional home remedies can offer comfort and some symptomatic relief, they should not replace conventional medical treatments just because they are “chemicals”. The pharma drugs are thoroughly studied and proven to be safe. Hence, it’s essential to seek medical advice, especially when dealing with significant symptoms like fever.
In one of the false post there was a message that claims Pepper cures COVID-19 patients.
What do experts say?
We reached out to Dr Jaspreet Singh Sodhi, Associate Professor, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Dehradun. He states, “In our Ayurveda literature (Samhita) the powder of black pepper with the juice of Tulsi leaves is indicated in the treatment of fever. Because these herbs have bitter and astringent properties, hence we add a little amount of Mishri to make it palatable. Mishri itself does not have antipyretic properties.”
Dr Sodhi suggests the concoction can be helpful in fever citing an Ayurveda literature Sarngadhara Samhita. But he still insists on seeking a healthcare professional for proper treatment.
We sought valuable insights from Dr Annusuiya Gohil, MD Scholar, All India Institute of Ayurveda, as well. She says, “Fever manifests due to several reasons ranging from eating something inappropriate to being exposed to certain conditions. The treatment has to be as per the cause. Tulsi, sugar and black pepper may be useful in certain type of fever but not all. The concoction form cannot cure fever nor is this proven anywhere through research.”
She further continues, “Now a days a lot of things float on social media just for the views and they are misleading. Fever is a very difficult condition to treat and it should be dealt with care. Many people might think that it is normal to have fever and would neglect the same. But it can be really fatal if the treatment is not done after understanding the root cause of it.”
We also approached Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, a General Physician from Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi for his take on herbal remedies for fever. He says, “Relying solely on home remedies like a drink of Tulsi leaves, black pepper, and rock sugar to treat fever may not work for everyone. Some natural ingredients like these, have benefits, but they are not a ‘medical cure’. Delaying proper fever treatment can lead to worsening symptoms, serious complications, and increased risk of spreading infections to family members.”
Dr Rahman further advises, “Seek medical advice promptly if you or someone in your home has a fever. A doctor can diagnose the cause, rule out serious conditions, and prescribe effective treatments. Early treatment can prevent complications and ensure quicker recovery. Your health and the well-being of those around you depend on timely medical care.”
What is the recommended fever treatment?
Fever management generally involves staying hydrated, getting adequate rest, and using over-the-counter fever-reducing (antipyretic) medications. For instance, the medicines acetaminophen or ibuprofen are effective for fever, under medical supervision. Long-term or severe fevers need medical assessment to address underlying infections or illnesses effectively.
What are the likely consequences of delayed fever treatment?
Delaying fever treatment can lead to several potential consequences, some of which may be serious:
- Worsening of Underlying Illness: Fever often indicates an underlying infection or illness. Delaying treatment allows the infection to progress, making it more severe and harder to treat.
- Increased Risk of Complications: High or prolonged fever can lead to complications such as dehydration, febrile seizures in children, and organ damage. Severe fevers can strain the cardiovascular system and other vital organs. This is especially true in vulnerable populations like the older people and those with pre-existing health conditions.
- Dehydration: Fever increases the body’s metabolic rate, leading to fluid loss through sweating. Without timely treatment and adequate fluid intake, dehydration can set in, making the symptoms worse.
- Reduced Immune Response: The body uses fever as a defence mechanism to fight infections. But if the underlying cause is not addressed, the immune system may become overwhelmed, reducing its effectiveness.
- Delaying Diagnosis: Fever can be a symptom of a wide range of conditions, including viral and bacterial infections, inflammatory diseases, and even certain cancers. Not seeking medical advice can result in a missed or delayed diagnosis of serious conditions that require specific medical interventions.
- Impaired Functioning and Quality of Life: Persistent fever can lead to significant discomfort, fatigue, and impaired daily functioning. This can affect work, school, and overall quality of life, prolonging recovery time and causing unnecessary suffering.
- Increased Healthcare Costs: Early treatment can prevent complications and reduce the overall cost of healthcare by minimising the need for hospitalisations, emergency care, and advanced treatments.
- Risk of Transmission: In the case of contagious infections (communicable), delaying treatment not only affects the individual but also increases the risk of infection to others.
If you or someone you care for has a persistent or high fever, it is important to seek medical advice. This is necessary to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment.
Conclusion
The claim that a herbal concoction of Tulsi leaves with black pepper, and rock sugar can effectively cure fever at home is not supported by scientific evidence. Tulsi and black pepper offer certain health benefits, including immune support and antimicrobial activity. But, their role as standalone fever remedies remains speculative. Therefore, individuals seeking relief from fever symptoms should rely on evidence-based approaches and consult healthcare professionals for personalised care.
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