Ayurveda & Fever: causes, types, and remedies

In Ayurveda, fever is known as Jvara and defined as a temporary or sustained increase in body temperature.
 

The possible causes of fever

According to Ayurveda, there are eight types of fever depending on the etiopathogenesis, i.e. the cause that leads to it:

•    Vata fever
•    Pitta fever
•    Kapha fever
•    Vata-Pitta fever
•    Vata-Kapha fever
•    Pitta-Kapha fever
•    tridoshic fever (or Vata-Pitta-Kapha fever)
•   fever induced by external factors (such as a trauma or an emotional shock)
 

The symptoms of fever

Fever is mainly caused by an imbalance in the Agni (the Digestive Fire) within the stomach and, consequently, in the dosha. Such imbalances lead to an alteration of the skin perspiration, which becomes poor or even absent.

As Pitta is responsible for digestion, the most common fevers are Pitta ones and involve an increase in body temperature. However, depending on the symptoms, the fever can also occur as a Vata or a Kapha one.

But what are the symptoms of each type of fever?

Vata fever:

•    swinging fever
•    full-body pain

Pitta fever:

•    high fever
•    flushed skin
•    burning sensations
•    hunger

Kapha fever:

•    low and steady fever
•    digestive problems
•    mucus buildup
•    cough
•    constipation
•    loss of appetite
 

Ayurvedic remedies for fever

The therapy for Jvara is very simple and based on fasting and taking fluids.

•    fasting

For all three doshas, fasting is the primary therapy. For treating Pitta fever, only well-cooked, light food can be consumed. For Vata and Kapha fever, on the other hand, it is sufficient to drink a lot until the appetite returns.

•    taking fluids

It is important to drink plenty of fluids. Boiled water and decoctions of Trikatu (black pepper, long pepper and ginger) are great examples.

Other effective remedies are the following ones:

•    avoid exposure to cold temperatures, physical fatigue and cold, raw, frozen or precooked dishes;
•    avoid applying oils on your body and head during the first three days of Jvara;
•    promote evacuation to remove toxins from the body;
•    apply cool cloths to the forehead to reduce the heat;
•    reduce fever by inducing sweating with herbs or physical treatments.
 

Balancing the doshas

Depending on the type of dosha involved in the fever, the usual dosha balancing care must be applied.
 

Elimination of waste products from the body

Once the fever is over, it is advisable to take a mild purgative to eliminate the Pitta exceeding.
 

Conclusions

Fever is a common symptom that can be caused by many factors. In Ayurveda, fever (or Jvara) can be Vata, Pitta or Kapha depending on the predominant dosha. The therapy for Jvara is simple and based on fasting, fluid intake and balancing the doshas.