Cholera can be described as an acute infection of the intestine and is a result of ingestion of contaminated food and drink. Cholera can prove to be fatal if not treated promptly. Medical attention is a must, but you can also use home remedies for cholera to help reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms of cholera.

Cholera Symptoms

A Mild Diarrhoea Followed by Violent Purging

The first sign of cholera may be mild diarrhoea. This is followed by sudden violent purging.

Stools are Loose, Watery and Nausea and Vomiting

The stools are loose, watery, and greyish-brown in colour. Diarrhoea is usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Feels very Thirsty, Restless and Temperature Rises

The patient gets severe cramps in the stomach, and feels very thirsty and restless. Their pulse becomes weak and although their body temperature rises, their skin is cold and clammy. As their condition deteriorates, their circulatory system becomes sluggish and this results in dry and wrinkled skin. In some cases, the skin may even take on a slight purplish tinge. The signs and symptoms of Cholera are not difficult to spot.

Blood Pressure Falls

The blood pressure falls, the cramps are agonizing, and signs of collapse appear rapidly.


Causes of Cholera

Germ known as Vibrio Cholerae

It is important to understand the causes of cholera and disease control options as this is a highly communicable disease. The primary cause of cholera is a germ called Vibrio Cholerae. This germ promotes the production of an enterotoxin which is responsible for the emergence of the above mentioned symptoms of cholera. The carriers of this disease are contaminated water and food as well as flies.

Home Remedies for Cholera

Cholera Treatment using Lemon

The simplest home remedy or natural cure for cholera is lemon juice. Lemon juice is known to arrest the spread of the cholera bacteria. It seems to be an effective and reliable cure to get rid of the cholera causing germ and can be used along with conventional medication. It may be consumed with sugar or salt depending on your preference.

Use of Guava Root Bark in the Treatment of Cholera

About thirty grams of the root bark should be used in half a litre of water to make the decoction. The water should be boiled down to reduce it by one-third. This decoction can be taken twice daily. Guava root bark, being rich in tannins, is effective in alleviating the symptoms of cholera, mainly diarrhea and vomiting.

Cholera Treatment using Onion

Onions are another valuable remedy for cholera. About thirty grams of this vegetable and seven black peppers should be pounded finely in a pestle and given to the patient in two or three doses during the day. Onions allay thirst and restlessness and the patient feels better.

Cholera Treatment using Bitter Gourd

The fresh juice of bitter gourd is an effective medicine in the early stages of cholera. Two teaspoons of this juice, mixed with an equal quantity of white onion juice and a teaspoon of lime juice, should be given twice daily in the treatment of this condition.

Cholera Treatment using Drumstick Leaves

Another handy natural remedy in the treatment of cholera is drumstick tree leaves. Prepare a concoction using one teaspoon of fresh drumstick tree leaf juice, half a tablespoon of honey and about 2 cups of tender coconut water. Consume this twice a day in order to treat cholera.

Cholera Treatment using Cucumber

A glass of fresh juice of cucumber leaves with an equal quantity of tender coconut water, given in doses of 30-60 ml, forms a valuable remedy for excessive thirst during cholera. It acts excellently by restoring the acid-base balance in dehydration.

Cholera Treatment using Nutmeg

The herb nutmeg is a valuable remedy for dehydration caused by cholera. An infusion made by steeping half a nutmeg in half a litre of water should be given along with half a litre of tender coconut water in doses of 15 ml at a time in treating this condition.

Cholera Treatment using Clove

Cloves are useful in cholera. About four grams of this spice should be boiled in three litres of water until half of the water has evaporated. The decoction thus prepared should be given to the patient several times during the day. This will reduce the severe symptoms.

Cholera Treatment using Rough Chaff

The powdered root of rough chaff, botanically known as Achyranthes aspera, is also helpful in cholera. About six grams of the powder should be thoroughly mixed with half a cup of water and given to the patient once daily.

Cholera diet

Avoid Solid Food and Uncooked Vegetables

The patient should not be given solid food till he has fully recovered from cholera.All uncooked vegetables should be avoided.

Give Liquid Bland Foods, Lemon, Onions and Mint

Liquid bland foods will be easily digested by the patient. Lemon, onions, vinegar, and mint should be included in the daily diet during an epidemic of cholera.

Other Cholera treatments

Purification of Water Supply

The only way to prevent cholera is to make sure that potable water is thoroughly purified before use. Also, the disposal of waste in terms of feces and urine must be carried out in a proper and hygienic manner.

Use of Potassium Permanganate Solution to Wash Fruits and Vegetables

Care must be taken to ensure that all food items are covered so as to prevent flies and other germs from settling on them. It is advisable to wash fruits and vegetables in a solution of potassium permanganate before they are consumed as it is an effective purifying agent. The hands of those handling food must be thoroughly washed before cooking. These precautionary measures will prove to be extremely effective in the prevention of cholera disease.