Together Against Malaria

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Boneset was used by Native Americans for a valuable remedy against colds, flu, and fevers. Other common names that boneset is identified by include: thoroughwort, vegetable antimony, feverwort, agueweed, Indian sage, sweating plant, eupatorium, crossword, thoroughstem, thoroughwax, and wild Isaac. In most cases, boneset has been used primarily to treat fevers. They introduced boneset to the settlers in the New World. From 1820 through 1916, boneset was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia. This herb was also listed in the National Formulary from 1926 through 1950. Boneset has been used to restore strength in the stomach and spleen. It has also been used as a tonic for acute and chronic fevers. Dr. Edward E. Shook actually felt that boneset was beneficial for every kind of fever humans are subjected to. He also believed that it had never failed in overcoming influenza.

Recent research has found that boneset contains antiseptic properties that help to promote sweating. These properties also help in cases of colds and flu. Boneset has also been shown to contain antiviral properties and strengthen the immune system by enhancing the secretion of interferon. Additional studies have found that boneset is effective against minor viral and bacterial infections by stimulating white blood cells. Additionally, this herb has been used to treat indigestion and pain and may also contain some mild anti-inflammatory agents to help with conditions like arthritis.

Boneset is a perennial herb that has an erect stout and a hairy stem. It grows from two to four feet high, with branches at the top. The leaves of the boneset plant are large, opposite, united at the base, and lance-shaped. They grow anywhere between four to eight inches in length and taper into a sharp point. The edges of these leaves are finely toothed, with prominent veins. These leaves help to distinguish this plant species at first glance. The flower heads of the boneset plant are terminal and numerous, being large, and having anywhere from ten to twenty white florets. The plant possesses an aromatic odor, with an astringent and strongly bitter taste. This plant species varies considerably in size, hairiness, form of leaves, and inflorescence. It can typically be found flowering from July to September.

The entire herb is used to provide alterative, anti-inflamamtory, antiperiodic, antiviral, diaphoretic, emetic, febrifuge, purgative, nervine, and stimulant properties. The primary nutrients found in boneset include calcium, magnesium, PABA, potassium, and vitamins C and B-complex. Primarily, boneset has been shown to be extremely helpful in dealing with chills, colds, coughs, fever, flu, malaria, pain, rheumatism, typhoid fever, and yellow fever. Additionally, this herb is beneficial in treating bronchitis, catarrh, jaundice, liver disorders, measles, mumps, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, scarlet fever, sore throat, and worms. For more information on the many beneficial effects provided by boneset, please contact a representative from your local health food store.

Although there is no recent clinical evidence that guides the dosage of boneset, traditional use of the herb suggests that a dose be about two grams of leaves and flowers. The internal use of this herb should be tempered by the occurrence of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in this plant. For those women who are pregnant or lactating, this herb should not be used, as there have been documented adverse effects on those women who are pregnant and/or lactating.

Boneset is available in capsule, tablet, and liquid extract forms at your local or internet health food store. Look for name brands to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.

Insect repellents you put on your skin

A huge range of topical insect repellents are available on the market, which when applied to bare skin can be very useful in keeping mosquitoes and numerous other biting insects away. Repellents which have the chemical pesticide Deet (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) in them are very effective at giving protection, and are generally regarded as the most helpful. When putting topical insect repellents immediately on the skin special attention should be paid to the advice on the label.

Mosquito room sprays

Insecticide room sprays can assist in preventing mosquitoes from entering the room. Try spraying rooms just before leaving them. Spray in the vicinity of doors and windows, and make sure they remain closed as much as possible. In order to prevent becoming too warm, try and spend time in rooms that have air conditioning or fans, as air turbulence has a habit of making mosquitoes inactive.

Plug in insecticides

Plug in insecticides are plugged into electrical sockets, and different styles are available for specific sockets depending on where in the world you may be. The plugs are filled with insecticide liquid or impregnated tablets, which discharge an insecticide vapour into the air discouraging and destroying biting insects. Liquid and tablet top ups for the plug units are extensively available, and it is vital they are used frequently so that the defence the plug ins offer against mosquitoes can be continued.

Insect screens for windows and doors

Stop mosquitoes and other insects from coming into the room through doors and windows by fixing fine mesh fly screens, which can be bought ‘made to measure’ or trimmed in ‘do it yourself’ style to the needed dimensions. Adhesive strips or hinges are used to mount the screens to door and window frames so that fresh air and daylight can be allowed in and the insects can be barricaded out.

Protective Mosquito nets

Mosquito nets provide cover from a mosquito attack, and are available to buy soaked with insecticide for more security. They can be suspended from the ceiling above the bed, or mobile, self-supporting nets that bounce into shape for use above a portable bed when moving from place to place may be more convenient. You can purchase nets in various shapes and dimensions depending on what you need, and they are also available to cover pushchairs and infants’ play enclosures.

Insect smoke coils

Insect smoke coils are made use of outside and should not be used inside. When smouldering, the coils unleash an insecticidal smoke, which wards off biting insects. Smoke coils are very handy for staving off flying pests when relaxing outside in the evenings, and for stopping them slinking indoors via doors and windows.

Mosquito wristbands

Wristbands which contain insect repellent are obtainable that might give a shield against biting mosquitoes, and are a more practical option than lotions which are tiresome and awkward to rub on. What’s more, mosquito wristbands can also be put on around the ankle. You are also able to get mosquito repellent adhesive patches, the adhesive surface of which is stuck on to clothes or skin.

Extra precautions to deter biting mosquitoes

Conceal skin with clothes as much as you are able by dressing in long trousers, and long sleeved tops and socks, and bear in mind mosquitoes can bite right through close-fitting clothes. Put on light colours, as it is believed that mosquitoes are more tempted by dark colours. Hairspray, antiperspirant deodorants and body sprays will make you more appealing to them as well, so contemplate making use of fragrance-free toiletries. As a rule people are more likely to get bitten by mosquitoes at dusk and at nighttime, so endeavour to steer clear of going out in the open air between these times.

India has a lot to offer as a tourist destination. There are some wonderful Hindu temples, the Taj Mahal, and some great scenery too. The culture of India is a rich and fascinating one, and thousands of tourists come to learn more about the country each year.

However, like almost every part of the world, India is not without its problems. There is crime, disease, and even simple environmental hazards that could ruin a holiday for an unwary traveler. The following tips should help you stay safe and avoid illness or injury during your holiday.

Get Your Jabs!

There are lots of serious diseases in India that are less common in other parts of the world – including meningitis, dengue fever, dysentery, chorea, hepatitis, malaria, and typhoid. If you are visiting from the UK, Canada, or the United States you will not need a vaccination certificate to enter the country, but visitors from other parts of the world will need to show one. No matter where you are traveling from, it is wise to consult your doctor before you go and make sure you are up to date on all your vaccinations ‘ these are serious illnesses, and it is not worth taking any risks.

Mosquitoes pose a significant threat. They can spread diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, so you should take along some mosquito spray and nets as a little extra protection.

Watch What You Eat

While in India you should avoid raw vegetables and meats such as pork. Be wary of eating anything from a street vendors, and make sure that all your food is cooked thoroughly.

Don’t drink water unless it is bottled water ‘ avoid ice cubes too, unless you know they were made from bottled water. If you cannot avoid tap water, then use some water purification tablets before you drink it. These usually contain iodine or chlorine, and you should try not to use too many of them, but it is better to purify the water than to drink it as is.

Be Careful of The Sun!

India is very warm, especially from March until May. Perhaps you plan to travel during the hotter months. If so, then be sure to drink lots of water (preferably bottled water), and make full use of the shade when you can. Also, wear sunscreen and re-apply it frequently. Some people even carry a parasol around with them to keep the worst of the sun off them during the day.

Enjoy Your Holiday

It may seem boring to have to worry about vaccinations and sun cream, etc, but it is better to spend a few minutes making sure you are protected, than to get sick while you are on holiday. Sunburn or heat stroke at the start of a trip can leave you unable to have any fun for the entire stay, and illnesses like meningitis can be fatal.

A few simple precautions before the trip will mean that you can spend your time in India learning about the country, visiting some classic landmarks, and getting some spectacular photographs for your holiday collection.