Question on Cholera

Cholera (also called Asiatic cholera) is a water-borne disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is typically ingested by drinking contaminated water, or by eating improperly cooked fish .

Some very common type od home remedies for cholera are as follows:

• Consume limejuice everyday, as it helps in killing the cholera bacillil
• About thirty grams of onion and seven black peppers should be pounded finely in a pestle and given to the patient in two or three doses during the daya
  
  
  
• A teaspoon of fresh drumstick leaf juice, mixed with one teaspoon of honey and a glass of tender coconut water, can be given two or three limes a day as a herbal medicine in the treatment of cholerar
• About four grams of clove should be boiled in three litres of water until half of the water has evaporatede The decoction thus prepared should be given to the patient several times during the daya
• Lemon, onions, vinegar, and mint should be included in the daily diet during an epidemic of cholerar
  

One of the best websites for very complete information on cholera is:http://www.who.int/topics/cholera/en/

The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains excellent data on the status of many health conditions which are not as common in North America and northern European countries. 

Cholera affects the gastro-intestinal system (and immune systems) and produces severe bloody diarrhea and nausea due to the toxins caused by a particular variety of bacteria.  In my opinion the best natural remedies would be prevention by supporting and strenghtening the immune system (pro/prebiotics, castor oil packs, restful sleep, proper nutrition and healthy food choices, etc.)  In the naturopathic world, it is not so much the "bug" as it is the terrain.  So, maintaining a good terrain can go a long way to maintaining health.

Realistically, some of these types of preventative measures may not be a priority if one is simply trying to survive.  After the fact, an appropriate homeopathic remedy such as Camphor, Cuprum (copper) or Veratrum may be helpful. There are many choices for homeopathic remedies, so the experience of a trained health care professional would be beneficial.  http://www.countrydoc.com

Dr. Karen Benton, Naturopathic Physician