From Papaya to Goat Milk, dispelling myths that put dengue patients at risk

With monsoon arrival in Hyderabad, senior doctors are warning families against unscientific "instant cures" for dengue like raw papaya juice, Giloy, and goat milk. Experts emphasize that professional fluid management remains the gold standard of care

Hyderabad: As monsoon clouds gather over Hyderabad and the seasonal threat of dengue returns, a parallel epidemic of misinformation often takes hold, leaving vulnerable households susceptible to treatments that claim instant or miraculous recovery.

The drop in platelet count, a major symptom among dengue patients, often triggers panic, leading families to embrace questionable home remedies that promise a swift treatment from dengue.

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Some of the most common such home remedies claiming instant cure include papaya leaf extract, Thippa Theega (Giloy), and Dudhi (Asthma weed). Doctors warn that the reliance on these myths poses a significant risk to patient safety.

While products like Caripill, a standardized medical extract from papaya leaves, are approved by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), they are only intended for supportive therapy.

Senior doctors urge the public to distinguish between a regulated, pharmacy-purchased extract and homemade raw leaf juice, whose chemical composition can vary wildly in potency and hygiene.

Addressing the trend, noted public health commentator and pediatrician from Hyderabad, Dr Sivaranjani Santosh on X said “It’s big business during the Dengue season. Even if they (papaya extracts) do increase platelets a little bit, giving these extracts in dengue patients without warning signs doesn’t make any sense. In Dengue with warning signs, and in severe Dengue, the person is already sick, and these leaves and their extracts worsen the vomiting and gastritis”.

Similarly, the trend of consuming goat milk persists despite a total lack of scientific evidence supporting its role in boosting platelet counts.

Many households also turn to Thippa Theega, a well-known traditional medicine for its immunity-boosting properties, or raw juices made from Dudhi leaves, falsely believing that they can reverse the physiological damage caused by the dengue virus. Similarly, the trend of consuming goat milk persists despite a total lack of scientific evidence supporting its role in boosting platelet counts.

Senior seasonal disease experts point out that there is no shortcut to managing dengue, as the disease requires professional monitoring of vital signs like fluid levels, and plasma leakage.

“There is no doubt that Thippa Theega or Neem have a place in general wellness or symptom management under medical guidance. However, they are not substitutes for the gold standard of care,” senior doctors said.

Common myths associated with dengue:

• Raw extract of papaya leaves improves platelet counts
• Goat milk is often administered believing that it will boost platelet count in a dengue patient
• Giloy (Thippa Theega) is taken to reduce fever, but can be problematic for patients with comorbidities
• There are concerns that Thippa Theega can cause liver damage
• Dudhi (Asthma weed) is taken believing that it will improve platelet count
• General consumption of Neem, Tulsi and even Haldi
• They have antioxidants and are generally good for the body
• ICMR and MOHFW view them as wellness supplements and not actual treatment for dengue