A fever is a part of the body's defense against infection. Although a fever is not an illness, if it exceeds temperatures of 40ºC (104ºF), it can become very dangerous. However, for most fevers, there is no option but to ride it out at home. Here are some of the ways to do that.
Method 1 of 2: Treating with Activities and Adjustments
1Take a bath. If you want some relief and a treatment for your fever, go relax in a tub full of cool water. The water will help to cool the skin and will evaporate as you soak, cooling you further.Ad
2Sponge down. If a bath doesn’t sound too appealing, use a moist towel instead. Soak small towels in cool water and dab them over your body. Again, you will benefit from the further cooling by evaporation. Leave a cloth on your forehead to soothe any discomfort caused by the fever.
3Lower the room temperature. Reduce the temperature of your home to help keep cool. Lowering the room temperature will likely feel more comfortable and will also help to reduce the temperature of your body. A fan will provide additional cooling and relief.
4Remove layers of clothing. Bundling under layers of clothing and blankets traps heat, making a fever last longer than usual. Wear only a few layers of clothing and only use a blanket for periods of chills. If in bed, use only a sheet and get rid of the blanket or comforter.
5Get lots of rest. Your body is fighting against a sickness and needs plenty of energy to heal itself. Help provide this by limiting activity and resting or sleeping as much as possible. Avoid moving around much and if necessary, take time off of work.
6Try an all liquid diet. Nutrients in some foods can feed the bacteria that are causing your illness and the accompanying fever. So, it is best to starve out your sickness by fasting while you have the fever. On the other hand, the antioxidants packed into fruit seem to reduce fevers also. Therefore, fast while the fever persists or flood your body with the anti-oxidants found in most fruits. Both approaches have been shown to reduce the severity of a fever.
7Stay hydrated. Along with rest, your body needs plenty of liquids to fight the illness in your body, especially if you are fasting. Drink water frequently throughout the day, supplementing with clear broth and juice, if desired.
8Stay indoors. Unless you’re already outdoors when your fever comes on, it is best to curl up and rest indoors where the air is dry and the temperature won't change much. If you must be outdoors while suffering from your fever, stay in the shade and limit activity.
Method 2 of 2: Treating with Products and Remedies
1Eat foods. In addition to cooling your body from the outside in, eating cold foods helps reduce body temperature from the inside out. Sucking on popsicles is often a fever-reducer, but other foods such as fruit, yogurt and applesauce work as well.
2Take a fever reducing medication. Several medicines target fevers: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin. Take these over-the-counter medications as the label suggests to help bring down your fever.
3Drink herbal teas. The herbs in your cupboards and garden aren’t just good for cooking, some also help reduce a fever. Favorites for fever reduction include pleuisy root, peppermint, lemon peel, lemon verbena, lemon balm, eyebright, Echinacea, purpurea leaf, feverfew, stevia leaf, elder flower, yarrow, catnip, sage, lemon balm, honey and apple cider vinegar. Steep a single herb or a combination of herbs, then add honey to taste. Allow to cool and drink the tea throughout the day.
- Make a cream of tartar tea by mixing 1½ tsp (25g)cream of tartar, ½ tsp (7.5g) juice, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) honey and 2½ cups (600ml) of water. Mix the ingredients and thoroughly enjoy.
- Create a tea by mixing 1 teaspoon of basil with ¼ teaspoon of pepper and water. Steep the ingredients together for around 5 minutes, and then strain and drink the tea.
- Mix 1 tsp (15g) of oregano and 1 tsp (15g) of marjoram with a pint (475ml) of water. Allow the mixture to simmer for a couple of minutes and allow to cool. This can be served over days, if refrigerated between each pour.
4Make apple water. Boil one medium apple in 1.5 cups (350ml) of water until the apple is soft. Pour the mixture through a strainer to remove the pulp. Add honey (to taste) and cool.
5Make an infusion. An infusion will help you sleep, keep you hydrated and also help to lower a fever. Chop a head of lettuce and pour a pot of water over it. Allow the mixture to soak for 15 minutes and then strain. Add honey to sweeten, let the mixture cool, then drink it periodically throughout the day.
6Try raisin juice. A bit different, raisin juice is made by cutting up ¾ cup (115g)of raisins and adding to 7½ cups (1.75 l) of water. Let the two come to a boil, remove from heat, allow to cool, then strain. Let the juice cool, and drink it 6 times daily.
7Soak garlic in water. Mix 1 clove of garlic with a cup (225ml) of water and allow the mixture to steep. Strain out the garlic & sip the contents slowly. This can reduce the chance of another fever and alleviate the symptoms of the fever.
8Take root. If boiled and infused in water, this will help bring down a fever. Create an infusion of Angelica root by mixing the finely chopped root to hot water and simmering. Strain allow the tea to cool before consuming. A bit of honey can be added to sweeten the mixture.
9Try lemongrass (Cymbopogon). Get 6 roots of lemongrass. Cut off only the part where the white ends. Crush the white part. Prepare a medium to large pan (depending on how long the white part of the root is). Pour in 5 cups of drinking water and put the root part into the pan. Heat over low-medium heat, just so that it soaks into the water. Boil for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, then pour it into a mug or whatever cup (except plastic) and let it stand for 4 minutes. Serve immediately, drink lukewarm.Ad
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- Many parents fear that fevers will cause brain damage. Damage from fever generally will not occur unless the fever is over 108°F (42°C).
- If you are normally physically active, your fever should not last more than a day.
- If your fever exceeds 104ºF (40ºC) degrees get medical attention.
- Do not exercise if you are suffering from a fever.
Sources and Citations
- ↑ http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-fevers1.htm
- ↑ http://www.getridofquick.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-a-fever/
- ↑ http://www.babycenter.com/404_how-can-i-reduce-my-childs-fever-without-using-medicine_10338495.bc
- ↑ http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-fevers2.htm
- ↑ http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail70.php
Recent edits by: Thomscher, Harigovindind, Mike
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