Fevers can come out of nowhere, during any season, and can hit kids especially hard (kids tend to spike higher temperatures than adults). You can always dose up with over-the-counter drugs as per the standard procedure for many parents, or you can turn to some gentler alternatives.
If you don’t have the right medications in the house to curb a fever, or prefer natural solutions, you can still tackle a fever head-on. Here are seven natural fever remedies to try the next time you’re feeling under the weather…
#1: Take Warm Baths
Because your internal temperature is off the scale, when you sit in a lukewarm bath, it’ll feel nice and cool, notes BestHealthMag.ca. The source warns against plunging yourself into a cold tub, as this can cause bloodflow to your organs and actually end up raising your temperature even more.
The site notes to use a sponge to rinse areas that are especially helpful in cooling you down – such as the armpits and groin. The evaporation if the cool water will make you feel better. When you’re out of the tub, place cold and damp washcloths on your forehead and back of the neck, it adds.
#2: Drink Plenty of Fluids
DrAxe.com notes that flooding your system with water or fruit juice diluted with water for kids can help flush out toxins. Cutting juice with water will reduce the glucose levels, where bacteria can thrive, explains the source.
Try to stay away from “sports” drinks, as they have a lot of added sugar and chemicals, adds the source. These additives can cause inflammation in your body, making your recovery from the fever slower. Instead of tap water, you can also try coconut water and herbal teas, it adds.
#3: Consume Cod Liver Oil
WellnessMama.com explains that fermented cod liver oil can naturally shorten the life of the fever as well as providing “important immune boosting nutrients”. The site says that capsules are good for adults, and gel is more suitable for kids who might not be able to swallow a pill.
The same source says these cod liver oil supplements can be used daily as a way to ward off illnesses to begin with. It arms your immune system to deal with bacterial or viral infections that lead to a fever to begin with.
#4: Sleep it Off
You may not always have the convenience of being able to hit the hay when your temperature is skyrocketing, but this is one of the best ways to let your body deal with this temporary illness. Rest begins a natural cycle of healing and restoration within the body, notes DrAxe.com.
Your body produces more white blood cells (your blood’s army against infections) while you’re resting, and particularly when you’re getting quality sleep, adds the source. If you feel too sick to sleep, try the bath route or drink some liquids first.
#5: Starve It (But Not Entirely)
WikiHow explains there’s actually some truth to that old saying, “feed a cold, starve a fever”. It notes that studies have shown this to be true, and that eating big meals can use up the energy your body needs to fight off the infection.
With that being said, the same source also suggests snacking on healthy fruits such as berries, oranges and watermelon, to keep you hydrated and supply Vitamin C, which is an ally against fevers. If you’re feeling a bit hungry, trying eating some soup – it can be broth on its own (or with a bit of meat tossed in for protein) or with rice and vegetables. “Studies have shown that chicken soup may actually have medicinal properties,” it explains.
#6: Try Soaking Socks
BeastHealthMag.ca says one of the best methods to quickly bring down a temperature of a fever is to apply wet socks. First you should place your feet in warm or hot water, then soak a thin pair of socks in cold water, wring out the excess, and put them on before bedtime.
You should also put a pair of dry, wool socks over the wet socks. “This approach helps ease a fever by drawing blood to the feet, which dramatically increases blood circulation,” it explains. Sounds a bit strange, but apparently this remedy has been trusted for quite a long time.
#7: Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Top10HomeRemedies.com explains that this particular type of vinegar is effective in reducing fevers quickly, as it contains acid that draws heat from the skin. There are a few ways you can use apple cider vinegar in your battle against fever.
One way is to add 1/2-cup of the vinegar to your lukewarm bath water, and soak in it for at least 5-minutes, explains the source. You can also soak a washcloth in 1-part apple vinegar and 2-parts cool water, placing it on your forehead or stomach. Or you can go more direct, mixing 2-teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 1-teaspoon of honey into a glass of water. Drink 2 or 3-glasses of this mixture per day, it adds.