How to Reduce a Fever Naturally at Home
A fever is a symptom of concern. Although it doesn’t always indicate a serious health problem, having a fever may indicate certain conditions or illnesses.
It’s important to understand that fever isn’t a disease. Fevers take place because the immune system detects a threat, usually due to a virus or bacteria.
According to Dr. Larry M. Bush, a person has a fever when their temperature exceeds 37.5°C. However, it only requires immediate attention when it’s equal or greater than 41°C. In mild cases, treatment isn’t necessary, because the temperature tends to drop on its own after a few hours. Despite this fact, it’s convenient to consider some natural remedies to help control it.
Tips to control a fever naturally
Fever usually occur along with chills and malaise. This is why it’s important to take action in order to speed up the recovery process.
Apply cold compresses
One way to reduce fever is to apply wet cloths or compresses to the forehead, back of the neck, and crease areas (armpits, groin, behind the knees, etc.). This helps to cool the body and to obtain relief.
Keep in mind, however, that if the window is open and air is circulating, drafts can make the situation worse.
Take a shower
While it is best to drink plenty of fluids (preferably water), rest, and apply wet compresses to keep as cool as possible, in some cases, taking a shower may be an option.
It’s not advisable to subject the body to a sudden change in temperature. Therefore, to facilitate fever control, it’s best to take a shower with warm or lukewarm water.
Read this article too: Home Remedies When You Have a Fever
Rest
The body needs extra energy to fight infectious microorganisms that influence the onset of fever. Therefore, it’s best to rest until you feel better.
Stay hydrated
One of the side effects of fever is dehydration. To counter it, you have to drink plenty of water, juices, and soups.
Eat light meals
You shouldn’t eat heavy or irritating meals when you have a fever. Creamed vegetables and broths satisfy your hunger while you recover. In addition to satiating the appetite, they also contribute to hydration.
Natural remedies to reduce a fever
According to popular wisdom, fever can be lowered by consuming some natural remedies that, like soups, contribute to hydration. Most of them are natural drinks.
Basil tea
Basil leaves give a fresh and different touch to this infusion to which you can add a touch of honey if you wish.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of basil leaves (5 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Instructions
- Add the basil leaves to a cup of boiling water.
- Cover the tea, let it cool down for 10 minutes, and strain.
- Serve and enjoy.
Raisin water
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of chopped raisins (20 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Instructions
- Add the raisins to a cup of water and boil.
- Once they have reached a boil, lower the heat and let them sit for 10 more minutes.
- What a while and then strain the tea.
- Serve and drink in moderation.
Apple water
This refreshing drink helps control the heat you feel during a fever. Its minerals prevent electrolyte imbalances in the body.
Fruit drinks (waters, infusions, juices, etc.) are also good options to keep you well hydrated when you have a fever. In this case, we suggest apple water, which has a mild but very tasty taste.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe apple
- A cup of water (250 ml)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)
Instructions
- Chop the apple.
- Pour it into a cup of water and bring to a boil.
- When the fruit is soft, remove from heat and let it cool down.
- Sweeten with a tablespoon of honey.
- Serve and drink.
Take a look at this article: Digestive, Slimming, and Revitalizing Apple Cider Vinegar, Ginger, and Honey Digestive Tonic
Fenugreek tea
Fenugreek tea can help reduce a mild fever. Its properties can lower your body temperature and replenish fluids and minerals.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds (5 g)
- A cup of water (250 ml)
Instructions
- Add the fenugreek seeds to a cup of boiling water.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes or until the tea is warm.
Consume these hydrating beverages as supplements
Home remedies to reduce fever DO NOT replace the treatment prescribed by the doctor. Therefore, you should consume them as an adjuvant treatment (as long as the health professional authorizes it) and, at the same time, maintain other good habits.
In addition to hydrating and stimulating urination, hot drinks (teas and natural infusions) can provide us with a certain feeling of wellbeing.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Escosa-García L, Baquero-Artigao F, Méndez-Echevarría A. Fiebre de origen desconocido. Pediatr Integr. 2014.
- J.M. R-RF and F. La fiebre. Revista de la Facultad de Medicina de la UNAM. 2014.
