The raising of the body temperature usually in response to an infection is something that natural medicines see as generally a positive healing attempt by the body. Most of our vital processes are stimulated by the higher temperature and conversely many infective organisms cannot survive as well. So the fever response is one that can be aided rather than instantly suppressed.
Home remedies for Fever
Aromatherapy - In order to encourage sweating at the stage of resolving the fever, a warm bath with a maximum of 10 drops of one of these oils may help - if bathing is not appropriate, use them at 1 per cent dilution in a little vegetable oil and massage the back or chest.
Chamomiles, Cypress , Lavender or Tea Tree are good choices. For a more cooling effect use 5 drops of oils of Eucalyptus, Lavender or Peppermint in a small bowl of tepid water and sponge the upper back, neck and chest.
Herbalism - If at the early, shivery stage of an infection, use a tea with Ginger - 2.5 ml, ground ginger, or peel and grate a small piece of fresh root - and Cinnamon or half a cinnamon stick.
When the fever makes you hot and restless, sweating can be provoked by taking a hot infusion of Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) (At normal temperatures this will not make you sweat). Other suitable infusions to relieve the symptoms are: Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Catmint (Nepeta cataria), Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), while Lime Blossom (Tilia europaea) can be added to aid the dilation of the blood vessels and assist general relaxation. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is another excellent herb to calm the system; a tea may be taken frequently while symptoms prevail.
Checking the Temerature in Fever
By taking the temperature, and checking on feelings of heat or cold, the stages of the fever can be noted and treatment given. Initially, our internal thermostat is turned up, making us feel cold and shivery; as circulation is boosted and we reach the higher levels, we can feel more comfortable, although with a raised temperature. If the process goes too high, or the infection is not controlled, the thermostat is reset back to normal and we feel feverish and hot. Sweating reduces the temperature. Body temperatures around 38°C (100-101°F) often give the best results in fighting infection. Children's temperatures often go higher, and so may an adult's; if left for too long this can make us feel very unwell and cooling may then be needed, either by inducing sweating or through sponging with tepid water. If in doubt get professional help.
Homeopathy - As with herbalism, there are many homeopathic remedies available for fever and the cause/exact reaction needs to be sorted out first. A few to choose from, in mild feverish states are:
ACONITE: for dry, burning skin and great restlessness and agitation; symptoms may come on quickly.
BELLADONNA: for a high temperature, with a hot, very red face and a racing pulse. In extreme fever cases the person may also be delirious and highly excitable.
EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM: for an influenza-type of fever, with chills followed on by heat, aching muscles and maybe sweating.
FERRUM PHOS: for milder fevers, with less obvious causes; a hot, throbbing head and frequent sweating.
Naturopathy - Avoid active exercise; take plenty of rest but do not swaddle in heavy bedclothes; keep the room aired.
Herbs can help combat a fever by either provoking sweating, or by aiding the dilation of the blood vessels.
Drink fruit juices, herb teas or water, and restrict food until the temperature has returned to normal. Sponge the face and chest with tepid water if the temperature is too hot. A cold pack or compress around the trunk will also reduce excessive heat; use something large like a towel wrung out in cold water and wrapped around the body and then wrap in a larger, dry towel or blanket.
Feverish conditions used to be much more common, and traditional practitioners such as herbalists developed quite sophisticated techniques to deal with them. They have become rarer nowadays, but natural measures remain very important in helping to cope with a fever. If the temperature rises to the point where someone becomes delirious or even has a convulsion, get urgent medical aid. Young children can be quite prone to convulsions, but this is rarer as we get older.
