How To Reduce A Fever Naturally

We really try to avoid toxins in our household, including unnecessary medications. Instead we use herbal medicine and other natural remedies as much as possible. This isn't to say that mainstream medicine doesn't have it's place though. For serious medical issues, please consult with your doctor. But with cold and flu season quickly approaching, I thought I would share several of my favorite fever reducing remedies.

Something to keep in mind:
Fevers are generally not bad thing. A fever is part of the way your body fights off viruses and bacteria that make you sick. Reducing fevers interferes with your body's natural immune response and can actually prolong illness.

Fevers typically don't need to be reduced unless they get really high or the child is really uncomfortable and needs relief. Otherwise, just ride a fever out and let it do it's job.

On the occasion relief is needed here are my go to fever reducing remedies and methods:

Tepid Bath

A luke barely warm bath is probably one of the quickest ways to bring down a fever. You want it to be just at normal body temperature (98 degrees) or close to it.

Adding a cup of white vinegar or some strong yarrow tea to the bath will increase the cooling effect.

Cool Rags

This old remedy works great. A cool rag on the forehead or wet socks on the feet will help keep a fever from spiking too high. And again, you can add some white vinegar or strong yarrow tea for increased cooling.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is a mild fever reducer, plus it's soothing to sore throats and upset stomachs. My kids love a warm cup of chamomile tea when they're sick (or pretty much any time).

Yarrow Tea

Yarrow is an amazing herb. One of it's many medical qualities is that it is an effective fever reducer. It can be brewed into tea to drink or added to baths or cool rags.

Essential Oils

Some essential oils can help cool fevers. A few drops diluted in a carrier oil can be applied to the skin or added to a bath. My favorite fever reducing oil for young children (over 2 years old) is sweet orange oil. It's a kid friendly oil that smells amazing!

For older kids (over 6) and adults, eucalyptus and peppermint are good fever reducers. They should be avoided around young children though because they contain chemical constituents that can cause respiratory distress in young children.

If you enjoyed this post, check out:

-Natural Remedies For Sleeplessness

-My Natural Medicine Cabinet

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