Best Ways to Break a Fever - 14 Natural Tips

When you feel a fever coming on, the first thing you try to do is to relieve the pain so that you no longer feel so miserable.

But if you think this is the best solution, keep in mind that the body uses fever to kill bacteria or viruses.

Although you can also have a fever following sunburn or after a vaccine injection.

But during an infection, you have to be careful and not bring the fever down quickly.

Going too fast may cause the disease to last longer than expected.

So let’s see how to manage fever well and how to treat it naturally when you don’t want to get rid of it too quickly.

What is fever?

Fever helps your body fight infection by stimulating the immune system and preventing viruses and bacteria from growing and surviving in a too hot environment.

The normal human body temperature is 37°C (98.6°F) although it can vary somewhat.

You are considered to be feverish when the temperature rises above 38°C (100.4°F), which is quite significant.

But both adults and children recover in a few days without any problem.

Before discussing possible treatments, here are the warning signs for children to consider.

You should seek medical advice immediately if:

your infant under 3 months of age has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above
if a 3 to 6 months old baby has a temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) or more
when a child’s fever lasts more than 5 days
when your child’s health deteriorates
if your infant under two months refuses to feed
if you notice cold hands or feet
if your child keeps crying
if you notice a lack of reaction, a slowing down after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen
if the fontanel is swollen
if you experience stiff neck
if you notice light sensitivity
if the child has shown a refusal to hydrate for more than 8 hours or signs of dehydration
if he or she has seizures or epilepsy
if his skin is very pale, bluish, or grayish
if he has difficulty breathing, rapid breathing
if he or she suffers from persistent drowsiness, is difficult to wake up, or does not seem to recognize you
if he or she has severe abdominal pain
if a rash, a sudden redness occurs
if he or she is vomiting

What are the symptoms of fever?

When the body temperature begins to rise, certain signs reflect this organic reaction:

breathing quickens
heartbeat quickens
a headache declares itself
loss of appetite manifests itself
a feeling of weakness is in order
chills run through you
nausea may appear

This process is nevertheless important because not only does it create a very unfavorable environment for the proliferation of viruses and bacteria which do not survive the heat but the body also produces a large number of white blood cells to send them to the source of infection.

If you do not want to interrupt the work of the body, you can not treat the fever when it is below 38,5°C (101.3°F) for an adult.

Is fever dangerous for a child?

Fever is always positive because its role is to wake up the immune system and help it fight infection.

It is therefore not dangerous for the child.

It can be complicated, however, when insufficient fluid intake leads to dehydration, often with diarrhea or vomiting.

It can sometimes be accompanied by very impressive convulsions which particularly affect children from 9 months to 5 years old.

They are however brief (10 to 15 minutes) and have no consequences.

Can a fever over 40°C (104°F) cause brain damage?

Only fever above 42°C (107.6°F) can cause brain damage.

But such a situation is very rare and often occurs in an environment where the temperature is extreme.

The fever caused by infection is never so excessive and cannot cause such damage depending on the heat generated.

Are thermometers correct?

In any case, it doesn’t matter if they are approximate.

Their accuracy is only useful for infants under 4 weeks of age when determining if the temperature is above 38°C (100.4°F).

Above this age, it’s not the thermometer that counts but your child’s general condition.

Tips to reduce fever

– The warm sponge

The lukewarm sponge is no longer recommended.

This is because blood vessels constrict when water is deposited on the skin.

Thus, the heat has difficulty dissipating and certain areas of the body retain it deeply, which is counterproductive.

– Fever and dehydration

You should try to drink 2 liters of water or 8 to 10 glasses per day to prevent dehydration.

If you are having difficulty, consider electrolyte solutions (#ad) or very diluted fruit juices.

– How to rest during fever

Rest is mandatory during a feverish period.

It allows your body to perform better and strengthens the immune system.

But be careful not to cover up too much and don’t turn up the temperature in the room even if you have chills.

Otherwise, you will not be able to lower the fever and may even increase it.

– Food

Although lacking in appetite, try to consume very nutritious foods because your body needs calories and therefore energy to fight infection.

– How to sleep with a fever

Lack of sleep damages your immune system while increasing stress hormones, making you more vulnerable to chronic disease.

So take care of your sleep, avoid staying up too late and give yourself at least 7-8 hours of rest.

How to cure the fever?

The treatment for fever for the child consists of the administration of paracetamol child or ibuprofen child but only if he is depressed.

Of course, we choose one or the other but not both.

Check the recommended age as well as the contraindications mentioned in the leaflet before administering any medication.

You can also ask your pharmacist to give you an oral syringe (#ad) to make it easier to administer the medicine to your child.

Adults, on the other hand, can take paracetamol and ibuprofen for fever.

Note however that ibuprofen is contraindicated in asthma.

These drugs are available over the counter in pharmacies but can also be prescribed by your physician.

Covid19 fever

Fever is always the body’s immune response to infection.

Contrary to popular belief, it is beneficial but it generates a lot of anxiety for the patient.

The doctor is more concerned about the underlying causes, the viruses or bacteria involved.

Covid19 has raised an alert regarding Ibuprofen for the treatment of his fever.

Indeed, some studies have highlighted the possibility that this substance could worsen Covid 19.

When does it make sense to take antipyretics to lower fever and treat symptoms of Covid?

If you think you have contracted this disease and have a growing fever, you can take it, with paracetamol instead.

On the other hand, if you have a mild fever, it may be better not to treat it to let your body fight the infection…

Fever: what not to do

not use ice
do not take a cold shower or bath
do not throw yourself on the drugs, increasing the doses will not lower the fever faster and can be dangerous
overlook the physician, some fevers do not require treatment but if they persist should receive medical advice

Natural remedies to break a fever

– The bath

A barely lukewarm bath can be considered as much for adults as for children.

You can sit the child in the tub and bathe him in lukewarm water, not much cooler than his body temperature while letting him relax or play with him.

To improve the immune response to a viral attack, you can also take a hot bath for about 20 minutes and conclude with a minute or two of cold or slightly warm water.

If you are unwell, perform several such baths per day, then cover very warmly and lie down to sleep and sweat immediately afterward.

This somewhat archaic method compared to our modern medicine was practiced in sanatoriums at the beginning of the 20th century and was widely used during the epidemic of Spanish flu in 1918.

– The washcloth

Place a cool, not cold washcloth on the wrist, under the arm, and on the forehead.

This coolness brought to these three precise areas will slowly lower body temperature.

– Chamomile to lower fever

We know that hydration is important during fever, do not hesitate to add herbal teas and favor chamomile.

Indeed, this plant has very interesting properties and in particular that of having a febrifuge action (which lowers fever).

It can also be very useful for fighting infection since chamomile (#ad) also has analgesic (against pain) and sudorific action (it makes you sweat).

– Garlic

Garlic has antibacterial properties.

So it may be a good idea to add some to your diet or get yourself some odorless garlic (#ad) if you can’t stand the taste and smell.

– Coriander tea

Coriander seeds contain vitamins and phytonutrients that boost the immune system.

In addition, due to the presence of antibiotic compounds and volatile oils, coriander acts as a natural support to fight viral infection.

You can make an herbal tea by adding a tablespoon of coriander seeds (#ad) to a cup of water.

Bring to a boil, let steep then filter and add a little honey.

– Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties that help manage symptoms of fever.

If you consume ginger powder (#ad) mixed with honey, you will relieve your discomfort.

You can also make an herbal tea by dipping two slices of ginger in a cup of water.

Bring to a boil and let steep and cool.

Consume two to three times a day.

– Turmeric breaks the fever

The curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties (which reduces fever).

You can make turmeric tea by diluting a teaspoonful in a glass of milk before drinking it lukewarm twice a day.

For convenience, you can also use a turmeric supplement (#ad) which will help you reduce your symptoms.

– Apple cider vinegar

Well known to help with weight loss, and lower cholesterol or blood sugar levels, apple cider vinegar also helps you fight fever.

Its natural acidity produces a cooling effect.

Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with honey 3-4 times a day.

– Vitamin C and immune function

Fill up on vitamin C, it plays a crucial role in the body.

It significantly strengthens the immune system.

You will find it in abundance in lemons, oranges, grapefruit, leafy green vegetables…

Adding fresh lemon juice to an herbal tea with honey will help reduce phlegm.

Vitamin C can also relieve respiratory infections.

– Probiotics

Probiotics are of course essential for the digestive system but they also strengthen the immune system.

Did you know that 70% of your immune system is in the digestive tract?

When you have a feverish episode, your immunity is compromised.

Probiotics (#ad) help reduce the risk of certain infectious diseases by boosting immune function.

The best essential oils for a fever

Certain essential oils can help you sweat.

These are the oils of peppermint, ginger, and cinnamon bark which speed up blood circulation and thus cause sweating.

Lavender, thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, and sage can also give you relief.

Pour a few drops of lavender essential oil (#ad) into cool water and then dampen a cotton cloth with this mixture.

Then apply it to the forehead for a cooling and relaxing effect.

You can also mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with coconut oil and apply it on the plant of your feet, neck, and back to reduce fever.

How to lower your fever?

Treating fever too quickly is not always recommended.

It is a natural function of the body to help it fight infections.

But if it is particularly unbearable to you or if you feel that it is climbing too quickly, you can take antipyretic drugs like paracetamol to try to manage it.

If you prefer to wait a bit and let nature take its course, you can also combine some natural tips to better support it while strengthening your immune system.

Natural remedies are also available to you and various immunity-boosting methods developed here will make your symptoms go away faster.

Read more:

Natural remedies for flu symptoms

Best Ways to Break a Fever – 14 Natural Tips