Fever Remedies
A List Of Home Fever Remedies That Work
Of all the home fever remedies you're likely to come across, some are no doubt better than others. Some may be of questionable value, others are time tested and, more often than not, usually effective. There is a range of fever (roughly 100 to 103) where the remedies discussed below may be of help. For low fevers, 100 degrees or less, it's often best just to let the fever run its course. When body temperatures approach 103 to 104 degrees, your doctor should be consulted immediately. Any fever (a fever is one degree above normal) in an infant, requires a visit to the doctor.
Which of the fever remedies will be right for you? The answer is 'it depends", admittedly not a very helpful answer, but it really does depend on how you're feeling. Also, you might want to apply several of these remedies, rather than relying just on one. Remember, if you're trying to lower your body's temperature, one thing you need to be doing is avoiding anything which will tend to keep your temperature high.
For example, if you are suffering chills, or are in a drafty area, you'll want to bundle up. Changes in nearby room temperature, such as those caused by drafts, or stepping outside, can cause chills if you have a fever. If you're not suffering from chills, its best to be covered up with only a single sheet if possible, and even sleep or walk around naked (if you live alone, or with someone who can tolerate it!), as that will help you lose body heat.
Rest is best. Avoid heavy exercise. Muscular activity creates heat. Whether you are in training, or just exercise regularly every day, take a day off, even a couple of days. It will be better for you overall. Heavy exercise, combined with a fever, can result in heat exhaustion, and you'll be far worse off than you were a bit earlier. “Feed a cold and starve a fever”. You've no doubt heard that many times, and it makes sense. If you have a fever, you'll probably not be hungry anyway. Your body is busy enough fighting infection to have to be processing what you eat. In fact, certain nutrients, iron and zinc especially, tend to promote the growth of infectious cells that your body is trying to fight.
Stuck with liquids, and plenty of them. When you're running a fever you can be losing body fluid at twice the normal rate. Drinking plenty of water, fruit juices, and teas can keep you from dehydrating. Pineapple is especially good, as it is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent plus helps keeping you supplied with fluids. A good way to get juice, certainly for children, and even for you, is a popsicle or two, or a fruit juice bar. You can relive your childhood and fight fever at the same time! Herbal teas are believed to be effective fever remedies. Try a tea made from sage, thyme, spearmint, chamomile, or catnip.
Some recommend taking a cold shower or bath. This may help, but can also backfire. If your body receives a sudden cold shock, shivering might result, which actually will cause body temperature to rise. A shower or bath in lukewarm or tepid water will be better, and will probably make you feel better as well.
Finally, don't be afraid to pop a pill. Aspirin and ibuprofen are fever remedies and also, being anti inflammatory agents, will often attack the source of the fever. However, never give aspirin or ibuprofen to young people, especially infants, who have a fever, due to the risk of Reye syndrome, which is a potentially fatal condition. Give another fever fighter, acetaminophen, instead. A little chocolate won't hurt either, especially dark chocolate. It's a powerful anti-oxidant.