A fever in simple terms is a temporary increase in your body temperature. It is not considered an illness by itself. It’s your body’s way of saying something else is out of the ordinary. A simple fever is sometimes better left untreated to allow your body to fight its way back to health. But sometimes fevers can make the individual uncomfortable. In this case, various home remedies exist to help get rid of a fever.
Usually a symptom of another illness, a fever can occur when your body is actively fighting an infection. It seems like they are your body’s natural defense against these infections. When the body temperature exceeds 98.6-99 Fahrenheit(37.5°C) in adults, it is termed as a fever. However, if your body temperature exceeds 103°F (39.4°C) it may be time to see a doctor.
Causes of Fever:
- Flu
- Infections of the ear, lungs, throat, or skin.
- Bladder or kidney infections.
- UTIs
- Sudden change in weather.
- Side effect of some types of drugs.
- Heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
- Hyperthermia
Symptoms of Fever:
- Sweating, and slight shivering.
- Feeling cold despite the temperature of your surroundings.
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Joint Pains
- Sore throat, and sometimes, a stuffy nose.
Ways to Get Rid of a Fever:
For simple fevers, it is sometimes better to leave it alone. However, sometimes fevers can get uncomfortable to the point of being unbearable. In this case, the best first course of action would be to remedy a fever using natural methods. Follow these home remedies to get rid of a fever:
1. Treat Fever with Ginger
Ginger contains components that make it a natural antiviral and antibacterial substance. It aids the immune system to fight off many kinds of infections. Ginger acts as a mild stimulant, and its consumption works to increase the circulation in your body. As a result, the white blood cells of your immune system can travel faster through the bloodstream and do their work. Using ginger is an easy as well as an inexpensive method to get rid of a fever.
- Ginger tea is excellent in times of a fever. You can make ginger tea by adding half a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger into 1 cup of water. Bring this to the boil and then let it steep for 3-4 minutes. Add a dash of honey for flavor and drink it while still warm. Drink this brew at least thrice a day till your fever is gone.
- Another method to follow is this: Mix together half a teaspoon of ginger juice with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of honey. Have this twice a day till your fever subsides.
- Alternatively, you can mix 2 tablespoons of pure ginger powder into a bathtub filled with warm water. Soak in this bath for 10 minutes, and then pat yourself dry. Wrap yourself in a blanket and relax on the bed. You should start to sweat soon. Sweating is your body’s way of cooling you down and soon your fever should subside considerably.
2. Herbal Brews to Get Rid of a Fever
Herbal brews are probably one of the best home remedies to get rid of a fever. They work in 3 main ways to alleviate the fever. First of all, they help to stimulate the body to heat up. This leads to the second way herbal brews get rid of a fever. And this is by encouraging the sweating process of your body. When you sweat, your body is basically working to cool you down. This will rid your body of the fever. Finally, it helps with hydration. Hydrating your body to replace the fluids you’ve lost is essential to get rid of a fever. Basil, elderflower, and catnip are excellent herbs to treat fevers. Follow these steps to make the perfect herbal brew:
- You will need – water, a saucepan, a mug or tea cup, dried herb leaves of your choice, a tea strainer, and a plate or lid.
- Boil one cup of water in a saucepan. Once the water has boiled, quickly take it off the heat. Now add one teaspoon of the dried herb leaves of your choice
- Cover this with the lid or plate and allow it to steep for 5 minutes. Covering it will keep in the steam and all the good essence of the brewing herbs that may have otherwise evaporated.
- Once you feel it has brewed enough, use your tea strainer to strain it into your cup. Sip on this while it is still warm.
- Make this brew and drink it thrice or twice every day till your fever has gone.
3. Sandalwood for Fever Treatment
Using sandalwood is an age-old method to treat a fever. Sandalwood contains antiviral, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties. Especially relevant are its antipyretic properties that aid to get rid of a fever. It also has expectorant qualities that help to relieve respiratory problems and cure colds, flu, and coughs. But make sure you use high-quality sandalwood powder. Using adulterated sandalwood does not have any effect on your fever.
- Take half a teaspoon of sandalwood powder and mix it with a little water to make a thick paste.
- Apply this paste over your forehead generously and leave it on till it is dry to the touch.
- Wipe it off with a clean cloth that has been soaked in warm water.
- Repeat this procedure several times in a day until you get relief.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat Fever
Apple cider vinegar is a classic home remedy for a number of illnesses. It can be used effectively to treat and cure fevers. The acid present in this vinegar helps to draw out heat from the skin. In addition, it is rich in minerals, which can replenish and replace the nutrients and minerals that are eliminated from the body by the fever.
- In one glass of water, add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix this well and drink. Do this twice a day.
- Prepare a solution of one part apple cider vinegar and two parts water. Soak a clean cloth in this mixture and place it on your forehead and stomach. Once the cloth becomes warm, dip it back into the cool solution and repeat. Do this as often as required, until you get rid of the fever.
5. Garlic to Cure a Fever Overnight
Garlic is a natural antibacterial and antifungal. It is a good home remedy that is used to fight off a fever. Along with the beneficial properties, the warm nature of garlic can lend to eliminate fevers from the body. It does so by promoting sweating, which lowers the body temperature. In addition, this helps to get rid of harmful toxins accumulated in the body and speed up recovery.
- Take one freshly peeled garlic clove and mince finely. Add this to a cup of hot water. Let it steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain this mixture and sip it solely. Drink it 2 times every day till your fever has subsided.
- Another method to use garlic is this: Crush 2 cloves of garlic and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix this well. Apply this paste to the soles of your feet. Make sure some areas are left free of the paste. Using gauze, wrap your feet to keep this in place. Leave this on overnight. It has been shown that for some people this method can get rid of a fever in just one application.
6. Get Rid of a Fever with Raisins
Raisins are loaded with nutrients called phenolic phytonutrients. These are known to have antibacterial and antioxidant properties. And, in addition to being delicious, raisins act as a tonic for your body to fight fevers. Make your own raisin tonic by following these steps:
- Take 25-30 raisins and soak them in half a cup of water for one hour.
- Once the raisins are soft and swollen, crush them to release the juices.
- Strain this liquid and add to it the juice from half a lime.
- Have this tonic twice every day till your fever is gone.
7. Egg White to Treat a Fever Fast
Eggs are inexpensive and easy to come by. Using the whites of eggs is another home remedy to get rid of a fever. The egg white acts like a cool gel that absorbs heat. In addition, it can increase blood circulation and even helps to reduce swelling. The increased blood flow will aid in faster recovery, as t helps the white blood cells travel faster to fight the disease.
- Separate the whites from the yolks of 2-3 eggs. Place the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl.
- Beat the egg whites for 1 minute, till they are frothy.
- Take a paper towel or thin handkerchief and soak it in the beaten egg white. Place this on the soles f your feet.
- Secure the towel with a pair of socks and leave them on till they become warm and dry.
- Then repeat this procedure till the fever has reduced significantly.
- Depending on the severity of it, this method has been shown to reduce fever within half an hour.
8. Mint to Get Rid of a Fever
This is a very good home remedy to get rid of a fever. It has been used in numerous home remedies as it contains properties that help fight a number of ailments. Mint contains cooling properties that help to reduce the internal body temperature. Consequently, it can help to get rid of a fever.
- Add one tablespoon of crushed mint leaves to one cup of hot water. Allow it to steep for 10 minutes and then strain. If you would like to sweeten this, then add some honey. Drink this soothing brew three or four times daily for a quick recovery.
- Boil a handful of mint leaves in two cups of water along with one-half teaspoon each of black pepper powder and long pepper powder and one teaspoon of ginger powder. Boil until the water gets reduced to half. Strain, and divide the solution into three equal doses. Drink it three times daily until you recover completely.
9. Rehydrate to Get Rid of a Fever
When you are fighting a fever, the one thing that tends to happen to all our bodies is dehydration. In order to fight the ailment, our body uses up a lot of our liquid reserves. Furthermore, we need to sweat to bring down a fever. And because of this, we must stay hydrated to replace the liquids lost. Studies have shown that an average person does not get their recommended daily intake of water. Drinking things that contain caffeine, sugars, and alcohol does not hydrate you. Rather, they serve to lend towards dehydration. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. One way to get hydration is to drink a glucose solution. This will ensure you replace both fluids, nutrients and essential salts that are lost during the perspiration.
10. Water Treatment for a Fever
One of the simplest ways to bring down body temperature is to wipe down the infected individual with water. Sponging will bring down the internal body temperature and help speed up recovery. Do note that using cold water will only increase the internal body temperature. Use only lukewarm or tap water.
- Run a clean cloth under cool tap water until it is soaked. Wring out the excess. Sponge the areas on your body that are higher in temperatures, such as your armpits, hands, groin, and feet.
- Place cool, damp washcloths on your forehead and on the back of your neck. As the washcloths warm up, replace them every few minutes. This will help to keep temperature levels under control when dealing with a high fever.
- Take a bath in lukewarm water. This will relax your body as well as regulate your body temperature. However, do not do this if you are experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness.
Note: Avoid using cold water, or ice to fight your fever. Your body will react by raising its internal temperature, which then aggravates the fever.
Dress lightly when you have a fever. This will help your body cool down. Wear light pajamas or a light undershirt. Do not wear very warm clothing or use heavy bed covers. Keep room temperature at 70°F (21°C) or lower.
