How to Treat A Fever Naturally

So. Your kid has a fever. GREAT. You have better things to do, I’m sure. But right now? Your biggest worry is getting that fever to break, right? If you’re like me, you probably also want to know how to treat a fever naturally .

How to Treat A Fever Naturally

When it comes to our kids, most of us reach for the same stuff our parents gave us-we don’t even think about it, we just try to get the dosage correct. When you use medicine to lower a fever, you may be interrupting this natural process.

Interestingly, this particular mama hasn’t given her babies anything internally for a fever in over 2 years.

Fever occurs when an area in your brain called the hypothalamus — also known as your body’s “thermostat” — shifts the set point of your normal body temperature upward. When this happens, you may feel chilled and add layers of clothing or wrap up in a blanket, or you may shiver to generate more body heat, eventually resulting in an elevated body temperature.” source

This means that a fever could be caused by any number of things, though the two most common causes are pretty simple:

  • a virus or
  • an infection.

A fever is the body’s way of fighting things that shouldn’t be there. When your baby has an elevated temperature, their body is working hard to get rid of the crud that doesn’t belong there.

 

How to Treat A Fever Naturally

Instead, I use more natural items to treat fevers and the discomfort that comes with them.

Electrolyte Drinks

Yes, you could purchase Vitamin Water or even Gatorade, but it’s very simple to make your own! The ingredients in these drinks help to keep us hydrated, and restore lost fluids-which in turn helps to stave off dehydration.

Take A Warm Bath

Most people assume a cool bath will help, but if you go too cool, you risk shocking your body. which in turn can make your fever worse. Definitely not what you want. Instead, try a warm bath (definitely not hot) with about 1/4 cup Epsom salts or a cup of Apple Cider Vinegar.

The bath will help to lower your body’s temperature anEpsom epsom salts or Apple Cider Vinegar will help to gently detox your body so that you can begin to heal.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Now, I thought this one was just an old wive’s tale…until I tried it on myself. And you know what? It works!  Simply make a mix of 1 part ACV and 2 parts cool water, then soak a washcloth in the mix. Ring it out slightly, then gently place a cloth on the patient’s head and stomach. You can also wrap a cloth around the soles of the patient’s feet.

Now, I’m all about naturally remedies, but there are times when you need to seek professional medical help:

  • An infant younger than three months with a fever of 100.4+ (or if your baby exhibits any serious symptoms)
  • A child with a fever of 104+
  • A child who has had a fever for two or more consecutive days
  • If other symptoms such as a stiff neck, listlessness, or sensitivity to light present themselves
  • If the sick individual is unable to hold down food or shows any signs of dehydration
  • Signs of respiratory distress
  • If you know the sick person has been exposed to toxins or poisons that could have caused the fever
  • Mother’s intuition-this is what caused me to take Smalls to the doctor when all he was exhibiting was bruises.

 

How do you treat a fever in your house?

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Brea

2 Comments

  1. Lindsey on November 10, 2015 at 10:13 am

    Great tips Brea! I will need to try these next time I’m sick! Thanks for sharing!!

    • Brea on November 10, 2015 at 10:14 am

      Me too! I hope they help you!



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