How to Bring a Fever Down Naturally
It's hard to watch your little one suffer from a fever. It's miserable for them and for you as well, so it's no wonder why parents choose over the counter medications to make their children comfortable during illness.
But with recent news and information on harmful reactions in young children to certain fever-reducing medications, the potential effects of these on children is at the front of everyone's minds. More families are looking for alternative and natural ways to bring down fevers and cure common ailments.
So, what natural methods can help to bring a fever down? Some of the following methods may sound a little bit like old wives tales. However, the majority of people who try these methods claim success in bringing down a fever and are happy with the results.
Of course, these fever remedies can be used on people of all ages, but I tried to include those that would work especially well with infants and young children.
1. Egg Whites
Soak a handkerchief or paper towel in 2-3 egg whites. Apply this to the feet and cover the feet with socks. The egg whites work to bring the heat of the fever down to the feet instead of in the head and upper body. You should see results with this method in as little as 30 minutes to 1 hour. It's said that in very high fevers the egg whites will even begin to cook a little!
If you don't have any eggs in the house, you can also try some chopped onion or chopped potato applied directly to the feet and covered with socks.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar (also known as ACV) has many uses in the world of natural health remedies. This can be a little trickier to use with children as it has a rather pungent taste and smell. Still, if you can manage, give the ACV orally, a few drops to ¼ cup of water or juice.
3. Cool Water
A cool to lukewarm bath can help to break a fever quickly, as well as a cold cloth on the forehead or back of the neck. Smaller children will probably not enjoy anything too cold. Just remember not to let them stay wet or unclothed for very long, or they might get chills.
4. Cuddle Time
Human touch is extremely healing. Not only will lots of cuddle time comfort your child during sickness, it will also boost her immune system. Lots of parents find that they can monitor their sick child more closely and the whole family sleeps better if they let the sick child sleep with them.
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In addition to any remedies, fluids are the most important thing you can give to your child when they have a fever. Infants and toddlers should be given the bottle or breast as often as they request it. Older children and adults should drink as much water, juice, or electrolyte drinks as possible.
References: Earth Clinic
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Vanessa Pruitt
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When we were stationed in Germany two decades ago a wonderful German mom taught me a great tip to bring down a fever quickly. Place cold, damp washcloths on the ankles and wrists. The blood vessels are close to the surface in those areas and it works very well to bring a fever down quickly. Of course you have to re-wet them often, as they will warm up rather quickly on the warmer skin.
Thanks for the tip Vicki!
This sounds goofy, but stuffing their socks with sliced onions (raw) works wonders too. By the end the onions are cooked and it smells a bit like a restaurant lol, but it works.
Thanks for stopping by Mama Kalila. Yes, chopped or chopped potato I have heard.
LUKEWARM! Always use lukewarm, not cool, bath for a fever! You could send a baby into shock!
Thanks for your input EPG.
Peppermint essential oil diluted with a carrier oil at a ratio 1:2 applied to the spine is great for bringing down a fever. Works every time on my three children.
Thanks Kira, I will have to try it sometime.
Please be careful with Peppermint EO, as they should only be used when your kids are 6+! Lavender can help calm a crying child so their fever doesn’t rise because of agitation.
Thanks for the tip Jim.
This article is inaccurate and provides potentially dangerous advice. You do not want to give your child a cool bath as the temperature difference could trigger a seizure. Always give a lukewarm bath to decrease temperature.
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Putting cool washcloths in their armpits or groin work also. Interestingly, hematite jewelry has a cooling effect. And, my favorite is homeopathic, Hyland’s #4. It works so well!!!
Thank you Tiffany for the extra tips! I know I always need them with 4 little ones.
[…] Bring Down a Fever […]
My EMT friends have told me never to use a cool/lukewarm bath to bring down a fever, as it can actually cause seizures in some people. They do not pack people in ice anymore at hospitals. Putting ice in strategic places such as behind the knees. Forehead and under the arms is better, bringing the fever down gradually. When in doubt, take the little ones to the hospital
Any faster ideas. I have home sick from school for a week and a half. Nothing is working.
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Most of the time I let the fever run its course. If over 103 – 104 then reduce it or take to ER/doctor.
With all fevers I give plenty of drinks (water, juice, etc). Rest. Keep comfortable.
Giving an enema always has helped. Not only reduces the fever; but, hydrates as well and removes toxins/cleanses.
Always consult with your doctor before doing any home remedies, natural remedies, or giving any OTC fever reducers or enemas.
Bless you
My 5 years old daughter love this. Thanks for sharing.
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