It's hard to watch your little one suffer from a fever. It's miserable for them and you as well, so it's no wonder why parents choose over-the-counter medications to make their children comfortable during illness. Learning how to bring a fever down naturally is a skill every parent should have.
But with recent news and information on harmful reactions in young children to certain fever-reducing medications, the potential effects on children are 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 techniques may sound a little bit like old wives' tales. However, most people who try these methods claim success in bringing down a fever and are happy with the results.
Of course, You can use these fever remedies on people of all ages, but I tried to include those that would work exceptionally 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. Egg whites draw the fever down to the feet instead of the head and upper body. With this method, you should see results in as little as 30 minutes to 1 hour. The egg whites will even begin to cook a little for very high fevers!
If you don't have any eggs in the house, you can also try 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 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 lukewarm bath can help to break a fever quickly, as well as a cold cloth on the forehead or back of the neck. More minor children will probably not enjoy anything too hard. Just remember not to let them stay wet or unclothed for very long, or they might get chills.
4. Cuddle Time
Human touch is hugely healing. Not only will lots of cuddle time comfort your child during sickness, but it will also boost her immune system. Many parents find that they can monitor their sick child more closely, and the whole family sleeps better if they let the ill child sleep with them.
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In addition to any remedies, fluids are the most important thing you can give 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.
If nothing is working and the fever won’t break, it’s crucial that you seek medical assistance as soon as possible. A fever can denote many things, from the minor to the truly serious, and it could be that experts will be required, depending on the reason for the fever in the first place. Head injuries can be particularly problematic, for example; learn more about the specialist help you can receive here.
References: Earth Clinic
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Alongside her therapeutic work, Vanessa is also a certified birth doula. With her doula training, she offers compassionate support to individuals and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, ensuring a nurturing and empowering experience.
Vanessa's commitment to supporting individuals on their healing and transformative journeys shines through her expertise in trauma therapy and her compassionate approach to birth support. With her diverse skill set and passion for holistic well-being, Vanessa strives to provide comprehensive care and education.
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.
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.
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.
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.