Natural Life
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How to deal with fevers naturally.
When a child has a fever, it makes you feel concerned and can even create anxiety for you as a parent. It can be so natural to reach for fever-reducing medications at the first sign of a fever because you do not want your child to be in pain. But I want to remind you that a fever is simply the body’s natural defense mechanism and response to infections caused by viruses and bacteria.
Fevers begin when our immune system detects an invader, it signals the hypothalamus in the brain to increase body temperature, which enables the immune system to work effectively. A higher body temperature creates a less favorable environment for these pathogens, slowing their ability to grow and spread. Fevers also increase the production and activity of white blood cells, which are vital in attacking and destroying invaders.
Finally, through an increased body temperature, our body is able to move into a state of healing by increasing blood circulation, delivering immune cells more efficiently to the site of infection. However, there are certainly circumstances where fever management is necessary, particularly when it leads to other complications like febrile seizures or when it reaches certain thresholds. Supporting a fever at home can be as simple as providing comfort and ensuring that your child is hydrated and resting. Below are the best natural ways I have found to support a fever in my child’s body so that natural healing can take place.
1. Hydration
Fevers cause fluid loss through sweating, so it’s crucial to keep your feverish child well-hydrated. Offer small sips of water, herbal teas (like chamomile or peppermint), coconut water, or homemade electrolyte drinks. Breastfeeding infants should nurse frequently to maintain hydration. Staying hydrated also helps keep mucus thin and flowing.
2. Rest
Encourage your sick child to get plenty of rest, as the body is using energy to fight off infections. Follow your child’s lead: if your child wants to get up and play, allow them to do so, but try to keep a calm environment conducive to resting.
3. Herbal Support
Herbs can gently support the fever process, without suppressing it. Choose herbs that encourage a balanced immune response and promote relaxation.
- Lemon Balm: Lemon balm calms the nervous system and helps reduce the restlessness or anxiety that can be experienced during fevers.
- Catnip: Catnip is a soothing herb that supports restful sleep and digestive comfort.
- Chamomile: Chamomile is a favorite for soothing irritability and promoting restful sleep, making it ideal for feverish children.
- Elderflower and Elderberry: Both elderflower and elderberry encourage a healthy inflammatory response and support the immune system. Elderflower is also a gentle diaphoretic, meaning it encourages sweating and may help regulate body temperature.
4. Lukewarm Baths
A lukewarm bath can provide comfort and gently help lower body temperature if your child is uncomfortable. Ensure the water is not cold, as that can cause shivering and drive the fever higher, and don’t make the bath too hot either. I like to add epsom salt to the bath, as well as calming essential oils, like lavender or chamomile.
5. The Wet Sock Treatment
The Wet Sock Treatment is a simple home remedy that can help stimulate the immune system and improve circulation. To perform the treatment, soak a pair of thin cotton socks in cold water, wring them out, and place them on your child’s feet. Then, cover the wet socks with a pair of dry wool socks, the treatment encourages blood flow.
6. Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies are a gentle and effective way to support the body through a fever without suppressing it. By selecting the right remedy based on your child’s overall symptoms, homeopathy can help speed up the healing process and provide comfort.
Should Fevers Be Sweated Out or Cooled Down?
One of the common misconceptions surrounding fevers is the notion of “sweating it out” by bundling up a feverish child to induce sweating. This can actually be dangerous, as it may cause the fever to spike higher, leading to overheating or dehydration. Likewise, aggressively cooling a child with ice packs or cold baths can cause shivering, which can elevate their core temperature further as the body attempts to compensate.
If you are unsure what to do first, start here…
Light Clothing: Dress your child in light, breathable clothing. If they feel cold, provide a light blanket, but avoid bundling them up excessively.
Room Temperature: Keep the room at a comfortable, moderate temperature. Avoid making the room too hot or too cold.
Lukewarm Compresses: If your child is uncomfortable, use lukewarm or comfortably cool compresses on their forehead or neck to provide relief.
Cold compresses are not recommended.
The goal is to support your child’s natural temperature regulation rather than forcefully reducing or increasing their temperature.
Febrile Seizures: What You Need to Know…
For many parents, the possibility of febrile seizures during a fever is a source of significant worry. It is important to know that while febrile seizures can be frightening, they are typically harmless and don’t cause lasting damage or developmental issues.
(Did you know: Febrile seizures can’t be reliably prevented using medication.)
- You might be able to reduce the risk of a febrile seizure by keeping your child hydrated and comfortable during a fever and by avoiding bundling your child in heavy blankets, as this can trap heat and elevate their temperature further.
(When to Medicate a Fever & When to Call a Doctor.)
While fevers are generally not dangerous, there are times when medical intervention is necessary. When it comes to fevers, it is important to: “treat the child, not the fever” — meaning that if a child is smiling and playing with a high fever, they are less worrisome than a miserable and listless child with a lower fever.
When to Medicate:
Discomfort: If your child is so uncomfortable that their sleep and hydration is being affected and home care isn’t providing enough relief, it might be time to medicate.
Fevers Below 103°F: Usually do not require medication unless your child is uncomfortable.
Fever Over 104°F: While a fever of 104°F itself isn’t typically dangerous, at this point, it’s best to consider medication to bring down the fever or consult your doctor for advice.
When to Call a Doctor:
Infants Under 3 Months: Any fever over 100.4°F in infants younger than 3 months requires immediate medical attention.
Fever Lasting More Than 3 Days: Fevers that last longer than 72 hours, especially without improvement, should be evaluated by a doctor.
Fever Over 104°F: If your child’s fever exceeds 104°F and does not come down with home care and/or fever reducing medication, or if it climbs rapidly, consult your doctor.
Associated Symptoms: Seek immediate care if your child has difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, severe headache, a stiff neck, light sensitivity, or is very lethargic.
Sick Appearing Child: If your child is not acting like themselves (tired, not playing, irritable, excessively crying) or complaining of serious pain/discomfort speak to your doctor.
Febrile Seizure: After a febrile seizure, even if brief, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor.
Signs of Dehydration: If your child shows signs of dehydration (dry lips, sunken eyes, reduced urination, or extreme lethargy), contact your healthcare provider.
Recurring Fevers: If your child experiences frequent, unexplained fevers, especially if they follow a regular pattern, consult your doctor to rule out underlying conditions like cyclic fever syndrome.
Medication Doesn’t Help: If antipyretic medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen don’t bring down a fever, consult your doctor.
(A Note About Medicating Fevers: When it comes to reducing a fever, two common over-the-counter options are ibuprofen and acetaminophen. If you choose to use one of these please note, that while they can be effective in providing relief, they have distinct differences as well as things you should be aware of:)
Ibuprofen: Often recommended for its anti-inflammatory properties, ibuprofen can help reduce both fever and inflammation. It tends to last longer than acetaminophen (6-8 hours). However, ibuprofen should be avoided in infants under six months of age, and it should ideally be administered with food, as it may irritate the stomach lining. Ibuprofen should be avoided during pregnancy.
Acetaminophen: This is commonly used for younger infants and provides fever relief. It is gentler on the stomach but lasts a bit less (4-6 hours). It is important to be aware that tylenol can cause liver damage and glutathione depletion if overused. Supporting the body with antioxidants like vitamin C, glutathione, and zinc can help protect the liver and maintain glutathione levels.
When choosing between these two, it’s important to consider your child’s age, symptoms, and overall health. Do not withhold medication if your child needs it. For our family, these are typically the last thing we reach for when treating our children, however – there is a place for them. If your child cannot rest, they will not heal effectively.
One of the reasons we do not give fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) prophylactically, to our children is that acetaminophen can deplete glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that makes up an essential part of the body’s detoxification processes. Maintaining adequate levels of glutathione is important for managing the body’s response to any potential toxins vaccines might introduce.
Fevers are a natural part of the body’s immune response and often signal that the body is doing its job in fighting off infection. With the right home care — hydration, rest, herbal support, and more — you can help your child get through a fever comfortably. It’s important to know when to allow the body to fight off infection and when to seek medical advice, particularly in the case of prolonged high fevers. By understanding the balance between allowing the fever to run its course and intervening when necessary, you can support your child’s healing with confidence.
