Natural ways to treat a fever
Having a child with a fever can be very worrying. What’s wrong? Is it serious? What can I do? I’ve written another blog about fevers that includes when to worry and when to seek urgent medical care. So please read that first.
The majority of fevers however don’t need urgent care but rather support and symptomatic treatment at home. And if you’re like me you prefer to hold off on medication like panadol and nurofen unless you really need it. Here are some safe simple steps you can take to help your child.
Natural home remedies:
Clothing. It’s best to keep your child in light clothing or even to strip them down to their nappy or underwear. If they’re shivering a light blanket can be used.
Environment. Let them rest in a cool environment. So either in an air-conditioned room or with a fan on.
Cool compress. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe across their forehead, back of neck or underarms in particular but you can wipe all over their body. The evaporation of the fluid helps cool the body.
Tepid (not cold) bath. I don’t usually recommend this as some children can have a febrile convulsion with a fever. In this circumstance being in a bath would obviously be very dangerous. I prefer cool compresses or sponge baths. For older children though (over 6 years of age) a tepid bath is an option.
Rest. It is really important to allow your child to sleep in order to heal. Don’t wake them for food or medication. You may need to wake to drink though if you’re worried about their hydration.
Peeled fresh garlic or onion. Although I’ve not tried this, some mums swear by applying this to their children’s feet and covering with socks. I’d not recommend this in children under 2 years old.
Drink lots of fluids. Although plain water is a great option here are some suggestions that will also boost their immunity
- Bone broth. Can offer as a drink to sip on. You can add frozen ice blocks of it into smoothies or you can use it when making popsicles.
- Popsicles. You can create ones rich in immune boosting & bug fighting ingredients like: blue berries, kiwi fruit, orange, basil & spinach
- Cooled herbal tea. Especially chamomile, peppermint, ginger and honey.
- Foods high in water. Cold watermelon or cucumber sticks are a great option.
- Diluted fresh fruit juice. Although I’m not a big fan of fruit juice, it can help children drink more fluids. Preferable juice your own or buy pure juice with no added sugars or preservatives.
Essential oils. I know that there are lots of remedies using essential oils. I am not an expert in this but looking at the literature there could be a role for peppermint oil (only if over 3 years old) as it’s active ingredient (menthol) has been shown to help. Please exercise caution when using though. Always dilute properly and never ingest.
I hope you’ve found this helpful. Please share if you did. And please let me know of any other remedies you use.