Home Remedies For Fever
Do any of us really need to be introduced to Fever? It is something that affects all of us every now and then. Actually, fever in itself is rarely a condition. It is often a symptom of an underlying disease or infection. But, the abnormal rise in body temperature associated with Fever can be unsettling and disrupt your daily routine.
While it is possible to resolve mild to moderate fevers through natural remedies, most of us tend to rush to the doctor’s clinic. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers herbal remedies that can relieve your fever effectively and safely. These Ayurveda-inspired gharelu nuskhas or remedies are generally very easy to prepare, cost-effective, and free of side effects.
In this article, you get to know about the causes of fever, natural home remedies, and lifestyle and dietary adjustments to fasten your recovery. By following them, you can hope to bring down fever naturally.
What is Fever?
Fever, referred to as pyrexia by doctors, is a condition linked to an abnormal rise in body temperature above the normal range of 97°F to 99°F (36°C to 37°C). This spike in your body temperature usually happens when your immune system tries to fight off infections caused by microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, etc. When the immune system detects a virus, bacteria or any other pathogen in your body, it stimulates a part of your brain to raise body temperature, making it difficult for these harmful microorganisms to survive in your body.
During fever, symptoms such as chills, sweating, fatigue, muscle aches, dehydration, and headache are common. In most cases, mild fevers are harmless. But, if you have a very high or persistent fever, then it may point towards a serious underlying health condition that potentially requires treatment.
Therefore, timely diagnosis of fever is important to manage it appropriately. With herbal home remedies, you may easily get relief from mild to moderate fevers without the need for pharmaceutical interventions.
What Causes Fever?
While fever is a common health condition, the factors that lead to it, both internal and external, can be very complex. Therefore, you should try to understand the root cause of fever in order to select the most effective remedies that are suitable for you.
Some of the most common causes of fever:
Infections: Fever is a common symptom of viral infections, such as the flu, dengue, or common cold, and bacterial infections, like strep throat or pneumonia, etc.
Inflammatory Conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and some other autoimmune diseases can cause recurring low-grade fevers due to chronic inflammation.
After-Vaccination Effect: You can develop fever after vaccination as the body builds immunity.
Long-term Disease: Conditions such as cancer, HIV, tuberculosis, etc. may cause extended bouts of fevers.
Over Exposure to Heat: If you have heat exhaustion from overexposure to heat or dehydration, then it can present as a fever.
Environmental and Lifestyle: Inadequate hydration, poor sleeping patterns, and poor diet can affect the immune system, making you prone to fever.
With the right knowledge and guidance, you can make the best decision to resolve both the symptoms and the underlying issues. Natural and herbal remedies, along with making lifestyle adjustments, can help you get effective relief while supporting overall health.
Home Remedies and Tips
With natural remedies discussed below, you can get relief from fever safely and effectively. Below are some time-tested solutions:
Cold Compress
Dab and soak a clean cloth in cold water, wring out excess moisture, and apply it to the forehead or back of the neck. This compress will help support a drop in your body temperature and provide quick relief.
Ginger Tea
Boil a small piece of ginger in water, strain, and add honey for sweetness. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it effective against infections.
Tulsi Decoction
Prepare a decoction by boiling 10-12 leaves of tulsi with a pinch of black pepper in a cup of water. Drink twice daily to enhance immunity and reduce fever.
Hydration with Coconut Water
In fever, you should drink coconut water or oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration. Proper hydration aids recovery and prevents complications.
Apple Cider Vinegar Bath
Mix one cup of apple cider vinegar into lukewarm water and soak for 10-15 minutes. This method will help you dissipate heat and soothe your body.
Turmeric Milk
Known as “golden milk,” this traditional remedy involves heating milk with a pinch of turmeric and black pepper. The anti-inflammatory properties of this beverage can support the immune system.
Peppermint Steam
Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam. This relieves respiratory congestion and promotes relaxation.
Fenugreek Water
Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds overnight, strain the water, and drink it the next morning. This detoxifying drink helps lower fever naturally.
Raisin Water
Soak raisins in water overnight, crush them, and strain the liquid. This energizing remedy helps reduce fever symptoms and provides essential nutrients.
Garlic Foot Paste
Crush garlic cloves and mix with warm water to form a paste. Apply to the soles of the feet and cover with socks. Garlic’s antimicrobial properties aid in reducing fever.
These remedies are simple to prepare and work effectively for managing mild to moderate fevers. However, consult a doctor if the fever exceeds 102°F or persists beyond three days.
Lifestyle and Diet Recommendations
You can trust a healthy lifestyle and good diet to help you manage fever and recover faster. Some of the practical tips to get started are listed below:
Get Enough Rest and Sleep
Adequate rest is very important for recovery. During sleep, your body tends to repair itself and aligns its energy towards fighting infections.
Drink More Water
Now just water, drinking plenty of other hydrating liquids like herbal teas and electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water can prevent dehydration and help expel toxins from your body.
Opt For Light and Nutritious Meals
Eating easily digestible foods like vegetable soups, broths, and khichdi. During fever, avoid eating heavy or spicy foods that can stir up the digestive system.
Don’t Consume Junk Food
During fever, try not to eat processed foods, sweetened snacks, and caffeinated beverages. If you eat such foods or drink such beverages, then you will only weaken your immunity and prolong recovery.
Practice Good Hygiene
If you have a fever, then you should maintain good hygiene, including regular handwashing/sanitising and disinfecting objects that are touched frequently, to avoid the spread of infections.
Perform Moderate Activity
Once you have brought your body temperature under control, you should try to do some low-intensity activities like stretching or walking to improve your blood circulation and energy levels.
Try out the above mentioned easy home remedies for fever and lifestyle changes. These simple techniques may do the job in effectively bringing your fever under control with little to no side effects. But if you notice, for some reason, you are unable to experience any relief, then you should consult an experienced Ayurvedic doctor. This will allow you to receive timely diagnosis and treatment for the fever.