5 most effective natural fever remedies (not cold water compresses)

Fever is not really a disease, but a reaction of the immune system to an infection, disease, or other underlying condition. You do not really need to take febrifuge if the fever is mild.

Body temperature will decrease on its own with enough rest. However, if you want to quickly get back to fit so that you can do your usual activities, there are many natural fever remedies around you that are effective in taming the heat in the body.

Various natural fever remedies that you can try at home

1. Compress warm water

Cold water compresses have been used as a natural fever remedy since ancient times. In fact, cold compresses can not really cure fever. What actually happens is that the body interprets the cold temperature as a threat, which makes the body increase its temperature even more and worsens the fever.

A warm compress is a more effective method of reducing fever than a cold compress. Blood vessels that dilate due to warm temperatures can trigger sweat production and make it easier to remove heat from the body, so that body temperature will naturally decrease from within.

Simply soak a clean washcloth in a bowl filled with lukewarm water (not hot water!), Squeeze out any excess water, and try to apply it directly to the underarm area. You can return to soaking in cold water and repeat the compress if necessary. But don't apply it for more than 20 minutes and give it a 10 minute break before starting to compress again.

2. Take a warm shower

High body temperature can sometimes make you feel hot and uncomfortable. But don't be tempted to splash your body with cold water. Much like a cold compress, this tactic will instantly constrict the blood vessels, thus slowing down blood flow to the site of inflammation.

On the other hand, this extreme temperature difference actually makes the body temperature drop suddenly, which triggers the body to shiver. A warm bath helps reduce fever gradually and safely.

3. Drink plenty of fluids

According to doctor William Schaffner of the Vanderbilt School of Medicine, the most effective natural fever remedy is the consumption of fluids. Get plenty of rest and drink warm water or sports drinks. Apart from plain water, it is okay to drink hot, fresh tea of ​​any kind (it can be sweetened with honey or add ginger slices to warm the body) and fresh fruit juices. Drinking vegetable broth or chicken soup also helps a lot to reduce fever.

Drink 1 to 2 cups of herbal tea (or other warm liquid) every few hours as needed. The steam from hot foods can thin the mucus that clogs your nose and also triggers sweat production - both of which help lower your body temperature.

4. Wet socks

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this wet sock technique can help reduce fever. Before going to bed, soak a pair of cotton socks in water, squeeze out the remaining water, and place them on the soles of your feet like a compress on your forehead. Then, put on thick cotton socks or wool socks (dry ones, huh!) To coat the wet socks.

As you sleep, your body will begin to release and circulate lymph fluid and a firmer blood flow to the toes of your feet to stimulate the body's immune system activity to combat the "threat" of cold temperatures in the area. You can repeat this tactic for 5-6 consecutive days to reduce fever, if needed.

5. Eat more fruit

Fruits such as the citrus family, guava, kiwi, papaya, strawberry, pineapple, and mango are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system in fighting infections, thereby accelerating healing.

Bananas can help replace potassium intake in the body that is lost when sweating - as well as with vomiting and diarrhea, if your fever is followed by these symptoms. Choose fresh fruit instead of canned fruit products or packaged fruit juices with added sugar. High sugar intake can inhibit your immune system.

When should you see a doctor for fever?

In fact, the various fever medications above will only help you feel a little better and will not actually cure the fever. The single most effective way to reduce fever is to treat the root cause of the fever.

You should always consult with your doctor first about your fever to get the best treatment, and take fever-reducing drugs as directed by your doctor. And if, the fever is already high (or has been high from the start, above 38 ° C), immediately see a doctor.

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