What is a fever?

A fever is a natural reaction in your body, it is a short-term increase in body temperature that can help your body fight off illness. The good news is there are many natural options to help in cases of a fever.

However, a severe fever can be a symptom of a serious condition that requires emergency medical attention.

What defines a fever?

Readings on a thermometer:

If you suspect a fever and want to know the severity, it is a good idea to check using a thermometer.

Normal body temperature can range between 36.1 C and 99 F 37.2 C or more.

The following thermometer readings generally indicate a fever:

Rectal, ear or temporal artery temperature of 38 C or higher.
Oral temperature of 37.8 C or higher.
Armpit temperature of 37.2 C or higher.

To check you or your child’s temperature, you can use an oral, rectal, or axillary thermometer.

An oral thermometer should be placed under the tongue for three minutes.

Notes on body temperature

Normal body temperature may also fluctuate depending on the time of day. It tends to be lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening.

Other factors include the menstrual cycle or engaging in intense physical exercise.

What usually causes a fever?

Fevers occur when a part of the brain called the hypothalamus raises the set point of your normal body temperature. When this happens, you may feel chilled and add layers of clothing, or you may start shivering to generate more body heat. This eventually results in a higher body temperature.

There are numerous different conditions that can trigger a fever. Some possible causes include:

• infections, most commonly including the flu and pneumonia
• some immunisations
• teething (in infants)
• some inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Crohn’s disease
• blood clots
• extreme sunburn
• food poisoning

Depending on the cause of the fever, additional symptoms may include:

• sweating
• shivering
• headache
• muscle aches
• loss of appetite
• dehydration
• general weakness

For a fever (induced by cold and flu infections):

1) Diet– Keep the diet simple, generally steamed vegetables, chicken or vegetable broth, and fluids such as water or juice. Adding electrolytes to fluids can also be beneficial to replace lost minerals in sweat.

2) Rest– The body needs the energy to heal. We should conserve our energy with rest, periodic fresh air deep breathing while maintaining an optimistic attitude – all of which can improve immune function.

3) Make sure the room temperature where the person is resting is comfortable and take a regular bath or a sponge bath using lukewarm water.

Inform a medical professional if:

• You should take your infant to a doctor if they are:
• younger than 3 months old and have a temperature exceeding 38°C
• between 3 and 6 months old, have a temperature over 38.9°C, and seem unusually irritable, lethargic, or uncomfortable
• between 6 and 24 months old and have a temperature higher than 38.9°C that lasts longer than one day

You should take your child to see a doctor if they:

• have a body temperature exceeding 39°C
• have had a fever for more than three days
• make poor eye contact with you
• seem restless or irritable
• have recently had one or more immunisations
• have a serious medical illness or a compromised immune system
• have recently been in a developing country

You should call your doctor if you:

• have a body temperature exceeding 39.4°C
• have had a fever for more than three days
• have a serious medical illness or a compromised immune system
• have recently been in a developing country

A serious fever could be a sign of a serious infection, meningitis is a serious condition and requires urgent medical attention, signs may include:

• a severe headache
• a skin rash, especially if the rash gets worse
• sensitivity to bright light
• a stiff neck and neck pain
• persistent vomiting
• muscle weakness
• trouble breathing or chest pain
• confusion

Likewise, if any other serious or unusual symptoms develop a fever could be a sign of a condition in need of urgent attention.

Naturopathy and fever prevention

Echinacea - assists with the prevention of colds and flus through its anti-microbial properties. It is effective against both bacterial and viral attacks. Elderberry syrup can have a very potent antiviral and antibacterial action, too[i].

Ginger - The potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pain-relieving properties of ginger have the amazing potential to offer relief and reduce the symptoms of viral fever[ii].

Honey - Honey has potent antimicrobial properties to aid in lessening infections and coughs[iii].

Tulsi Tea- Tulsi leaves contain volatile oils including eugenol, citronellol and linalool facilitate to lessen inflammation. The strong antibacterial and fungicidal properties of tulsi leaves function well to lessen the symptoms of viral fever[iv].

Garlic - The potent antibacterial properties in garlic are effective in treating viral fever[v]. Try Allicin Max

Lemon Balm- Lemon balm extract is an impressive source of essential oils and plant compounds that exhibit antiviral properties against many viral infections.

Yarrow - Brew a cup of yarrow tea. This herb opens your pores and triggers the sweating that is said to move a fever toward its end. Steep a tablespoon of herb in a cup of freshly boiled water for 10 minutes. Let cool. Drink a cup or two until you start to sweat.

Willow bark is a natural alternative to Aspirin and can help ease a headache. Consume it as a tincture, in powdered form or as a tea.

Bone Broth: more than just the soul, bone broth puts healing into a higher gear. Bone broth contains cartilage which supports healthy immune function. Drink a cup the next time a fever strikes to give your immune system a boost with the added benefit of keeping you hydrated.

Antipyretic herbs assist in bringing down a fever. See the examples below:

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)

Elder (Sambucus nigra)

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

Olive (Olea europaea)

Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum)

Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)