Quick And Effective Ways To Get Relief From Fever

Ever wondered why your body feels hot when you have fever? Fever is a condition during which your body raises its temperature from a normal 98.6o F to 99o F or above. This is a sign that the body is fighting an underlying infection or illness. Fortunately, there are many home remedies for fever which can bring down the heat and offer quick relief.

Before you try them, it is recommended to check the body temperature using an accurate thermometer. You can now compare the reading with the normal temperature ranges for different age groups to determine if it is a fever:

Infants: 97.9o F (36.6o C) to 99o F (37.2o C)
Adults: 97o F (36.1o C) to 99o F (37.2o C)
Adults +65 Years: Slightly lower than or around 98.6o F (36.2o C)

If the body temperature is recorded higher than this average range, the condition is treated as fever. Most fevers subside in 2 to 3 days with an antipyretic drug, like Paracetamol, along with fever relief home remedies.

* Vinegar Compress

A Vinegar compress is one of the best household remedies for fever. According to a study, vinegar compress was found to be more effective in decreasing the body temperature compared to a cold water compress. This could be due to the acidity in the liquid that soaks up the excess heat from the body.

Vinegar – 2 to 3 tbsp
Cold Water – 1 Tub
Wash Cloth

- Dip the washcloth in a tub of cold water
- Now pour some vinegar on the cloth
- Wring out the excess liquid
- Place the cloth on hot areas of the body like armpits, forehead, thighs etc.
- If the cloth gets dry, repeat the above steps until symptoms subside.

* Cold Water Sponging

Coldwater sponging or an ice compress is the best way to bring down high temperatures. The heat exchange between the compress and body will cause the temperature to fall quickly. A study also shows that cold water sponging in children is very effective in reducing temperature significantly within 30 minutes. It can work as a supportive mechanism for fever reduction along with Paracetamol.

Wash Cloth
Ice Cubes or Cold Water
Tub

- Dip the washcloth in a tub of cold water and wring it.
- Place the compress/cloth on forehead, thigh joints and underarms.
- Repeat if necessary.

* Stay Hydrated

Drinking water is one of the must-follow home remedies for fever in children. Fever can lead to body dehydration due to the depletion of water levels. This is the reason most children experience dry mouth, cracked lips and sunken eyes when having high temperatures. To battle this problem, you must keep them hydrated with water or oral rehydration solutions (ORS).

* Luke Warm Water Bath

The lukewarm water bath is the best home remedy for fever in babies and infants. Not only does this method help in bringing down temperature, but it also keeps them comfortable. Just place them in a baby bathing tub and gently pour lukewarm water on the body. Do it for a couple of minutes.

* Moringa Leaf

A study was conducted on an 18-month-old kid to determine the effectiveness of Moringa leaf on fever. Interestingly, the child experienced normalcy in just one hour after drinking a 40ml solution of boiled Moringa leaf water. This shows that Moringa leaf can be used as a safe natural remedy for fever in toddlers who are sensitive to antipyretic drugs.

* Tulsi

Tulsi is one of the best herbal remedies for treating mild fever. It’s anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties reduces the fever-causing infections in the body. Also, Tulsi can alleviate other related symptoms like sore throat, headache and uneasiness.

Tulsi Leaves – 1 Bunch
Water – 1 Cup
Ginger – ½ Inch
Honey – 1 tbsp

- Boil some tulsi leaves and ginger in a cup of water.
- Strain the tea.
- Add some honey.
- Drink it warm at least 2-3 times a day for faster relief.

* Tamarind

Tamarind is a natural coolant which can bring down the body temperature. The best way to take it is in the form of a South Indian Rasam. This flavoursome broth is made with tamarind pulp, pepper, turmeric, garlic and other ingredients that boost your immunity and fight infections in the body.

In certain parts of Southeast Asia, Tamarind pulp is applied on the forehead of fever patients to offer quick relief.