When your body experiences external (weather change) or internal (viral or bacterial infection) changes, it can respond with a fever. If your body temperature moves outside the healthy range of 98.4 and 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit, here's what you can do to bring down a fever without pharmaceutical drugs.
1. Ginger tea. Spicy ginger induces sweating and treats inflammation. That's why Best Health Magazine Canada recommends drinking tea made from steeping 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger root in 1 cup boiled water.
Advertisement
2. Cayenne pepper. Like the spice in ginger, the potent heat in cayenne's active ingredient capsaicin promotes rapid blood circulation. To bring down a fever, Best Health Magazine Canada recommends sprinkling cayenne on your food.
3. Wet socks. It sounds gross, but this folk remedy really works. Best Health Magazine Canada recommends soaking your feet in hot water. As soon as you take your feet out, slip them into cotton soaks dampened by cold water. Pull dry wool socks over the wet socks and crawl into bed. This home remedy works because it draws the blood to the feet, increasing overall blood circulation.
4. Cold grapes. High in vitamin C, grapes cooled in the refrigerator can provide both cool relief and a boost to the immune system, says Best Health Magazine Canada.
5. Vinegar bath. Natural News recommends soaking in a lukewarm bath treated with 1/2 cup vinegar. Just 5- 10 minutes can dramatically reduce fever.
6. Vinegar potatoes. To use this home remedy, Natural News says to soak potato slices in vinegar for 10 minutes. Then simply relax lying down for 20 minutes with the potato slices on your forehead and a washcloth draped over the slices.
7. Bone broth. We've all heard chicken soup is the best cure for a cold. According to Mommy Potamus, bone broth is the best treatment for a fever. This is because the cartilage in bones supports healthy immune function, making it easier for the body to fight against infection.
8. Apple cider vinegar. The miracle cure-all also works for fever, says Mommy Potamus. Soak a washcloth in 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts water and wrap the cloth on your forehead or stomach. This method will "draw out" the fever naturally.
E-medicine warns, however, if the fever is higher than 103° F, lasts longer than 7 days or continues to climb over time, please contact your doctor. There are also a few life threatening situations during which immediate emergency help should be sought. These include fever combined with any of the following: a stiff neck, blood in stool, difficulty breathing, confusion or high level of agitation.
Advertisement
Do you love these home remedies as much as we do? Tell us your favorites when you SHARE this article on social media!