Fever

Fever is the above-normal body temperature during times of infection or disease.

Many of us know what a fever is and have experienced it many times in our lifetime. A fever is the body's reaction to infection and is a "call-to-arms" signal for the body's immune system.

Having elevated temperatures allows the body to fight off the infection. However, very high temperatures also denature some proteins and can be detrimental to other body functions. It also causes seizures in many children if left unchecked.

It is therefore necessary to monitor a person's body temperature during febrile episodes to watch out for very high temperatures but also allow for a certain temperature elevation so the body's defenses can still fight off the infection.

Try these natural cures to get rid of a fever.

Natural Cures for Fever:

Sponge Bath:

A sponge bath is a very effective home remedy for high temperatures.

For babies and infants, the most effective way of doing this is taking off all clothes and wiping them down with a face towel soaked and wringed in tap or ice water.

It is normal for babies and infants to continue crying during this procedure because they already feel cold. Nonetheless, bringing down the temperature quick is essential to avoid febrile seizures.

To minimize this uncomfortable feeling for them, you can dry them up with a dry cloth after the wet/damp wipe-down but note that the effectiveness of the sponge bath may also be lessened.

Antipyretics:

Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are the most frequently used drugs for fever control. Both must be given based on age/weight of the patient.

Acetaminophen is usually given every 4 hours while ibuprofen is every 6-8 hours. Both of these drugs bring down the fever by resetting the body's "thermostat" so it is not set to high. Although both of these medications take effect after around 30 minutes, the body temperature will not go down that fast unless the patient is given a sponge bath.

Antipyretics and sponge baths have a synergistic effect in bringing down the fever. For this reason, antipyretics are given first then the patient is given a sponge bath. By doing this, you also lessen the possibility of chills and extreme discomfort for the patient.

Ginger:

Although most commonly known for treating sore throat, ginger tea also has antipyretic effects and can be used as a natural cure for fever.

Boil the root in water.

The more concentrated it is, the better.

Drink just like tea.

Bitter Melon/Bitter Gourd:

The bitter melon is a vegetable and looks like a shriveled up cucumber and grows in vines.

The vegetable is a common ingredient for daily viands in South East Asia and is very much known for its use in diabetes.

Instead of the vegetable, as a natural cure for fever, the leaves are gathered and juiced.

You can take a spoonful everyday for relief of fever.