How to Lower Fever Without Medication

If you (or a child in your household) are experiencing a fever, you’ll want to reduce the fever quickly. However, fever has its role: an elevated body temperature is a natural way to stimulate the immune system and combat pathogens. Therefore, allowing the fever to run its course can be beneficial, at least for a short period. Nevertheless, it's important to manage the fever in a way that keeps the person comfortable while still allowing the immune system to do its job. Fortunately, some home remedies can help.

Take a warm bath. Start by filling a tub with warm water. Let the person with the fever sit in the bath and relax while the water temperature gradually decreases. Since the water cools down slowly, the body temperature of the person with the fever will also decrease gradually.

• Do not use water that is too cold to avoid a sudden drop in body temperature.

Use the method of wet socks. This method is particularly effective at night. Use a long cotton sock that covers the ankle. Rinse the sock under cold water, wring it out, and put it on the feet. Then, wear another woolen sock over it. The person with the fever should wear the socks and rest throughout the night. It's a good idea to cover them with a blanket as well.

• Most children will cooperate with this method as they tend to feel more comfortable after a few minutes.
• This is a traditional natural remedy. Its principle is that cold feet stimulate blood circulation and activate the immune system. As a result, heat is released from the body, drying the socks and lowering the fever. This method can also be used to treat chest congestion.

Use the method of wet towels. Take one or two face towels and fold them lengthwise. Soak the towels in cold water or ice water. Wring them out and place the towels on the forehead, neck, ankles, or wrists. Avoid placing towels on more than two areas at once – for example, you can place them on the forehead and ankles, or on the neck and wrists.

• Cool or cold towels will help expel heat from the body and reduce fever. Repeat this process when the towels are dry or no longer cool enough to make you feel comfortable. You can repeat this as many times as you need.

Reduce food intake. The saying “eat when you have a cold, fast when you have a fever” is somewhat supported by recent scientific studies. You should avoid expending energy on digesting food when that energy could be used to fight the fever-causing agents.

Eat light, healthy fruits. Choose fruits such as strawberries, watermelon, oranges, and cantaloupe. These fruits also help keep your body hydrated.

• Avoid fatty or greasy foods like grilled or fried items. Avoid spicy foods such as fried chicken wings or sausages.

Consume Soup. You can enjoy chicken broth on its own or opt for chicken porridge made with vegetables. Studies have shown that chicken soup contains healing properties. Additionally, it helps keep your body properly hydrated.

• Add easily digestible and healthy protein options such as steamed eggs or chicken (you can add a little bit of chicken meat into the broth).

Stay Hydrated. A fever can lead to dehydration, making the affected person feel more uncomfortable. To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of water or electrolyte solutions like Ceralyte or Pedialyte. Consult a doctor before using electrolyte solutions. Keep track of symptoms, eating habits (for yourself or the feverish child), and your body temperature. Record how often you change the baby's diaper or how often older children urinate.

• If your baby is still breastfeeding, drink as much water as possible. Your baby will receive enough protein and fluids, making them feel more comfortable.
• Children (and adults) can use popsicles to help prevent dehydration. However, avoid too much sugar. Look for popsicles made from natural fruits, frozen yogurt, or fruit juice. Don’t forget to continue drinking plenty of water.

Drink Herbal Fever-Reducing Tea. You can either purchase this tea or make it yourself at home. Simply add one teaspoon of dry herbs to each cup of water. Steep the herbs in boiling water for 5 minutes, then add honey or lemon to taste. Avoid adding milk as dairy products may increase mucus production. For young children, reduce the herb amount to ½ teaspoon and allow the tea to cool before giving it to them. Do not give tea to infants unless instructed by a doctor. Here are some herbal teas you can try:

• Indian Basil (or sweet basil – though less effective)
• White Willow Bark
• Hot Peppermint or Spearmint
• Chamomile
• Thyme
• Raspberry Leaves
• Ginger
• Oregano Leaves
• Marjoram

Know When to Contact a Doctor. Body temperature may fluctuate throughout the day, but typically, it should remain around 37°C. If a newborn’s temperature exceeds 38°C when measured rectally, call a doctor immediately. For children in general, if their body temperature rises to 40°C or above, call a doctor immediately. For children over 6 months old, temperatures over 39.4°C are a sign they should be examined. If your child has a fever and any of the following symptoms, seek medical care or emergency help promptly:

• appears tired and refuses to eat
• fussy or crying
• drowsy or lethargic
• obvious signs of infection (pus, discharge, redness, or swelling)
• seizures
• sore throat, rash, headache, stiff neck, ear pain
• rare signs that require immediate attention include:
  • high-pitched or seal-like crying
  • difficulty breathing or a bluish tint around the mouth, fingertips, or toes
  • swollen fontanel in infants
  • weak or limp

Watch for Early Signs of Dehydration. If you notice mild signs of dehydration, especially in newborns, it’s best to consult a doctor. Severe dehydration can set in rapidly. Some early symptoms include:

• Dry mouth, cracked or sticky lips – or similar symptoms in the baby's eyes
• Lethargy, excessive crying, or being more tired than usual
• Thirst (watch for actions like licking or pursing lips in infants)
• Reduced urine output
• Dry diaper (Newborns typically need a diaper change about every 3 hours. If the diaper is still dry after 3 hours, your baby may be dehydrated. Continue giving fluids and check again in an hour. If the diaper remains dry, call your doctor.)
• Dark urine
• Few or no tears when crying
• Dry skin (Pinch the back of your child’s hand gently; if the skin doesn't return to its normal state right away, dehydration may be present.)
• Constipation
• Dizziness or light-headedness

Recognize Severe Dehydration Symptoms. If any of the following symptoms occur, call emergency services and consult a doctor immediately. Severe dehydration symptoms include:

• Intense thirst, excessive crying, or confusion – for infants and children (In adults, this usually presents as irritability and disorientation)
• Extremely dry mouth, skin, and mucous membranes around the mouth and eyes
• No tears when crying
• Skin remains pinched after being lightly squeezed
• Decreased and darker urine output
• Sunken eyes (or dark circles around the eyes)
• For newborns, the fontanel may appear sunken.
• Rapid heartbeat and/or fast breathing
• Fever

Monitor for Febrile Seizures in Infants. Febrile seizures occur in infants when they experience a high fever. While alarming, these seizures typically pass quickly and do not cause brain damage or other serious harm. Febrile seizures usually affect children between 6 months and 5 years old. After the age of 5, these seizures are very rare. If your child experiences a febrile seizure:

• Ensure there are no sharp objects or stairs nearby to prevent injury.
• Do not hold or restrain the child.
• Place the child or infant on their side or stomach.
• If the seizure lasts longer than 10 minutes, call emergency services for immediate medical attention (especially if the child has a stiff neck, vomiting, confusion, or loss of consciousness).

• The most accurate body temperature is measured rectally, but it may differ – sometimes considerably – when measured orally, on the forehead, or in the ear.
• The rectal temperature is usually 0.3°C to 0.6°C higher than the oral temperature.
• Forehead temperature is typically 0.3°C to 0.6°C lower than oral temperature and 0.6°C to 1.2°C lower than rectal temperature.
• Ear temperature tends to be 0.3°C to 0.6°C higher than oral temperature.
• If a child has had a fever for more than 1 day (for children over 2 years old) or 3 days (for older children), contact a doctor.
• Body temperature is usually lower in the early morning and higher in the afternoon.
• Always stay hydrated.
• Don’t overdress a child. Too many layers can trap heat and increase body temperature. Dress your child in light cotton clothes and thin socks. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and cover the child with a light blanket.

• If you are diagnosed with thyroid storm – a thyroid disorder that causes a sudden spike in thyroid hormones – this is a medical emergency and you should call emergency services immediately. The methods mentioned in this article will not treat thyroid storm.
• Avoid consuming caffeinated teas (black, green, or white tea) as they contain heat-inducing compounds.
• When experiencing a fever, do not consume alcoholic beverages or caffeine-laden drinks such as coffee, tea, or sodas.
• Never give aspirin to infants or young children unless prescribed by a doctor. Avoid giving aspirin to anyone under the age of 18.