Everyone has suffered from fever at some point in their lives. Although these are sometimes harmless, they cause discomfort such as fatigue and body aches. Therefore, we try to lower it as soon as possible. In addition to medications, there are home remedies that help with this goal. Naturopaths recommend eucalyptus and ginger, among others.
Fever is an increase in body temperature that generally occurs when there is an infection since the body is trying to defeat the virus or bacteria in the body.
According to Angel Barrios, an internist, these microorganisms survive at normal temperatures; therefore, the body increases the temperature to combat them.
Other conditions such as different types of cancer, heart illnesses, and autoimmune diseases also cause fever, as do some childhood vaccines and antibiotics, blood pressure medications,s, and anti-seizure medicines.
Although a temperature of 37°C is considered normal, most people’s body temperature varies slightly throughout the day. For example, it tends to be a little lower in the morning and a little higher in the evening, depending on the pace of life. Sometimes there are daily fever spikes that then return to normal.
When is fever considered?
The MSD Manual indicates that body temperature can be measured in several areas of the body, most often in the mouth and rectum. It can also be done in the ear, forehead, and armpit, although the latter would be less accurate. It is ideal to do it with a digital thermometer and not with the ones made of glass and containing mercury.
Oral temperatures are considered elevated when they are higher than 37°C in the morning when they are higher than 38°C at any time after dawn, and when they are higher than a person’s normal daily temperature.
Fever is also said to be present when rectal and tympanic (ear) temperatures are approximately 0.6° C higher than oral temperatures.
Fever is dangerous for a person if it exceeds 41°C, so it is recommended to call a doctor or go to a hospital as soon as possible.
Home remedies to lower fever
Treatment for fever will depend on the degree of discomfort and the cause. Most people feel better when fever is treated; drugs such as paracetamol (acetaminophen), aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are common. Children should not take aspirin.
Because many over-the-counter cold and flu medications contain acetaminophen (paracetamol), care should be taken not to take multiple medications containing acetaminophen at the same time.
In addition to these medications, some home remedies help lower fever.
- Stay hydrated: Children and adults should stay hydrated when they have a high temperature. In addition to drinking fluids, you can choose to eat warm broth, popsicles, gelatin, or natural fruit juices.
- Preparation of medicinal plants: Gabriel Solís, naturopath, recommends using eucalyptus leaves, swallowtail stems and leaves, ginger root, neem leaves, elderberry leaves, flowers, and verbena leaves to lower fever. The recommendation is to use at least two of the aforementioned plants in one liter of water. Bring the water to a boil, and when it reaches boiling point, turn off the heat and add the plants. Simmer for ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Ideally, drink a glass of this preparation every two hours.
- Bathing with warm water: This will help relax the body, which will make the person feel better.
- Place cold cloths: Placing cold cloths on the forehead or back of the neck will lower the fever; you can also place the cloths on the armpits, feet, and groin.
- Sage tea: This drink helps you sweat and lower your fever. Put about 10 leaves of this plant in a liter of water, when it is boiling, let it sit for 10 minutes and drink it constantly.
- Ginger tea: The root causes the body to release heat and other flu symptoms, as it is a natural antiviral. Place a piece of ginger in a liter of water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then drink it as hot as possible.
- Wear cool clothing: avoid wrapping yourself up too much to prevent your temperature from rising. Ideally, wear cool clothing, even if the fever causes a feeling of cold. It is recommended to cover yourself with a light blanket or sweater.
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