Did you know that fevers are a physiological process, meaning your body innately KNOWS how to do it safely? Yup, just like breathing, digesting, birthing… we just have to nourish our body and get out of its way so it can do what it know best how to do!
Fevers are the body’s incredible design of quickly destroying pathogens and bringing the body back into balance. Fevers are not the sickness, they are the healing.
Growing up, I was taught that fevers are something to fear. I remember seeing temperatures frequently taken, and everyone obsessing about the temperature on the thermometer. If it got past a certain number, usually around 101, fever reducing medicine would immediately be administered.
During my pregnancy with my first child, I purchased a book, after seeing it recommended by another mom, called, “How To Raise A Healthy Child In Spite Of Your Doctor”. As I skimmed through the book, a section on fevers caught my attention. Reading Dr. Mendelsohn’s information about fevers was radical to me, and yet made so much sense. Since then, I’ve researched this topic more and through a lot of experience, I’ve stopped fearing fevers and instead, welcome them. I see them for what they truly are- our ally and a powerful tool that cleans our body and brings it back into balance.
What Causes Fevers?
Fevers are caused by pathogens or non-infectious causes, which trigger the thermoregulatory center of the hypothalamus (which is responsible for keeping your body in a stable state called homeostasis, another physiological process). This causes the body to release pyrogen, a substance that increases the body’s temperature in a controlled, effective way. Read more about the physiological process of fevers here.
What To Do During A Fever
Typically, if there are no concerning symptoms, then nothing really needs to be done to the fever. During a sickness, the body simply needs to be nourished so that the fever can do its job. Keep reading to learn more about concerning symptoms and how to support the body.
When Are Fevers Dangerous?
There are two causes of fevers that are dangerous because they disable the hypothalamus from controlling the body temperature:
- Hyperthermia, caused by heat exhaustion or heat stroke
- Poisoning
In these cases, it is important to seek medical help immediately since the body will not be able to regulate the fever, and it will keep increasing, resulting in irreparable damage or even death.
It is also important to seek medical help if a newborn has a fever.
Otherwise, fevers can be monitored, and the body nourished and supported throughout the duration of the fever.
What About Febrile Seizures?
Febrile seizures caused by fevers happen in 1 child in 30, usually between 6 months to 6 years, and usually don’t repeat. Contrary to popular belief, febrile seizures usually occur due to a rapid increase or decrease in body temperature, not a high temperature itself, naturally or by fever reducers. They vary in length and usually do not cause harm, nor increase risk of epilepsy.
What About Fever Reducers?
Growing up, I was always given fever reducers. It’s been hard to rewire my brain to see fevers as a good thing, a sign of a healthy body, and as a wise physiological process. We haven’t reduced any fevers in our family for the last three years, and I’ve noticed that fevers are typically short lived when not meddled with. I’ve also noticed that fevers become high typically at night and the temperature fluctuates.
It is wise to limit the use of fever reducers, because they prevent the fever from destroying any pathogens. This can prolong sickness or even make the sickness worse. They often cause febrile seizures. Fever reducers are also often full of toxic ingredients, such as toxic food dyes, and they do come with potential side effects.
Pay Attention To The Body Versus The Fever Temperature
For me, the behavior of my children tells me much more than the number on the thermometer does. A fevering person will generally be more tired, have less energy, may be grumpy, and not hungry, but they are conscious, aware, and alert. Lethargy is concerning and a cause for medical attention. Lethargic behavior often is characterized as having difficulty concentrating, having trouble remembering things, being difficult to rouse, and abnormal decrease in consciousness.
How Can The Body Be Supported Through A Fever?
- Nourishing, mineral rich, hydrating food, such as soups and broths
- Hydration is vital- plenty of fluids are necessary, such as water, coconut water, and broths
- Fresh air
- Breastfeeding on demand for children
- Plenty of rest and sleep
- Skin to skin contact
- Grounding
- Natural remedies:
- Raw honey: boosts the immune system with it’s natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, helping to fight infections. It also soothes sore throats, reduces coughing, and provides antioxidants that support overall healing.
- Manuka honey: In addition to the benefits above, manuka honey supports the immune system with its high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound known for its strong antibacterial and antiviral properties that help fight infections. Honey can be taken as a warm tea or directly by spoon.
- Elderberry Elixir: helps the immune system by providing antioxidants and vitamins that support the body’s defense against infections. It may also help reduce inflammation, making symptoms milder and recovery faster.
- Feel Better Fast: supports the body during sickness by combining herbs like echinacea, elder flower, and cinnamon to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and fight off infections. It helps ease symptoms such as congestion, sore throats, and fatigue, promoting faster recovery.
- Cod Liver Oil: helps the immune system by providing vitamin A, which protects the body’s barriers against pathogens, and vitamin D, which helps the immune system fight infections. It’s healthy fats also reduce inflammation, making it easier for the body to heal. Cod liver oil can be taken in a shot glass with some grape juice (preferably organic and not from concentrate).
- Ginger: supports the immune system by reducing inflammation, fighting harmful pathogens, and helping to clear congestion. It also warms the body, improves circulation, and soothes nausea, making it especially helpful during sickness. Ginger can be cleaned, cut, and steeped into a tea to drink with some honey, and powdered ginger can be used in a pinch.
- Homeopathy: Homeopathy involves using highly diluted natural substances to stimulate the body’s healing processes. It’s important to choose remedies based on specific symptoms, personality traits, and overall health, with each remedy targeting a particular condition or imbalance. One of my favorite blogs for homeopathy is this one. If you’re new to homeopathy, take some time to use Jill’s resources to learn how to use homeopathy. A fantastic book for homeopathic use for mothers is this one.
- Propolis throat spray: supports the immune system by delivering natural antibacterial and antiviral compounds that help fight infections and soothe throat irritation. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also promote healing and protect against further irritation.
Gentle Ways Of Intervening
If I ever would get concerned with a fever and my intuition would tell me to reduce it, I would start with these remedies:
- Wetting a wash cloth in a 1:1 ratio of water to vinegar (organic preferably) mixture and rubbing that on the forehead, arms, legs, and neck to naturally and gently cool the body down
- A tepid bath
- Homeopathic remedies matched to the affected person’s symptoms and constitution
If fever reducer medicine must be used, it is wiser to use medicine that is dye-free.
As always, listen to your intuition and do what feels best for your family.
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