A raised temperature (fever) can accompany both a bacterial and viral infection. The ancient saying of “Feed a cold and starve a fever” is not accurate according to scientists. They have found that starving a bacterial infection can be advantageous and help to kill it off but starving a viral infection, such as colds and flu, is not helpful and may cause harm due to nutrient deficiencies that may be caused which will reduce the strength of the immune system.
Therefore the modern educated version should be “Feed a virus and starve a bacteria“.
Fever is an elevation in body temperature. It’s the body’s protective mechanism against infection. The elevation in temperature happens when the immune system is fighting off bacterial, fungal or viral infections that could harm the body.
Normal body temperature ranges from 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit but varies throughout the day. Usually is lower in the early morning and higher in late afternoon. A fever is considered to be any temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
One should get concern when temperature rises above 102 degrees Fahrenheit for an adult and 103 degrees Fahrenheit for children. Often, having high temperature is helpful for the body; it’s the way the body acts to destroy harmful microbes. In an adult, temperatures under 103 degrees Fahrenheit encourage the body to create more immune cells.
A fever of 104 or higher can be a risk for people with cardiac problems, since it accelerates the heartbeat and makes it work harder, and can cause irregular rhythms, chest pain or even heart attack.
When a person has had a fever over 106 degrees for a long period of time, it can cause dehydration and brain damage.
Natural remedies for fevers
Aloe vera, coconut water and pineapple (prevents dehydration) and radish juice in warm water with ginger, honey and freshly squeezed lemon. Plenty of bottled mineral water is helpful as it supplies some ofthe minerals lost due to perspiration.
NOTE: Do not consume ginger if taking anticoagulants (blood thinning medication) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen or in the first trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of bleeding.
Teas for fever
Steep one or more of the following ingredients in a cup of hot water for ten minutes then strain and sip slowly. Can be gently reheated but do not boil. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey may be added for extra benefits and taste.
- Basil
- Cloves (three)
- Coriander
- Mint
- Mustard seeds
- Oregano
- Saffron
- Thyme
- Yarrow
A tea made with the following ingredients can be taken to lower fever and fight infection:
Juices for fighting the cold and influenza viruses and reducing a fever.
- Apricot
- Blackberries
- Carrot
- Garlic
- Kiwi fruit
- Lemon
- Onion
- Orange
- Passion fruit
- Spinach
- Watercress
- Watermelon
External remedy for a fever
A slice of raw onion or crushed garlic and olive oil placed on the soles of the feet can bring down the fever.
What to avoid during a fever
When suffering a fever avoid supplements containing iron or zinc as iron causes great tension in a body that is fighting infection and zinc is not absorbed by the body during fever.
NOTE: If antibiotics have been prescribed and taken, then it is imperative to rebalance the intestinal flora as pharmaceutical antibiotics kill all bacteria in the guts not just the pathogenic ones. See>> Feed your friendly bacteria
Natural remedies for infections that can cause fever
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Colds, coughs and influenza
- Fungal and yeast infections
- Pleurisy
- Pneumonia
- Virus infections
Related subjects
- A-Z of ailments
- Anti-microbial healing plants and foods
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Brine pickling for health
- Colds, coughs and influenza
- Feed your friendly bacteria
- Fungal and yeast infections
- Healthy diet to aid recovery
- Mosquito-borne infections
- Parasites
- Pleurisy
- Pneumonia
- Sprouting greens
- Virus infections