A FEVER IS NOT ALWAYS THE ENEMY
For many, the moment the thermometer climbs, our first instinct is to panic and want to bring it down.
But what if fever isn’t always something to fear?
A mild to moderate fever (up to 39.5 or 40 without severe symptoms) is often one of the body’s remarkable defence mechanisms.
When bacteria or viruses enter the body, your immune system responds by raising your core temperature.
Why?
Because many disease-causing microbes reproduce less efficiently at higher temperatures, while key immune cells often function more effectively. Fever is one of the ways your body helps create an environment that supports the immune response.
Rather than asking, “How do I get rid of this fever?”
Perhaps the better question is: “How can I support my body while it does the work it was designed to do?”
That way, you speed up recovery, not delay it by suppressing the mechanism that eliminates the bacteria – the fever!
Supporting the body naturally during a fever
- Stay well hydrated with water & electrolytes (I use sea salt), coconut water, herbal teas or broths.
- Choose light, nourishing foods if you feel like eating. Bone broth, soups and stewed fruit are often gentle choices.
- Rest deeply. Your body is directing energy toward recovery.
- Keep the room comfortably cool and wear lightweight clothing rather than bundling up excessively.
- Sip soothing herbal teas such as elderflower, chamomile or ginger.
- Warm broths can provide comfort and fluids.
- You do not need to eat, when you are ill your body is directing energy away from your digestion and into healing, so appetite often goes away. Drinking fluids is essential though!
❤️ Listen to your body. Sleep is often one of the most powerful medicines.
Natural Ways to Support the Body During a Fever
Hydrate Generously
Fever increases fluid loss.
Support hydration with:
- Filtered water
- Lemon water
- Coconut water
- Homemade bone broth
- Herbal teas
Herbal Allies
Traditionally used to support comfort during feverish illnesses:
- Elderflower tea
- Peppermint tea
- Chamomile tea
- Ginger tea
These can encourage hydration and provide warmth and comfort.
Nourish Gently
If appetite is low, don’t force heavy meals.
Instead choose:
- Bone broth
- Vegetable soup
- Stewed apple or pear, mashed to take away the digestive work.
- Coconut water
Light, nourishing foods as appetite returns
Rest is Medicine
One of the greatest gifts you can give your immune system is uninterrupted rest.
Healing requires energy.
Soothe your toddler or baby
One of the greatest tools we have at our disposal as mothers, is the ability to regulate our babies body temperature, with our own! Did you know that?
Skin to skin contact between a mom and baby will regulate the temperature either way, too cold, the moms body heat will climb to heat their baby up. Too hot, the moms body will adjust and lower her temperature to cool her babies! The body is so wise. So when your little one is struggling to get comfy with a fever, strip down your baby to bare-bum or just a nappy, strip down your chest area and lie with them on your chest for as long as you can.
Keep Comfortable
Rather than trying to “sweat it out” by piling on blankets, aim for comfort:
- Lightweight clothing especially cotton
- A comfortably cool room
- Fresh air if tolerated
- Avoid overheating
Gentle Aromatherapy
Some people enjoy the cooling sensation and aroma of well-diluted peppermint essential oil applied to the neck, spine, shoulders or feet, or diffused in the room. I use a ratio of 2tbsp coconut oil to 10 drops peppermint oil for topical use.
Lukewarm Comfort Measures
If a fever is making someone very uncomfortable, a lukewarm cloth on the forehead or back of the neck can sometimes be soothing.
Avoid ice baths or very cold water, as these can cause shivering, which may actually raise body temperature further. Rather opt for a lukewarm bath.
❤️ Listen to Your Body
Sometimes healing looks like:
- Sleeping all afternoon
- Sipping broth
- Reading quietly
- Letting someone care for you
Healing doesn’t always require doing more.
Sometimes it requires allowing yourself to do less. And illness often comes when you haven’t been allowing yourself rest, so the body will make you rest!
When to seek medical care
Fever is a symptom, not a diagnosis.
Seek prompt medical assessment if you or your child has:
- A high fever in a baby younger than 3 months
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion, severe drowsiness or difficulty waking
- A stiff neck
- A seizure or hallucinations
- A widespread rash with fever
- Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration
- A very high fever or a fever that persists longer than expected
- Severe pain or any symptom that concerns you
Notes from my kitchen
“One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that healing is not always about stopping every symptom.
Sometimes it is about understanding why the body created the symptom in the first place.
The body is intelligent.
It fights.
It adapts.
It protects.
Our role is often to provide the conditions that allow it to do that work well.
Plenty of rest.
Good nourishment.
Fluids.
Patience.
The body is designed to work for us, not against us!
I am not a teacher, I am an observer, I observe how your body is talking to you, and help you take note of the conversation your body is having with you, allowing us to decode that, and move through it back to health!
Daniela
Live-wholesome
www.live-wholesome.com
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