Natural Remedies for Fever in Children: Safe and Effective Treatments

Modified on Jan 27, 2024 | Written by Deirdre Layne

Potato Slices

Fevers in children, while often a sign of the body fighting infection, can be a source of concern for parents. While medical advice is crucial, especially for high fevers or additional symptoms, natural remedies can help manage mild fevers and ensure your child's comfort.

Understanding Fever in Children: Causes and Symptoms

A fever, typically indicated by a body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C), can result from various causes such as infections (viral or bacterial), immunizations, or overheating. Symptoms accompanying a fever may include sweating, chills, headache, muscle aches, and dehydration.

Gentle and Natural Approaches to Managing Fever in Children

Egg Whites

Egg whites applied to the feet are a popular home remedy for reducing fever in children on Earth Clinic. This method involves soaking clean cloth or cotton pads in egg whites and placing them on the soles of the child's feet, then covering them with socks. The egg whites are believed to draw heat away from the body, aiding in lowering the fever. 

Sliced Raw Potatoes

Sliced potatoes on the feet is another popular folk remedy for reducing fever in children. This involves cutting a raw potato into thin slices and placing them on the soles of the child's feet, securing them with socks. The potato slices are thought to absorb heat and toxins from the body, thereby helping to lower the fever. 

Adequate Hydration

Ensuring your child stays hydrated is crucial during a fever. Offer plenty of fluids like water, herbal teas, or electrolyte solutions to prevent dehydration.

Lukewarm Baths

A lukewarm bath can help lower body temperature and provide comfort. Avoid cold baths, as they can cause shivering, which might raise body temperature.

Light Clothing: Facilitating Heat Release

Dress your child in light, breathable clothing to help the body release heat. Overdressing can trap body heat and worsen the fever.

Herbal Remedies: Natural Fever Reducers

Herbs like elderflower, yarrow, and catnip can be used as teas to gently reduce fever. These herbs are known for their diaphoretic properties, helping the body sweat and naturally lower temperature.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Folk Remedy for Fever

A compress of diluted apple cider vinegar on the forehead or calves can be a traditional method to help reduce fever. The vinegar is believed to draw heat away from the body.

Conclusion

While fevers in children are a normal response to illness, natural remedies like adequate hydration, lukewarm baths, light clothing, rest, herbal teas, apple cider vinegar compresses, and light meals can offer safe and effective ways to manage mild fevers. Always monitor the child's condition closely and consult a healthcare professional if the fever is high, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These natural approaches can help your child feel more comfortable and support their recovery process.

Continue reading to learn which natural remedies worked best for Earth Clinic readers, and please let us know which one you tried!

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List of Remedies for Fever in Children