Let’s start with the obvious disclaimers. This is not medical advice for your specific situation. This is just a casual note from one average holistically-minded mom to you, sharing some things I have done in my own life when a fever presents itself. If you don’t like the ideas, feel free to ignore them. Of course, talk with your own health care professionals if you have questions or want real medical advice.
Now, let’s begin!
I think we’re all familiar with that achy, sensitive feeling that washes over us as we start to develop a fever. My question is, what is the first thing you do?
Don’t panic, fevers are friends!
I think the word is spreading by now, but let me just say it again: A fever is a friend! It is not an illness in and of itself. It is a symptom or a response to an illness, infection, or other issue going on in the body. While some people immediately take up arms to “fight the fever,” let’s consider what we might do if we see this fever as a friend, rather than an enemy.
Get to know the fever
Just like any other friend, it helps to spend a little time getting to know each other. So what is a fever and why does it come? A fever is the body’s way of getting the immune system involved when an actual enemy is on the loose. Fevers trigger certain proteins and immune cells to step up and do their job in fighting pathogens.
Think of it like this: You are in 5th grade, headed out to recess to play kickball. The only problem is the other team (Team Virus) is fully formed and ready to go. You are alone. You can’t beat Team Virus without help! Then your friend, Fever, shows up. Are you going to turn around and punch Fever in the face because he’s distracting you from this big job you have of beating this team?
No. You’re going to say, “Hello Fever, thanks for coming. What are we going to do about this team? It’s just me and you!”
Fever will say, “Don’t worry. I’m here with friends.” Suddenly you realize you’re surrounded by so many of his buddies, including IL-6, macrophage, dendritic cell, acetylcholine, and so many more. In fact, the team is so big that you have to sit out on the bench and rest first thing.
As they begin playing, you’re amazed to discover that Fever and friends are actually SO GOOD at kickball! You can tell they’ve been practicing. They each play their role in perfect harmony with one another and it’s beautiful, if exhausting, to watch. Before you know it, they’ve defeated the opposing team, high five you (still sitting on the bench) and you all part ways until next time.
As you can see, a fever shows up in your time of need to help orchestrate a strong immune response to an offending pathogen.
Work with the fever
Since we now know that fevers are generally good, we may want to do something to actually help it out. How can we support our body and immune system (including fever) in the fight? Here are a few ideas:
- Make sure you are pooping. Your immune system is trying to rid itself of junk. One of the best ways you can help is getting rid of the junk in your colon! I would do this by taking supportive tinctures, drinking herbal teas, taking probiotics, eating garlic, cutting out refined sugars and processed foods, etc.
- Essential oils: I have a fever blend, which contains roman chamomile, frankincense, and lavender in a carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil). Just peppermint in a carrier oil is also good (though not for children under 2, I have heard). Apply to the bottom of the feet, forehead, and back of neck. I’m sure there are other oils that would help, too, but these are the ones I have used.
- Warm bath or sauna with some tea. This can seem counterintuitive to those who are used to bringing fevers down. A warm bath or sauna aids the body in raising the temperature while also adding water to the mix, which is supportive and helpful to the body. You’re able to sweat out a lot of junk while your immune system is in there having the time of its life killing the bad guys.
- In addition to supportive herbal teas, I would drink plenty of water and fresh juices. I typically reduce food intake for a while (which is usually easy since appetite is often low anyway) as the body spends its energy and resources in cleaning out the garbage.
- Rest and sleep. Aside from the obvious implications to the immune response when you kill a fever prematurely, I believe that using fever reducing medications prevents people from getting the rest and sleep they need in order to truly heal! When the medication brings the fever down, the person can feel like they are fine, and continue with their regular work, stress, food, etc. Your body is sick! Give it time to rest and recover. Getting enough quality sleep will help support your immune system in rooting out the cause of the fever.
There are many other things you can try, but these are a few of my go-tos. It is always wise to keep track of the temperature with a quality thermometer to see how it is going. If you are ever concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor. They can tell you what red flags to look for, especially with children.
For the most part, fevers are not to be feared. Recognize that they are there as an indication of some other problem, and that they are doing their part to take care of that problem. If you can sit back and trust the process, you might be amazed at what your body is capable of.
Resources:
Fever: suppress or let it ride? – PMC (nih.gov)
Fever and the thermal regulation of immunity: the immune system feels the heat – PMC (nih.gov)
Herbal Home Healthcare – Dr. Christopher’s Herbs (drchristophersherbs.com)
