Fever in the body expresses the activity of the immune system and the fight against an external invader. It helps the immune system and makes it difficult for pathogens to multiply.
Reducing fever delays recovery: Up to 39°C (102.2°F), if the child’s condition is good and they are alert, consider their condition and not necessarily the temperature. If the fever is low but the child is suffering, it is advisable to reduce the fever using natural methods if possible. Above 39°C (102.2°F), it is recommended to reduce the fever in any case. For infants up to 2 months old, if two measurements taken 3 hours apart show a temperature exceeding 38.2°C (100.8°F), consult a physician.
Body Temperature Measurement Sites
The most accurate body sites for temperature measurement are: mouth (somewhat difficult with small children) rectum—usually half a degree higher than the mouth but accurate; less comfortable for some children. Ear and armpit are not recommended—not accurate, provide only an estimate.
Nutrition and Diet for a Sick Child
A sick child usually will not show signs of hunger—try to feed basic and simple foods vegetable soup, chicken soup, rice, cooked vegetables and chicken. Recommended infusions: mint tea, lemon verbena, lemon balm—cooling and calming. Elderberry—reduces fever, helps with breathing. Chamomile—reduces fever, white mallow—for sore throat.
Foods to Avoid:
- Soft drinks
- Sweets and candy
- Fried food
- Wheat flour
Natural Treatment Methods
So how can you reduce fever naturally? Vinegar—a mixture of 1/3 vinegar and 2/3 water, soak cloth strips (preferably cotton) in the mixture and place on the lower part of the legs (lower calves) for half an hour or more. Can also be placed on the forehead. Massage to reduce fever—massage along the outer side of the forearm on both hands from the elbow toward the fingers. Massage on the back along the sides of the spine from the shoulder blades downward to the mid-back. Lukewarm water baths can help in combination with massage and a good infusion. Acupuncture is relatively simple, and shonishin are tools that can certainly help with fever and accompanying symptoms. Using simple tools, good results can be achieved that treat the root cause and not just the symptom.
