Fever: how to lower it naturally

Symptom common to all infections, fever falls on us as soon as our path crosses that of a microbe or a virus. If it is above all recommended to rest and drink plenty of water to lower it, plants can also play a key role.

TO LOWER THE FEVER: HERBAL TEAS

In addition to the fact that drinking helps fight against the dehydration that accompanies fever (body temperature above 38°C), certain plants are particularly recommended to help your body fight it better.

Prefer thyme which has antimicrobial properties (fever being, in general, caused by a viral or bacterial infection ) , linden flowers, known to promote perspiration  (which helps to lower fever) and finally the flowers chamomile which also has antibacterial properties and can help you sleep better . 

The recipe:
• Put about 10 g of each of its plants in 1 cup of boiling water.
• Leave to infuse for 5 minutes and drink hot 3 to 5 cups of herbal tea per day.

If you only have one of these plants in your kitchen, prepare your herbal tea with 20 to 30 g of it per cup.
You can also add slices of fresh ginger to your herbal teas : it will strengthen the anti-fever action of the plants and boost your body's defences .

TO REFRESH THE BODY: COLD WATER TOWELS

Avoid over-covering yourself as this will raise the temperature . And apply cold water towels to two strategic places to help the body cool down. On the nape of the neck or on the face, that is to say near the centers of temperature regulation, and at the level of the folds of the groin: the large vessels which are here on the surface of the skin will thus be cooled and will distribute the freshness.

Note : it is no longer recommended, as has long been the case, especially for young children , to give a bath at a temperature lower than that of the body: not only is it not very effective, but it can even increase ill-being.

TO RECOVER STRENGTH: VEGETABLE JUICES

An old popular belief said that you have to starve the fever. In other words, go on a diet so as not to "feed" it. Forget ! When you are feverish, you must provide your body with the minimum energy it will need to fight the infection in question. eat lightly: prefer vegetable broths , vegetable or fresh fruit juices, or other foods that make you want. And drink a lot, it will help you recover your strength and get back on your feet more quickly.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSULT?

Consult immediately for children under 3 years old and the elderly, who do not regulate their temperature well. And, in general, any very high fever ( see here how to take your temperature ) requires a medical diagnosis. The same applies to a fever, even moderate, which persists beyond 3 days.

WHAT IF I HAD THE CORONAVIRUS?

In this period of the coronavirus epidemic, fever is the first symptom of infection. Do not go to the doctor or to the emergency room. If necessary, call your doctor or do a teleconsultation . Call 15 only if you feel short of breath, congested or your condition worsens.