No one likes getting a fever. We get them at the most inconvenient times, and having to fight discomfort, chills, and muscle aches is a pain. The world did not always have modern medicine. Through millennia, our ancestors have battled with fever and other illnesses in their own ways.
Though times have changed, our bodies aren’t all that different. If something worked back then, it likely works in the present as well. After all, it doesn’t hurt to try.
Research tells us that three in ten Americans have dabbled in alternative medicine at some point in their lives.
Of course, most people choose to pop pills, but the old-fashioned route can be useful sometimes. You might even be surprised at how effective old home remedies can be.
Today, we will explore a few ways that you can drive away fever with commonly sourced ingredients. We will also look at why choosing home remedies is often a wiser approach than reaching by default for something like Tylenol.
Why Choose Home Remedies Over Medicines?
A lot of people think that using home remedies is a sort of protest against allopathic medicines. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Home remedies and allopathic medicine are not necessarily in opposition to each other. Rather, they serve different purposes and can often complement each other.
Many times, people who favor home remedies do so to avoid the known side effects of certain drugs. Look at Tylenol. People take them indiscriminately while not paying attention to the connection it has to autism.
Studies from noted authorities like John Hopkins University have found links between Tylenol during pregnancy and increased autism in kids. According to TorHoerman Law, this has caused many to file lawsuits.
If estimates are accurate, the Tylenol autism lawsuit settlement amounts are likely to hit up to $300,000. Is it any wonder that people prefer to use safe and relatively effective home remedies instead?
The Three Best Home Remedies For Fighting Fever
While there are numerous home remedies that you can use, some of them are more popular and effective than others. Let’s look at three of them below.
1. Chicken Soup
Chicken soup has long been regarded as a soothing and comforting remedy for fever and other illnesses. While it may not directly treat the underlying cause of a fever, it offers several benefits that can help ease symptoms and promote recovery.
Why is this? Well, chicken soup typically contains a variety of vegetables and chicken. You receive a healthy dose of amino acids like cysteine, electrolytes, protein, and more. All of these support the immune system and help the body combat infections.
The warm broth in chicken soup can have a soothing effect on the throat and can also help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. This makes it especially comforting when fighting a fever.
Moreover, the steam can help relieve congestion and loosen mucus in the respiratory passages, making it easier to breathe.
2. Turmeric and Turmeric Milk
Turmeric has always been popular in traditional medicine like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine.
We know that fever is often the body’s response to infection or inflammation. Turmeric has a unique ability to reduce inflammation and can help alleviate symptoms.
Moreover, Turmeric enhances the immune system’s function, helping the body better fight off infections that may be causing the fever. Thus, it’s a good idea to incorporate turmeric into your diet even when you feel better. The health benefits are well worth it.
3. Eucalyptus Oil
This one catches people off guard, but it can be a great addition to many home remedies. Eucalyptus oil has antipyretic qualities, meaning it can help lower body temperature. This property is particularly valuable during fever episodes, as it aids in reducing the discomfort associated with high body heat.
Fever can sometimes coincide with respiratory symptoms like congestion and cough. Eucalyptus oil is often used for its ability to make it easier to breathe and enhance overall comfort during a fever. Steam inhalation is a common method for this. A few drops in a bowl of hot water is all you need.
While the oil offers great fever-relief properties, you do want to use it safely. The oil should never be ingested as it can be toxic when taken internally. Thus, it must be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Conclusion
Home remedies are not a substitute for professional medical help. Always remember that fevers can point to an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Yes, you can use home remedies to help reduce the severity of a fever. However, if fever persists for more than three to five days, see a doctor.
