Home Remedies to Reduce a Fever

A fever is your body's way of telling you that something is wrong. Unless you have a serious illness or unusually high temperature (103 F for adults and 101 F for children), your doctor will likely tell you to wait for the fever to resolve itself. Try a home remedy while you wait.

Food and Fluids

• Drink plenty of liquids throughout the day: water, flat soda or broth. If drinks aren't tempting, especially to a feverish child, try Popsicles or Jello. Eat small portions of healthy foods that are easily digestible. Rice, grains, bananas, cereal, miniature marshmallows, crackers, dry toast and plain bread won't burden your digestive system.

Take a Bath

• Take a tepid bath for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to help lower your temperature. If, however, you start shivering you should get out and dry off right away as this can actually raise your temperature.

  Another option is bathing in diluted yarrow tea. Drinking yarrow tea can also be beneficial. Because it is bitter, the tea may not be an option for children.

Cool Wrap

• Soak a pair of socks and two clean rags in a mixture of 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water. Put the socks on the your feet and the rags around your wrists. This can reduce a fever by a degree within minutes and can be repeated a short time later.

  Fill a pitcher with cold (not icy) water and add a few drops of cologne. Soak a washcloth and wring it out. Place the cloth on your forehead for 2 minutes and repeat. You can do this three to four times a day for at least 20 to 25 minutes each time.

Homeopathic Options

• Check with a homeopathic physician for fever remedies because the prescribed remedy will vary from person to person, depending upon the specific symptoms and the person's age and weight. Minute homeopathic doses of belladona and pulsatilla are two popular fever remedies. Or try elderflower tea.