How to reduce a fever: homemade options, medicines and teas

Home measures can be used to reduce fever, such as removing excess clothing, placing a wet towel on the forehead or taking warm baths. However, the use of medications such as paracetamol, dipyrone or ibuprofen may also be indicated.

Fever is when the body temperature is above 38ºC and is usually a sign of infections such as a cold, gastroenteritis or pneumonia. Furthermore, it can sometimes also be caused by autoimmune diseases and even cancer. See the main causes of fever.

In case of fever, especially when there are other symptoms such as cough, headache or sore throat, it is recommended to consult your general practitioner for an evaluation. Depending on the cause identified, in addition to medications to reduce fever, the use of antibiotics and antiemetics may also be indicated.

7 natural ways to lower your fever faster

Some natural ways to lower your fever faster are:

1. Remove excess clothing;
2. Stay close to a fan or in a ventilated place;
3. Place a towel soaked in cold water on your forehead and wrists;
4. Take a bath with warm water;
5. Avoid exertion and, if possible, rest;
6. Drink plenty of fluids;
7. Eat well, preferring foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, tangerines or lemons.

However, in case of fever, especially if other symptoms such as cough, sore throat or diarrhea appear, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner or pediatrician so that the cause of the fever can be identified and treated appropriately.

Pharmacy remedies for fever

The main medications to reduce fever are:

• Paracetamolsuch as Tylenol or Pacemol;
• Dipyronesuch as ​Novalgina;
• Ibuprofensuch as Ibufran or Ibupril;
• Acetylsalicylic acidsuch as Aspirin.

Due to the risk of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, it is important that these medications are only used under medical advice. Discover the main medications to reduce fever.

Furthermore, depending on the cause of the fever and other symptoms that may be present, the use of other medications may also be indicated, such as antiemetics or antibiotics, for example.

Home remedies for fever

Some teas, although they do not replace the treatment recommended by your doctor, can be recommended to reduce fever:

1. Ash tea

Ash tea, in addition to helping to reduce fever, also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that alleviate the discomfort associated with fever.

Ingredients

• 50g dry ash bark;
• 1 liter of hot water.

Preparation mode

Place the dried ash bark in water and let it boil for 10 minutes and filter. Take 3 to 4 cups a day until the fever goes down

2. Quineira tea

Quineira tea helps reduce fever and also has antibacterial properties. Its action is enhanced when used in conjunction with white willow and lemon balm.

Ingredients

• 0.5 g of very finely chopped quince rind;
• 1 cup of water.

Preparation mode

Place the quince bark in the water and let it boil for ten minutes. Drink 3 cups a day before meals.

3. White willow tea

White willow tea helps reduce fever because this medicinal plant has salicoside in its bark, which has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and febrifuge effects.

Ingredients

Preparation mode

Place the white willow bark in the water and let it boil for 10 minutes. Then filter and drink 1 cup before each meal.

There are other teas that can be taken to reduce fever, such as macela tea, holy thistle or basil, for example. See more tea options to lower fever naturally.

What not to do if you have a fever

In case of fever, it is not recommended:

• Try to stay warmwearing more clothes or using blankets to combat the chills;
• Taking antibiotics to treat fever without the guidance of a doctor;
• Using alcohol to reduce feverrubbing or applying to the skin;
• Interspersing two different antipyretic medications.

Furthermore, if the fever does not go down with home measures, you should not take medication on your own, and it is advisable to consult your general practitioner before using any type of medication.

When to go to the hospital

It is recommended to go to the emergency room when a child’s fever is accompanied by:

• Vomiting;
• Bloody stools;
• Inability to eat or drink fluids;
• Intense headache;
• Excessive drowsiness;
• Difficulty breathing.

Furthermore, even when fever is the only symptom, it is also recommended that children under 2 years of age be evaluated by a pediatrician due to the risk of serious infections.