What is a fever?
A fever is not a disease or condition in itself, but a side effect of one. Human beings have a thermoregulatory set point for body temperature, above which hyperthermia sets it, and on the other end of the spectrum, hypothermia sets in. A person gets a fever when the body considers the normal body temperature to be hypothermia, and tries to raise it to its higher thermoregulatory set point. This mechanism is the body’s reaction to neutralize an infection, in the form of a virus or bacteria. Here we will look at 5 approaches to reducing the impact of your fever.
Dehydration
While the fever itself is not a disease, the major complication that arises from it is dehydration. Patients are kept well hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks, especially designed to prevent any damage to the system.
Sage
A valued commodity in Eastern countries, sage has been used historically across the globe to reduce and relieve sufferers of fever. In Mexico, the age-old Indians used sage in hot tea sweat baths to break high fevers. The early American settlers drunk sage tea on a regular basis, even sometimes gargling with the decoction. Use sage sparingly, as the plant is powerfully potent. Add a single teaspoon to half a litre to make a strong tea. It is unadvisable to have sage during pregnancy, as sage stimulates uterine contractions.
Sago
Sago is a traditionally Eastern food, although now available everywhere in the world. Sabudana or suji, as it is known in India, has a great deal of healing qualities. Most households will have sago in some form or the other at least once a day. Usually, when treating an ill person, sago is made into a broth and drunk. However there are many ways to cook this versatile ingredient.
Licorice root
The stuff of chocolate, usually a dark brown or black substance, licorice root was used by the nomadic Bedouins of the desert to soothe raging fevers. Nowadays the licorice root is available in pill form for easy consumption. Persons suffering from high or low blood pressure should avoid having licorice root altogether.
Cold water
There is nothing like cold water to calm a fever down. The natural reaction of most care-givers is to place cold water soaked clothes on the body of the fever patient. Also massaging the skin gently with the cloths and also drinking cold water will bring down most fevers quickly. A Bavarian herbalist, Sebastian Kneipp, called it the Cold Friction Rub, and it was touted to have a dual action on the fever. The friction improves the blood circulation, where the cold water reduces the heat by evaporation.
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