Fevers occur in response to an infection, illness or disease. According to the UMMC, University of Maryland Medical Center, a fever is when the body temperature rises above 99 degrees F. A mild fever usually requires no treatment, but if you become uncomfortable, begin vomiting or you are having trouble sleeping, natural remedies can help to reduce the fever. You should always consult your health provider if the body's temperature reaches 105 degrees F or higher, or if the fever lasts longer than 72 hours. For children younger than 3 years old, seek medical attention when the fever reaches 100.4 degrees F or higher. In children 3 months to 12 months old, you should contact medical attention if the fever reaches 102.2 F.

It is not uncommon for children and infants to experience fevers, as they are the body's way of naturally fighting infections. Some kids are lucky and rarely get sick, others fight fever often. Prolonged high fevers can be life threatening for children, but for lower grade fevers, parents may seek natural methods to control them. Some herbs help to induce perspiration, which can help bring down the body's temperature. Increasing fluid intake also helps to improve symptoms of fever. As the body's temperature soars, there may be dehydration. So, intake of fluids, especially water, from time to time is key to reduce the high temperature of the body. A healthy diet is also crucial to overcome fever and illness. Avoid soft drinks that contain high sugar content and artificial flavors that could actually increase the body temperature.

Herbs have effects on a number of ailments and can boost energy levels and promote overall health. Herbal remedies also contribute to lover fever naturally. Taking these herbs daily during flu season can also help to build immunity and soothe the coughs and pain of the flu if infected.

Valerian root, Valeriana officinalis, has been used for its medicinal properties for years, and widely used in preventing insomnia. The quiet soothing effects of Valerian root tinctures help a person sleep as well helping to alleviate anxiety, and for treating people that experience hysteria. It is often used as a natural pain reliever and to treat headaches and migraines.

Echinacea has been used for centuries in herbal medicine to prevent and treat disease and common ailments. Before the introduction of antibiotics, plant-based remedies and treatments containing Echinacea and similar herbs were used to promote healing. Although studies show mixed results, the plant is among the most popular herbs used in the U.S. today. Echinacea herbal extract is purported to stimulate the immune system, strengthening the body and helping to prevent the common cold and other respiratory infections. In Germany, Echinacea is one of the most common herbal treatments for infection and fever. It is a valuable antiviral, antimicrobial and immune-stimulant that can be used for all ages, including children. Echinacea is thought to be of help for allergies, mild septicaemia, pinkeye and skin disorders. Echinacea tincture has also been used traditionally for the natural treatment of bronchitis and whooping cough.

Goldenseal's antibiotic properties have been touted as strong immune boosters, and many people take it at the start of a cold or viral infection. It is often combined with the Echinacea and it contains active components that boost activity of white blood cells to fight off infection and generally strengthen the immune system. The compounds exhibit activity against a variety of bacteria and other harmful organisms that cause a variety of disorders, including upper respiratory tract infections, as well as stuffy nose and hay fever. Some people use Goldenseal extracts for digestive disorders including stomach and swelling (gastritis), diarrhea, constipation, and intestinal gas. The various constituents seem to offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, laxative and astringent effects that may contribute to the plant's potential detoxification actions in the body.

Peppermint, Mentha piperita, is a medicinal and edible herb that calms the muscles of the stomach and improves the flow of bile. It is also used to relieve headache, nasal congestion, and to cool a fever. Peppermint constituents include tannins, resin, gum and flavonoids, which are properties of Mint leaf extract that act as antioxidants. The menthol is the most important essential oil and it is often included in over-the-counter cold preparations, such as nasal sprays and chest rubs. This is because the menthol has such strong decongestant properties that have been useful in reducing headaches due to sinus congestion caused by colds, flu and allergies. Peppermint tincture also helps to promote sweating to sweat out a fever.

Yarrow is naturally antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory. In addition, it has been used to for treating bacterial infections and fevers and to alleviate the symptoms of colds and other viral infections. It promotes sweating, which brings down the body temperature, reducing fever, and its astringency also cuts down on excessive mucus production. Herbalists have endorsed Yarrow extracts to ease sore throat, body aches and headaches that accompany the flu. It also contains anti-allergenic properties that have been found to be helpful for hay fever. Animal studies have shown the ability of apigenin present in Yarrow may reduce anxiety and have a calming effect on the body.

When you suffer from a cold you may also be suffering from a fever and Cayenne pepper naturally reduces your core body temperature and is naturally cooling. Many cultures in hot climates have used Cayenne for this very reason. Cayenne pepper is often used to treat sinus infections, as well as other respiratory conditions and symptoms. According to "Staying Healthy with Nutrition" Cayenne is a natural stimulant and very high in vitamins. Scientific evidence has shown that Cayenne extract can be effective in treating allergies, cluster headaches, indigestion, abscesses, tonsillitis, kidney problems, nose bleeds, sore muscles and skin conditions. Cayenne pepper tincture stimulates blood circulation which can have a positive effect on vision, thinking and memory.

Garlic is an edible herb that has been used for a variety of health conditions and has long been used as a folk remedy for colds, coughs and flu. It has been shown to be effective for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, certain cancers and skin infections, to name a few. According to recently published figures in 2003, garlic bulb closely follows Echinacea as a top seller for herbal medicines in the United States. Garlic bulb also boosts your immune system and increases the production of interferon (an antiviral compound), which improves the action of your white blood cells. Studies show that harmful bacteria do not develop a resistance to garlic, as they do with prescription antibiotics. When used internally to fight harmful microorganisms, like bacteria, fungi and parasites, it shows no side effects. Garlic bulb extract is a powerful antioxidant that contains allicin, and it is thought to destroy infections such as measles, mumps, chicken pox, scarlet fever and others. Garlic is also known to lower fever by promoting sweating and helps to eliminate the toxins from the body.

Lobelia is an analgesic, anodyne, anti-spasmodic, astringent, cathartic, counter-irritant, decongestant, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine and sedative. The plant is known to be a powerful relaxant, effecting the nervous system and it expands the contracted parts of the respiratory system, which is helpful in the cases of asthma and bronchitis, to allow the breath of life to flow freely to exhausted tissues. As one of the most useful muscle relaxants, Lobelia leaf tincture is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese. It has also been used as an expectorant for expelling phlegm from the lungs, reducing the symptoms of cold and flu, suppresses coughing and stimulates perspiration which cools down the body and helps to break a fever. Lobelia is considered to be beneficial for mild depression, reducing inflammation and pain, easing muscle tension, and calming the nerves. It also acts as a mild laxative, appetite suppressant, and helpful in flushing the poisons from the bowels and stomach.

Herbal Tea to Comfort and Reduce Fever

Valerian root, Echinacea, Lobelia, Yarrow and Cayenne pepper
Mix in equal parts. Steep 1 tsp. in 1 cup boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Drink as needed throught the day.

You can also try Maus’ Fever Reducer Tincture or Maus' Cold and Flu Herbal Tea.

Disclaimer - The information presented herein by Mountain Maus’ Remedies is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.