Fever is the body’s natural defense against infection, and the number on the thermometer isn’t as important as how the person feels. Instead of rushing to lower a fever, focus on comfort—hydration, rest, and cooling measures like a cool cloth or herbal teas. Most fevers don’t require intervention unless they reach 105–106°F, at which point natural methods of lowering may be needed, such as a warm bath or shower, apple cider vinegar socks, or an herbal tincture designed to lower fever by inducing sweating. Otherwise, let the fever do its job while supporting the body’s healing process.
Fever is a natural healing response, and in most cases, it just needs to be monitored rather than aggressively lowered. Anything below 105–106°F typically doesn’t require intervention—just watch for true lethargy (unable to be roused) or unusual behavior like hallucinations.
To support the body through a fever, focus on comfort and hydration. Herbal teas or tinctures of yarrow, catnip, and chamomile can help regulate temperature and promote sweating. Organic juice popsicles and cool herbal teas keep hydration up while providing relief. Apple cider vinegar socks or baths, warm showers, and cool cloths on pulse points can help bring balance without shocking the system.
It’s important to keep the person warm and avoid sudden temperature changes, as rapid shifts can trigger febrile seizures. Dress in loose, comfortable clothing and let the fever do its job while ensuring plenty of rest, fluids, and gentle support.
Summery:
• Monitor fever; anything below 105–106°F usually doesn’t require intervention.
• Watch for true lethargy (unable to be roused) or odd behavior like hallucinations.
• Herbal remedies: Yarrow, catnip, and chamomile teas or tinctures to regulate temperature and promote sweating.
• Hydration: Herbal teas, water, and popsicles to keep fluids up.
• Cooling methods:
• Apple cider vinegar socks
• Apple cider vinegar bath
• Warm shower (not cold)
• Cool cloths on pulse points (wrists, neck, ankles)
• Clothing: Loose, comfortable clothing to allow heat to escape without chilling the body.
• Rest: Ensure plenty of sleep and quiet time for healing.
• Temperature balance: Keep the person warm and avoid rapid temperature changes to prevent febrile seizures.
For a baby with a fever, skin-to-skin contact is one of the best ways to regulate their body temperature, heartbeat, and breathing. Holding baby close against your chest helps transfer heat and balance their temperature naturally. Nursing during this time is especially beneficial, as breast milk keeps them hydrated, provides essential nutrients, and offers comfort.
For additional soothing, a warm shower with baby can be incredibly calming. The warmth helps relax them, while the skin-to-skin contact and nursing provide reassurance and hydration. Keeping baby close, responding to their needs, and allowing their body to work through the fever with gentle support can make all the difference in a smooth recovery.
Benefits of Fever:
• Natural immune response – The body raises its temperature to fight off infections.
• Inhibits pathogen growth – Many viruses and bacteria struggle to survive in higher temperatures.
• Boosts immune function – Fever stimulates white blood cell production, helping the body fight infection.
• Encourages detoxification – Sweating during a fever helps eliminate toxins.
• Increases metabolism – The body works more efficiently to heal itself.
• Reduces illness duration – Allowing a fever to run its course can lead to a quicker recovery.
• Signals underlying issues – Helps identify when the body is fighting an infection.
• Supports healing – Fever is a sign that the immune system is actively working to restore health.
A Note on Teething Fevers:
Teething fevers are real and common, despite the misconception that teething doesn’t cause fevers. When a tooth breaks through the gums, it creates an open wound, making the area vulnerable to bacteria. In response, the body may spike a fever to promote healing and prevent infection in the mouth.
These fevers are typically low-grade (under 101°F), but in some cases, they can spike as high as 105°F—especially when two or more teeth are breaking through at once. This is the body’s natural way of managing inflammation and protecting against infection.
Supporting the body with hydration, skin-to-skin contact, and soothing measures like Little Gums Relief Glycerite, a warm bath, or a cool teething toy can help ease discomfort and provide gentle pain relief and calm irritation while the teeth break through, while still allowing the fever to do its job.
A Note on Artificially Lowering Fevers:
Using Tylenol or other over-the-counter fever reducers can interfere with the body’s natural healing process. Fever is the body’s way of fighting off infections, and when it’s artificially lowered, the body may respond by spiking the fever even higher to regain its bacteria-fighting temperature.
Tylenol works by blocking pain receptors and tricking the body into thinking it’s healed. However, once the medication wears off, the body realizes the infection is still present and often raises the fever again, sometimes even higher than before. This cycle of suppressing and rebounding can prolong the illness, as the immune system isn’t given the chance to work at full strength. Allowing a fever to run its course—while supporting the body with hydration, rest, and natural comfort measures—can lead to a quicker recovery.
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Linked products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.