Support A Fever With Homeopathy

‘Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease’ - Hippocrates

Why do we get a fever?

A fever is a normal and healthy immune response and is a powerful tool in the purification of the body’s cells and tissues. Not only is a fever an important healing process, it also helps our long term health and vitality. Babies and children are more likely to develop a fever than adults, as it plays a key role in developing their immune systems which builds resilience to future infections.  

What are the benefits to a fever?

Many of us fear our babies and children having a fever – I get it, I’ve been there. However, it’s important to remember that actually, ‘a fever is your friend’. Here’s why:-

>foreign invaders and harmful organisms cannot survive in high temperatures

>increases production of infection-fighting white blood cells 

>increases elimination of toxins via sweat, diarrhoea, vomiting and mucus production

>we are forced to slow down and take rest 

How to manage a fever?

Ideally, we don’t want to interrupt this natural healing process by giving fever-reducing medications too early.  The good news is there are many effective, natural options we can try first.

Remember the basics – fresh air, rest and hydration. If your baby or child won’t drink, you can give them a wet flannel to suck on instead. Support the body to cool down using a sponge or flannel with tepid or warm water (cold water will shock the body).

Supplements such as Vitamin C and Zinc are helpful, as are herbs such as Echinacea and Elderberry.

If the discomfort and pain is too difficult to cope with, or if there are signs of infection like a sore throat or earache, then homeopathic remedies can help. 

How will homeopathic remedies help?

Homeopathy supports the body through a fever without suppressing it. When a well-matched remedy is used, the body receives the extra resources it needs to combat the infection, reducing discomfort and accelerating the healing process. 

Common homeopathic fever remedies

If you want to use homeopathic remedies at home for acute conditions like a fever, it's important to have an acute homeopathy kit. This ensures you have the necessary remedies on hand when needed and a variety to choose from.

When selecting an acute remedy for a fever, the aim is to match the remedy's characteristics with the patient's symptoms. While not every detail will align, the focus should be on the most significant features. 

For fevers, it's particularly important to observe symptoms related to sweating, temperature, chills, and timing.

ACONITE

• Use at onset of a fever or infection

• Often starts around midnight

• After exposure to cold wind

• After a fright or shock

• Restless

• Thirsty

• Feels anxious

ARSENICUM ALBUM 

• Thirsty for small sips of water

• Onset or worse between midnight and 2am 

• Feels chilly but hot when touched

• Wants to be covered up – can’t keep warm, shivers

• Restless and anxious

• Needs comfort, company and reassurance

• Vomiting / diarrhea

BELLADONNA

• Very high fever

• Bright red flushed face

• Body radiates heat but feet are cold

• Sudden onset

• Glazed eyes, pupils dilated

• May be delirious

• Little thirst

• Tonsils/glands may be swollen

BRYONIA

• Gradual onset

• Dryness – mouth, tongue, chapped lips

• Very thirsty

• Grumpy, irritable

• Wants to be on own

• Body aches / headaches

• Wants to lie down and stay still

CHAMOMILLA

• Babies and children want to be carried

• Fever with earache, milk fever, teething

• One cheek is red

• Very irritable

• Nothing satisfies – asks for something then rejects it 

FERRUM PHOSPHORICUM

• Fever is mild

• Good in early stages of fever

• Fever builds up slowly, usually with a cold or sore throat

• Chilly – especially around 1pm

GELSEMIUM

• Flu like fever

• Shivering, shaking, trembling

• Dizziness

• Weak, heavy, lethargic

• No thirst

• Eyelids feel heavy and look half closed

• sore throats, influenza, earache, teething, sunstroke

PULSATILLA

• Baby/child clingy and tearful

• Feel much better for cuddles

• Feels worse in a warm room and better outside in fresh air

• Dry mouth and lips

• No thirst

• Headache / upset stomach

RHUS TOX 

• extreme restlessness, wants to move and stretch

• sore muscles, aching limbs

• red triangle at tip of tongue

• feels chilly

• Feels better for warmth 

How to give remedies

So how often and how many should you take?

During a fever, you can generally administer a 30C remedy every hour or more frequently, depending on the intensity and severity of the symptoms (more intense/severe = give more often).

Some guidelines: -

• Stop giving the remedy when symptoms improve

• If symptoms disappear, then return, repeat the same remedy

• If there has been no change or improvement after 5 doses, then another remedy is probably needed. Reassess symptom picture and try a new remedy. 

If you are not sure if a remedy is helping or a well indicated remedy doesn’t seem to help – contact your homeopath.  

How do you know if a remedy is working?

After a well-matched remedy, there should be some signs of improvement within 1-3 hours. Signs to look out for include increased energy, improved mood, less discomfort or slight reduction in fever.  Often, after taking a remedy, you or your child will fall asleep - this is a positive sign.

When to seek help from a medical professional 

If homeopathy and other natural treatments don’t provide adequate comfort to allow rest and sleep, now would be the time to consider an antipyretic such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. You know your child best – always seek help from a medical professional if you are concerned. 

*Please be advised that the content above is a guide for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice*