Feeling feverish is a common seasonal experience; we usually pop a pill and hope that it will improve our condition and we would be able to go about our business. But here’s the catch: Over-the-counter pills might bring down the temperature, but the infection will still remain in the body. Here’s where the role of homeopathic medicines for fever comes into play, as these are made of naturally obtained substances and offer a different course of medical approach. These natural medicines target the infection from its root cause.
Fever, medically termed as pyrexia, is a temporary rise in body temperature above the normal range. The normal body temperature ranges from 97 F to 98.7 degree Fahrenheit. Fever in itself is not a disease but is only an external sign that denotes an internal infection or inflammation in the body. Everybody’s normal body temperature varies between 97 and 99 degrees F. Fever is defined as a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or above.
For kids, a temperature higher than 100. 4 degrees F (measured rectally); 99.5 degrees F (measured orally); or 99 degrees F (measured under the arm) is considered fever.
How Homoeopathy Treats Fever?
Individualized Treatment:Homeopathy treats fever through a holistic and individualized approach rather than following one-size-fits-all criterion. Fevers are of different types and their causes can be various; one medicine cannot be prescribed to all patients suffering from fever. Homeopathic medicine is prescribed after a detailed case evaluation of the patient by an expert homeopathic physician and factors such as the cause behind the fever and the chronicity of the complaint are considered to determine the dose, potency and repetition of the chosen medicine.
1. Safe and Gentle Medicines:Homeopathic medicines are prepared from naturally obtained and highly diluted substances, hence they are free from any adverse effects. They are non-toxic and non-habit forming. Once relief sets in, dose of the medicines can be easily reduced after discussing with a qualified homoeopath.
2. Boosts Body’s Natural Healing Mechanism:Homeopathy not only helps in lowering the temperature, but it also helps in stimulating the body’s self-healing mechanism. Since fever is a sign that the body’s immune system is fighting against the infection, homeopathy further supports it and helps in reducing the frequency of fevers and ensuring long-term relief.
Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines for Fever
The top ten remedies that are effective in treating different types of fevers are Aconitum Napellus, Bryonia Alba, Eupatorium Perfoliatum, Gelsemium Sempervirens, Rhus Toxicodendron, Belladonna, Arsenicum Album, Ferrum Phosphoricum, Baptisia Tinctoria and China Officinalis. When chosen carefully based on the indications, they can be perfect remedies in bringing about relief.
1. Aconitum Napellus – For Fever with Restlessness and Anxiety
Aconitum Napellus is the perfect medicine for the first stage of inflammatory fever. It is a natural remedy when the fever is accompanied by extreme restlessness and anxiety. The patient feels an increased thirst for cold water and the body aches are unbearable. The use of medicine Aconite should always be considered when the fever has risen after sudden exposure to cold winds. There is extreme chill in the body, and the patient desires to be always covered up.
When to use Aconitum Napellus?
Aconite should be administered in cases where fever is always accompanied by excessive thirst and intense restlessness. It is also accompanied by chills and one feels better wrapped up in clothes.
How to use Aconitum Napellus?
A general recommendation is to start with 30C potency, which can be repeated 3-4 times daily. A higher potency 200C can be administered twice in a day if the symptoms still persist. It is advisable to consult a qualified homeopath before taking it in 1M or higher potency.
2. Bryonia Alba – For Fever with Body Aches
Bryonia Alba is a natural remedy for patients in whom body aches are predominant along with fever and chills. The body is cold to the touch, along with chills. Such a person wants to lie down still to get relief. Slight motion aggravates his or her condition. Excessive thirst is felt. Symptoms get worse due to warmth, body movement and touch. But one feels better by lying on the painful side.
When to use Bryonia Alba?
Bryonia Alba is indicated for cases where chills and body pain accompany fever along with desire to lie down and increased thirst.
How to use Bryonia Alba?
This medicine can be taken in 30C potency 2-3 times a day for good results. 200C potency can be taken once a day and repeated infrequently.
3. Eupatorium Perfoliatum – For Fever with Bone Pains
Eupatorium Perfoliatum is one of the best fever remedies in homeopathy. It is of great help to treat fever when the patient experiences intense pain in the bone. This remedy provides quick relief from pain. The main indication for ingesting Eupatorium Perfoliatum in case of fever is that the fever is periodic (repeated at certain fixed intervals). The chill is accompanied by intense aching and pain in the bones. The patient shivers and shakes with agonizing pain in the head and the eyes. Pain has a bruise-like sensation and the patient feels as if he has been beaten. Though it can be administered for any kind of fever, it is a leading remedy for dengue fever and malaria.
How to use Eupatorium Perfoliatum?
Eupatorium Perfoliatum is the ideal medicine when extreme pains accompany fever. This remedy is capable of managing fever in any age group.
When to use Eupatorium Perfoliatum?
Eupatorium Perfoliatum can be administered in 30C potency initially. It can be repeated as frequently as three to four times a day, depending on the intensity of the symptoms.
4. Gelsemium Sempervirens – For Fever With Dizziness and Drowsiness
Gelsemium Sempervirens has been considered an excellent remedy for the treatment of Influenza for long. It is a very beneficial medicine in cases of fever where the patients suffer from weakness, dizziness and even the tendency to faint. There is an absence of thirst in most cases. Though it is a prominent medicine for influenza, in some cases, it can be used in the early stage of typhoid fever when there is a lot of exhaustion, dizziness, and the patient prefers to be covered.
When to use Gelsemium Sempervirens?
Gelsemium shows all the characteristics of viral influenza. There is body ache, myalgia (muscular pain), sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, dullness, weakness and headache. When these symptoms are prominent, Gelsemium should be administered.
How to use Gelsemium Sempervirens?
It works well in all potencies, but it is best to start with 30C. It can be repeated up to 3-4 times in a day. It can be administered twice in 200C potency. It is advisable to consult a homeopath before administration in 1M potency.
5. Rhus Toxicodendron – For Fever After Getting Wet in Rain
Rhus Toxicodendron is one of the top natural remedies for those who have a fever with extreme body aches, leading to restlessness. Such patients have to keep moving about to get relief. Rhus Tox is also a natural medicine for fever that results from getting wet in the rain. During a fever, there is shivering all over the body, the tongue is dry and there is stretching pain in the body, along with mental and physical weakness.
When to use Rhus Toxicodendron?
Rhus tox is often indicated in fever with pain and great restlessness in the body. It is also a leading medicine for fever resulting from getting wet in the rain.
How to use Rhus Toxicodendron?
It is recommended to use this medicine in 30C potency initially and it can be frequently repeated 3-4 times a day for good results.
6. Belladonna – For fever with Sore Throat
Belladonna is one of the first remedies to be thought of in those cases where there is fever with pain in the throat, which is also sore, red and inflamed. During a fever, the head becomes hot, but the feet are cold. Internally, it feels cold, but externally, there is very strong burning heat.
When to use Belladonna?
Belladonna stands for cases of high fever with no thirst, and burning heat in the head, but a cold feeling in the feet.
How to use Belladonna?
30C and 200C are the most common potencies used for the treatment. 30C requires frequent repetition, and they should be given 2-3 times a day till the expected result is seen. 200C is a high potency; it is advised not to repeat frequently.
7. Arsenicum Album – For Malarial or Typhoid Fever
Arsenic album can be administered in cases of typhoid and malaria fever. Periodicity is marked with body burning pains, weakness, restlessness, exhaustion and aggravation of pain in the night. The complaint worsens with even the slightest movement and feels better after application of heat. In the heat stage, there is an inclination to uncover, as there is dry heat with thirst. At the end of the fever stage, there is cold and clammy sweat. Sometimes, along with fever, gastric symptoms also exist, such as colic, nausea, loose stool, and heaviness in the stomach.
When to use Arsenic Album?
Arsenic Album is one of the best remedies for fever due to malaria or typhoid. One feels a lot of chills, debilitated, and also restlessness.
How to use Arsenicum Album?
It can be administered in 30C potency, which can be repeated twice daily for the best possible results.
8. Ferrum Phosphoricum- For Early Stages of Fever
Ferrum Phosphoricum is considered one of the most important remedies for fever in its very early stage. It is indicated when a fever has just set off and the symptoms are mild and not clearly indicative. The patient usually has a flushed face, slight chills, mild body ache, throbbing headache and a soft, full, rapid pulse. There is a gradual onset of fever without much restlessness or weakness.
When to use Ferrum Phosphoricum?
It is mainly useful in simple inflammatory or viral fevers, sore throat, earache, cold or any fever following exposure to cold. This remedy is best suited when there is low-grade fever and the symptoms are not felt at any one point in the body (no localization of symptoms). Ferrum Phos should be prescribed at the onset of the fever before it advances to a definitive stage.
How to use Ferrum Phosphoricum?
It is commonly prescribed in biochemic potencies such as 6X, 12X, 6C or 30C. In acute cases, 6X can be administered as 4 tablets 3 to 4 times daily, while in 30C potency, it can be repeated twice to thrice daily. It acts as a first aid remedy for almost all initial febrile conditions.
9. Baptisia Tinctoria- For Toxic Fever with Delirium and Weakness
Baptisia is a very important remedy for intense, toxic and typhoid-type fevers. It is given when there is a high fever with extreme prostration and marked mental confusion. The patient feels as if the body is scattered into pieces and is too weak to gather them together. There is dullness, drowsiness, delirium, offensive breath and offensive discharges. The face appears dark red, the tongue gets dry, and there are intense body aches with a bruise-like sensation and sore feeling all over the body.
When to use Baptisia Tinctoria?
Baptisia is particularly useful in septic conditions, influenza with high fever, and typhoid or typhoid-like states. It is prescribed when the fever is advanced, toxic and the patient is mentally dull and physically exhausted.
How to use Baptisia Tinctoria?
It is generally used in potencies like 30C or 200C. In acute conditions, 30C can be repeated every 4 to 6 hours, while 200C is administered once or twice daily depending on the intensity of symptoms.
10. Cinchona Officinalis- For Fever with Extreme Exhaustion
Cinchona Officinalis is mainly administered for fever associated with marked weakness and exhaustion. Fevers that occur after loss of vital fluids, such as diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding, excessive sweating or prolonged illness, are very well treated by using this medicine. The patient feels extremely weak, sensitive to touch and drafts, and often complains of dizziness, ringing in the ears and flatulence. The fever is usually intermittent or periodic in nature with stages of chill, heat and perspiration.
When to use Cinchona Officinalis?
It is especially useful when the patient becomes exhausted after repeated attacks of fever or during the recovery phase. China is the first choice when there is profuse sweating with a lot of weakness. It is commonly used in malarial-type fevers and in conditions where the body has been drained of its strength.
How to use Cinchona Officinalis?
The usual potencies recommended are 30C and 200C. In acute weakness with fever, 30C can be administered twice or thrice daily, while 200C is used in more chronic or deep-seated exhaustion states, generally in single doses.
Types of Fever
Five main types of fever are:
1. Intermittent fever: The temperature is high but falls to normal (37.2 °C or below) each day. This type of fever is observed in malaria.
2. Remittent fever: In this type of fever, body temperature fluctuates; though it falls, it never falls all the way back to normal. This type of fever is associated with infectious diseases such as infective endocarditis, rickettsiae infections, and brucellosis, among others.
3. Continuous fever: It is also called sustained fever. The fever is prolonged with little or no change in temperature over the course of the day. Temperature remains above normal throughout the course of 24 hours and does not fluctuate more than 1 degree Celsius in 24 hours. This type of fever occurs in lobar pneumonia, typhoid (step – ladder pattern, a stepwise increase in temperature with a high plateau) and urinary tract infection.
4. Hectic Fever: In this type of fever, there are wide swings in temperature. Intermittent or remittent fever is considered hectic with a temperature difference of at least 1.4 degrees Celsius between the highest and the lowest temperature. This fever pattern is indicative of an abscess or pyogenic infection such as pyelonephritis.
5. Relapsing Fever: This is a type of intermittent fever that hits you again after days or weeks of normal temperatures. This fever is common after animal bites and diseases like malaria.
There is no specific medicine in homeopathy to bring down the temperature; these medicines work by targeting the infection instead. This is because the temperature is the only index through which the progress of the infection inside the body is reflected. The rise in body temperature is directly proportional to the extent of infection. An increase in temperature indicates a further spread of infection, while a decrease in temperature shows that the infection is reducing. If the body temperature is abruptly brought down without halting the infection process, there is no way to find out what is going on inside the body and to what degree the infection is still present. So, the end result is that the fever no doubt is gone, but its root cause — the infection – still remains. Natural medicines act by putting a check on the infection, preventing its progress and the temperature is thus automatically brought down gradually as the infection declines. The remedies also make sure that no weakness or other residual effects of the fever remain in the body. Homeopathy has a huge number of natural medicines to deal with cases of fever.
Causes of Fever
Fever or a higher-than-normal body temperature could result from:
1. Infections: Viral or bacterial infections are the most common causes of fever. This includes flu, colds, gastroenteritis or infection in the ears, throat, skin, or bladder.
2. Environmental factors: Heat strokes due to high ambient temperature or prolonged strenuous exercise and extreme sunburn can all raise the body temperature.
3. Inflammatory diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, which inflames the lining of your joints, is one example of an inflammatory condition (synovium); lupus and inflammatory bowel diseases can also cause fever.
4. Hormonal disorders: This includes hyperthyroidism, which can increase body temperature.
5. Drugs: The side effects of some medicines, including those used to treat high blood pressure, seizures, and antibiotics, can cause fever.
6. Cancer: A malignant (cancerous) growth can cause fever.
7. Various types of vaccinations
8. Alcohol withdrawal
9. Teething in babies
Symptoms of Fever
Higher temperature than 100.4 F (38 C) in adults and children.
When someone has a fever, depending on what causes the fever, they may also have the following symptoms:
A. Shivering and feeling cold when nobody else is feeling cold.
1. Headache: Pain in the head often accompanies a fever.
2. Muscle aches: Sharp or constant aches can be due to fever.
3. Rash: Red bumps may be observed on the skin along with fever
4. Restlessness: One may feel restless while having a fever.
5. Weakness or fatigue: One may feel reduced muscle strength during a fever.
6. Sweating
7. Low appetite: A variety of infections can cause fever along with a lack of appetite.
8. Signs of dehydration
9. Increased sensitivity to pain
10. Lack of energy and feeling sleepy
11. Difficulty in concentrating
b. If a baby has a fever, these symptoms are prominent:
1. Feel hot to the touch
2. Have flushed cheeks
3. Sweaty
Febrile seizures are the frightening side effects of fever, which are mostly present in children. They most likely occur with a fever of at least 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). In some cases, children may have seizures before developing a fever. These seizures happen in 2 to 4 per cent of children under the age of 5. These seizures are short-lived and harmless, but in 2.5 per cent to 5 per cent of children who have complex febrile seizures, epilepsy could develop. With high fever, there may also be irritability, confusion, delirium, and seizures.
Pathophysiology of Fever
Specific body temperature is a balance of heat production and heat loss. Hypothalamus (a gland in the brain), also called the body thermostat, monitors this balance. Even in a healthy condition, the body temperature varies; it can be lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening.
A fever is the immune system’s response to foreign invaders. These foreign invaders include viruses, bacteria, fungi, drugs or toxins. These foreign invaders are considered pyrogens (fever-producing substances) that trigger the body’s immune response. Pyrogens signal the hypothalamus, which sets the body temperature higher in order to help the body fight against the infection. This complex process results in more heat production and restricts heat loss. The body produces heat when one shivers in fever. Wrapping a blanket around the body in a chilled state of fever is a way to retain body heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is fever a disease?
No. Fever is not a disease; it is a symptom showing that the body is fighting an infection.
2. When should I take medicine for a fever?
If the temperature is above 100–101°F, or if you feel very uncomfortable, you can take prescribed antipyretic medicines like paracetamol after consulting a doctor.
3. How much rest is needed during a fever?
Complete rest is very important. Avoid heavy work, exercise, and mental stress until you have recovered.
4. What should I eat and drink during a fever?
A few dietary tips include taking plenty of fluids, juices, coconut water, ORS, light foods like khichdi, dal, soup and fresh fruits. Avoid having oily, spicy and junk food.
5. Can fever spread from one person to another?
Fever itself does not spread, but infections causing fever (like viral flu) can be contagious.
6. Is fever dangerous?
Most fevers are mild and harmless. But a very high fever or a long-lasting fever can be serious and needs medical attention.
7. When should I consult a doctor?
Consult immediately if the fever lasts more than 2–3 days, temperature is above 103°F with severe headache, vomiting, rashes, difficulty in breathing, there is fever with chills and rigors, fever in infants or elderly and if fever is present during pregnancy.
8. Can I take antibiotics for a fever?
No. Antibiotics work only for bacterial infections. Taking them without a prescription is harmful.
9. Is bathing allowed during a fever?
Yes. Sponging with lukewarm water can help reduce body temperature and make you comfortable.
10. How can I prevent fever?
A few measures to prevent infections and hence fever are: washing hands regularly, drinking clean water, and eating hygienic food, avoiding close contact with sick people and maintaining good immunity.
11. What is the difference between viral and bacterial fever?
Viral fever usually goes away in 3–5 days
12. Bacterial fever may need antibiotics and lasts longer
Only a doctor can differentiate between the two.
13. Can home remedies help in fever?
Yes, simple measures like enough rest, warm fluids, a light diet and in a few cases, sponging can help, along with prescribed medicines.