How to Reduce Fever Naturally with Herbs

Fever is defined as a temporary increase in the body's temperature above normal, typically 100.4°F (38°C) and higher. It is the first response of the immune system to infection or injury. It can also be caused by inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and external factors like heat exhaustion.

Common symptoms associated with fever include chills, sweating, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, lack of appetite, irritability, and dehydration, all of which can be easily treated at home; however, high temperatures accompanied by seizures, mental confusion, and difficulty breathing require immediate medical attention.

Herbs to Reduce Fever Naturally

While antipyretics, like paracetamol or ibuprofen, are usually the most popular over-the-counter medication to reduce fever, herbal teas have been traditionally prescribed to help lower body temperature and prevent dehydration. There are many plants with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and diaphoretic properties that can help reduce body temperature. Discover how to break a fever naturally and have a quick recovery with these amazing herbs!

Did You Know?

Salicin is transformed by the liver into salicylic acid, the anti-inflammatory compound in aspirin.

Aspen

The most important compound in aspen is salicin, a naturally occurring compound that is capable of reducing the inflammatory response to damage and infection, including fever.¹ An aspen bark decoction can be taken to relieve joint pain and fever.

Cat's Claw

This Amazonian herb has become quite popular for treating inflammatory processes, mainly joint pain; however, it can also reduce fever and the body aches associated with it. Cat's claw decoctions and infusions have been shown to have strong antiviral properties that help treat the symptoms of dengue fever and other viral diseases.²

Feverfew

As its name suggests, feverfew has been traditionally used to break fevers and alleviate headaches associated with inflammatory processes. It has been shown that two active compounds of feverfew, parthenolide and Bay 11-7082, successfully inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause headaches and fever.³ Feverfew is also among the best herbs for migraines. This medicinal herb is widely available in nature as well as in medicinal forms, such as pills, liquid extract, and teabags.

Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena has a long history of use in folk medicine, mainly for treating cold symptoms. Phenolic compounds are responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antipyretic properties of the herb, which stimulate sweating to break fever and congestion.⁴ Lemon verbena is commonly consumed as an infusion obtained from steeping the leaves in hot water, but it is also available in practical teabags and capsules.

Marigold

The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of marigold can lower high temperatures and pain. This medicinal herb is widespread all over the world, and it is popularly grown in gardens as an ornamental plant. Marigold is considered one of the top antiviral herbs due to its natural antipyretic compounds, which can help reduce fever naturally.⁵

Raspberry

While raspberry fruits are highly popular for their sweet, slightly tart flavor, raspberry shoots and leaves have been used as an herbal remedy for centuries, mostly for treating the common cold, fever, and flu-like infections. The naturally abundance tannins and flavonoids are the likely source of these medicinal properties.⁶ So, if you're looking for ways to lower fever naturally, a raspberry leaf tea can be the answer.

When body temperature rises abnormally high, it is usually the result of an infection, either viral or bacterial. While over-the-counter medications are widely available, they can take a toll on liver function and cause an upset stomach. Antipyretic herbs have been used for centuries to reduce fever and pain, and they are generally safe to consume. Sipping a warm herbal tea can help you feel better in no time!