If you have a temperature above 99.5 degrees F (37.5 degrees C), associated perhaps with chills and shivering, you have a fever. With the exception of high fevers (above 102 degrees F [38.9 degrees C]), the best course of action is to let the fever run its course so that your immune system can fight what’s ailing you.
If the fever starts to climb above 102 degrees F (38.9 degrees C), however, try to lower it by using ibuprofen; follow the label instructions for proper dosage. If the fever doesn’t respond to medication or lasts longer than three days for an adult or one day for a child, consult your doctor.
Speeding your recovery from a fever
Regardless of the fever’s severity, you can speed recovery by taking several herbs, including angelica, elderberry, rosemary, and yarrow as follows:
When | What |
---|---|
For the first 1 to 2 days | 1 teaspoon of a tincture, or 1 to 2 capsules every one to three hours |
For the next 5 days | 2 teaspoons of tincture or 6 capsules daily |
You may take each of these herbs separately or in combination; doses represent the total amount of herb to take. All of these herbs make you sweat.
Giving your immune system extra support
Fever is a sign that your body is actively fighting intruders, so when you have a fever, give your immune system some extra support. Take Echinacea (300 mg), vitamin C (1,000 mg), vitamin D3 (5,000 to 10,000 IU), and zinc (20 mg) several times daily for the first day or two and then decrease your dosage as the fever subsides.
For aggressive immune support, take mushroom extracts — reishi, shitake, maitake, or cordyceps — as a tonic: 15 to 30 drops two to three times daily.