A Fever is a condition or symptom that show that the body is combating some infection. Basically, fever is caused by infection, over production of heat or decreased heat elimination.
• Body temperature is raised in order to destroy these poisons (toxins).
• Almost all infectious fevers are due to poisons produced by the growth of bacteria (or viruses).
Mechanisms of Fever Occurrence
1) Pyrogens (toxins that cause Fever) are secreted by toxic bacteria, inflamed tissues, or degenerating tissues cause the “setting” of the hypothalamus thermostat to rise.
2) Chills results in the effects of pyrogens which cause the setting of the thermostat to change from the normal level (98.6 F) to a higher level (e.g. 103 F).
• When this happens, all the heat-promoting mechanisms for increasing body temperature operate at full force (such as vaso-constriction, increased Metabolism, and shivering).
• This continues until the body temperature reaches the thermostat set level. The temperature remains high until the cause is removed.
• When this happens, the person’s Skin become warm and he begins to Sweat. This is known as the “crisis”. The temperature then drops.
Fever Groups and their Hydrotherapy Treatments
In general, moderately prolonged cold applications should be used in cases in which the Skin is hot and dry. Hot applications should be used when the Skin is cold, cyanotic, or clammy. It should be continued until this condition is overcome.
For Malaria use: Blanket Pack treatment hydrotherapy.
Group A
Signs: Full pulse, Flushed face and hot, dry Skin
Condition: Great increase in heat production
Objective: Abstract heat by a moderately long contact with cold
Treatment: Long, cold application, but maintain reactionCold applications useful in Fever
a) Graduated bath with friction
b) Tepid or cool bath
c) Evaporating wet sheet pack
d) Cold sponging
e) Cold to head and neck
f) Ice bag or cold compress to heart
g) Cool rectal irrigation (or enema)
h) Cool Water drink
i) Cool air in the sickroom
Group B
Signs: Cold Skin (wet or dry), cyanosis, goose flesh, shivering
Condition: Decided decrease in heat elimination
Objective: Warm the Skin and combat internal Congestion
Treatment: Hot applications until blood is brought back to Skin, then cold with friction. Hot mitten friction.Hot applications useful in Fever
a) Hot blanket pack
b) A very short hot bath
c) Repeated hot sponges
d) Hot evaporating sheet
e) Fomentations to abdomen
f) Fomentation to spine
g) Hot Water drinking
h) Cold mitten friction (reaction stimulates a hot application)
Infectious Diseases
1) Fever
2) Weak Immune System
3) Infectious Conditions
4) Colds & Flu
5) AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
6) Candidiasis
7) Pharyngitis
8) Cystitis
Causes of Fever
1) Pathological Causes of Fever
• Bacterial and viral diseases
• Brain tumors and Cancers
• Dehydration
• Injuries
• Heat Stroke
• Increased Thyroid activity
• Toxin2) Physiological Causes of Fever
• Extreme physical exertion
• Fever therapy3) Predisposing Causes of Fever
• Bad ventilation
• Improper clothing
• Damp surroundings
• Exhaustion
• Lack of cleanliness
• Lack of Water
• Lack of exercise in open air
• Improper diet—meat eating, Over-eating, rich spicy foods, etc.
Signs & Symptoms of Fever
• Nervous disturbances (malaise, Headaches, Back Ache, Insomnia, delirium)
• Chill or chilliness
• Hot, Dry Skin or cold, clammy Skin
• Increased heart rate
• Excessive thirst
• Loss of appetite, foul breath, coated Tongue
• Possible Constipation or Diarrhea
• Scanty, highly colored and concentrated urine
Signs & Symptoms of Heat Production
• Full and rapid pulse
• Face Flushed
• Skin (hot and dry)
Signs & Symptoms of Decreased Heat Elimination
• Cold Skin (dry or moist and clammy)
• Cyanosis
• Goose flesh
• Chilly sensations
• Shivering
Value of Fever:
* Fever is not detrimental, but beneficial unless it becomes excessively high, lasts too long (or the patient’s Cardiovascular System is too weak to tolerate it).
* Many bacteria and viral germs do not survive well at high temperatures.
* Fever enables the white cells to move faster, capture the germs quicker, and destroy them more efficiently.
Natural Remedies for Fever
• Apply a mud pack on the lower abdomen two or three times a day.
• Apply a cold pack to the forehead if the temperature rises very high.
• Keep The Intestine clean by taking an enema every day.
• The diet MUST be:
a) Easily digestible, nutritious
b) Abundant in liquids (replace the Water lost through high temperature and avoid Dehydration),
c) Rich in Vitamin C and beta Carotene (Provitamin A),
d) Rich in alkalizing mineral salts (neutralize excess free radicals and acidic waste products formed as a result of the Infection).
• Increase intake of Water, Fruit juices, Citrus Fruits, Barley Water, Melon, Borage, Raspberry and depurant broth (especially made of a mixture of Onions and Celery).
• Citrus Fruits (such as Oranges, Tangerines, Lemons) are particularly beneficial in cases of Infection since they supply anti-oxidants, Vitamin C and Beta Carotene (Provitamin A) which promote a healthy Immune System and strengthen body resistance to viruses.
• Juices provides Water, mineral salts and anti-oxidant Phytochemicals necessary for Fever cases and elimination of waste Materials from the bloodstream which increase during Fever.
Colds, Flu, & Fevers Treatment Actions
Common cold and flu have a habit of striking when we are Stressed or run down. The common cold is a viral Infection normally affecting the nose and throat. Flu is considerably more debilitating and may include Fever, Headaches, muscular pain, Nausea, and Vomiting.
• Garlic, Ginger, and Lemon combine to create the classic Colds (Flu) remedy that can also be used to relieve Colds, sore throats, and Tonsillitis.
• Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, and Cayenne have heating properties and stimulate Sweating, thus helping to lower the body’s temperature during Fever.
• Elder berries and Yarrow are anti-viral, stimulate Sweating, and astringe the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, reducing the production of mucus.
• Boneset and Cayenne are particularly helpful for Respiratory Infections.
• Wormwood and Gentian are bitter herbs that cool the body and combat high Fever.
Note:
* Reduce Fever and temperature by washing with cool or cold Water and drinking plenty of liquid, especially when Sweating.
Diet:* Fruits and Vegetables soup are best, but avoid greasy, fatty, sugar-rich food and Dairy products.
Precaution:
* Remember that in the very young and very old, even a common cold can develop into pneumonia.
* Always seek professional advice if symptoms persist or suddenly get worse.
General Remedies to Colds, Flu, & Fevers
• Crush a medium-sized Garlic Clove, grate a similarly sized piece of fresh Ginger, and squeeze the juice from 1 Lemon.
• Mix together with 1 tsp of Raw Honey.
• Add 3/4 cup (150 ml) of warm Water and stir. Drink up to 12/3 cups (450 ml) a day while symptoms last.
• Make an infusion using 1/2 tsp of Thyme and Boneset herb with 3/4 cup (150 ml) of Water and then drink 12/3–21/3 cups (450–600 ml) a day.
General Remedies to Colds
• Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 Lemon, neat or diluted in warm Water. Optionally add 1 tsp of Raw Honey to the juice and 1/2 tsp of Cinnamon powder.
• Infuse 2–3 slices (1 g) of fresh Ginger with 3/4 cup (150 ml) of Water for 5 minutes. Take upto 3 cups (750 ml) a day.
• Take 1 tsp (5 ml) of Elder berries tincture or extract in warm Water up to 3 times a day. Add in freshly squeezed juice from half a Lemon.
General Remedies to High Fever
• Make an infusion using 1 tsp each of Yarrow and Boneset, with a pinch of Cayenne, to 3/4 cup (150 ml) of Water. Brew for 5 minutes and drink hot. Take up to 21/3 cups (600 ml) a day.
• Optionally you can add 1 or 2 of the following herbs: 2–3 Cloves, 1/2 tsp of powdered or grated fresh Ginger, 1/2 tsp of chopped or powdered Cinnamon bark, 1–2 crushed Cardamom seeds, 2–3 crushed Peppercorn.
General Remedies to Flu with Muscle Aches & Pains
• Make an infusion using 5 g of each of Thyme, Lemon balm and Elder flowers herb to 3 cups (750 ml) of Water. Brew for 10 minutes and drink up to 3 cups (750 ml) a day.
• Take Echinacea tablets or capsules, or up to 1/2 tsp of tincture with Water twice a day. Alternatively, make a decoction with 5 g of root to 3 cups (750 ml) of Water and then drink 1 1/4–2 1/3 cups (300–600 ml) a day.
Food Remedies for Fever & Dengue Fever
African Nightshade
Alfalfa Sprouts
Aloe Vera
Apple Cider Vinegar
Coriander
Fenugreek
Ginger
Lemongrass
Slenderleaf
Tangerine
Tempeh
• African Nightshade – The whole African Nightshades plant is Febrifuge/antipyretic (reduces Fever).
• Alfalfa Sprouts – Elevated doses of Vitamin C increase the production of interferon (a Protein that inhibits the proliferation of viruses, stimulates the Immune System and halts the growth of tumoral cells). Highly recommended for all types of infectious disease, particularly those of viral origin (Colds (Flu), Colds, etc.) and as a complement to the prevention and treatment of Cancer.
• Aloe Vera juice – The Aloe Vera Gel has been shown to reduce inflammation, speeds healing and also shows anti-bacterial effects (Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association). The clear jellylike substance inside the leaf works great as a Skin lotion that is mild anesthetic and relieves itching, swelling, and pain (Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology).
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple Cider Vinegar is a powerful elixir and a naturally occurring Anti-Biotic and antiseptic that Fights germs (Hippocrates, the father of medicine,). Oxymel (a combination of Apple Cider Vinegar and Raw Honey) has been widely used to dissolve painful Calcium deposits in the body, and for other health problems such as Hay Fever.
• Coriander – The leaves of Coriander are Stimulant and tonic. They reduce Fever, relieve Flatulence, increase secretion and discharge of urine.
• Fenugreek – tea made from Fenugreek seeds is useful in reducing Fevers. It is particularly valuable as a cleansing and soothing drink.
• Ginger – .
• Lemongrass – It induces copious perspiration and brings down temperature. It also produces a feeling of coolness. Raw juice or decoction of the grass can also be taken.
• Slenderleaf – The leaves are used as a treatment for yellow Fever and also applied to sore feet.
• Tangerine – For childhood Fevers, Tangerine invigorates the body and Fight Infections such as in cases of Colds, Colds (Flu) and throat Infections.
• Tempeh – Tempeh fermentation produces natural Anti-Biotic agents that are believed to increase the body’s resistance to Infections.
Herbal Remedies for Fever & Dengue Fever
• A Fever, often a symptom of illness, is the temporary increase in your body temperature due to your body fighting off an Infection. Fevers are a natural bodily defense.
Lemon Balm
Bloodwort
Catnip
German Chamomile
Chiretta
Devil’s Tree
Cassia
Feverfew
Garcinia
Gentian
Harmala
Hog Weed
Holy Basil
Indian Mallow
Lady’s Mantle
Lion’s Tail
Meadowsweet
Moringa
Pergularia
Sandalwood
Small Herbal Bitters
Tenner’s Cassia
Datura
Snake Gourd
Brahmi
White Willow
Indian Sorrel
Wormwood
Yarrow
• Lemon Balm – It is antipyretic and useful in treating Fevers. tea made from the leaves brings down the body temperature.
• Bloodwort – It is very effective Herbal Remedies for Fevers. A hot infusion of the herb induces perspiration which cools Fevers and expels toxins.
• Catnip – .
• German Chamomile – German Chamomile tea is of help in Fever and Wounds cases. German Chamomile ointment may also be used to promote the healing of Wounds. People regained their hearing, when Green Field Onion (Ornithogalum caudatum) is fried in German Chamomile oil and the warm oil is dropped into the ear frequently.
• Chiretta – It is an effective herb for reducing Fevers. It is especially beneficial in the treatment of Malarial Fevers. It is also effective in hysteria and convulsions.
• Devil’s Tree – It is an excellent substitute for Cinchona and quinine for the treatment of intermittent and remittent Fevers.
• Cassia – The root of Cassia is a tonic and useful in reducing Fever. An Alcoholic extract of the root bark is used for black Water Fever.
• Feverfew – .
• Garcinia – .
• Gentian – .
• Harmala – It is useful in the treatment of remittent and intermittent Fevers. It is useful in chronic Malaria but is not so effective in acute cases.
• Hog Weed – It is beneficial in the natural treatment of Fevers. It brings down temperature by inducing copious perspiration.
• Holy Basil – Basil leaves are specific for many Fevers. During the rainy season, when Malaria and Dengue Fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as a preventive against these diseases.
• Indian Mallow – It is a valuable herbal-remedy for treating Fevers. Its infusion is used for this purpose.
• Lady’s Mantle – Lady’s Mantle is a remedy for Wound–Fever, for decomposing Wounds and neglected sores. In old medicine, Lady’s Mantle is used as a Wound herb (externally).
• Lion’s Tail – .
• Meadowsweet – .
• Moringa – Moringa is effective against the Infection caused by herpes simplex virus. The healing effects of Moringa herb prevent the development of Skin lesions and inhibit the formation of plaque caused by the infecting virus. Moringa anti-fungal properties help in preventing the growth of diseases causing contaminant fungi such as Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. It is useful for the regulation of Thyroid Hormones and is effective in curing Skin Infections and sores.
• Pergularia – It is useful Herbal Remedy in relieving Fever and inducing Vomiting.
• Sandalwood – Its paste applied on the temple relieves Headaches and bring down the temperature in Fever.
• Small Herbal Bitters – For hot or cold Fever, 1 tablespoonful of Swedish Bitters is given and the patient, if he is not overloaded with other medications, will in a short time feel better. For a cold (with all its accompanying symptoms such as weariness, tiredness, pressure in the head and heaviness in The Stomach), a Cotton ball is moistened with Swedish Bitters and held under the nose, while breathing in deeply. Immediately the head feels lighter. Swedish Bitters expel worms (even tapeworms). The amount taken by children being according to age. A piece of cloth moistened with Swedish Bitters drops is applied to the navel and kept moist. For plague (since they heal plague Boils and swellings even if already in the throat) and other infectious diseases, Swedish Bitters is taken repeatedly.
• Tenner’s Cassia – The leaves of tenner’s Cassia are tonic. They relieve Feverishness and produce a feeling of coolness. They also restore the disordered processes of nutrition.
• Datura – Datura fruit is a valuable Herbal Remedy for phlegmatic and bilious types of Malarial Fever.
• Snake Gourd – A decoction of the snake gourd leaves with the addition of Coriander is also useful in bilious Fever. In remittent Fevers, it is applied over the whole body.
• Brahmi – .
• White Willow – .
• Indian Sorrel – The leaves of Indian Sorrel are useful in relieving symptoms of Fever. An infusion of the leaves can bring temperature down.
• Wormwood – .
• Yarrow – .