Natural Comfort Measures for Fevers
- Alex Kelly
- Jul 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 1
Check out these guides for more great fever info:
A fever is a natural response to an infection or illness. It is a good sign, because it means that your body is fighting off the infection. The increased body temperature from a fever boosts the performance of immune cells and induces stress on pathogens and infected cells, providing a strong immune defense.
Since fevers are the body’s natural way of fighting off illnesses, reducing a fever can actually prolong the illness or infection. Fevers also trigger immune cells to recruit and activate T-cells, which coordinate long-term “adaptive” immune responses such as antibody production. By letting a fever run its course, you are also providing better protection for future illnesses.
And no, a fever of 104°F WILL NOT FRY YOUR BRAIN!
So, how can you comfort a fever naturally?
Hydration
Hydration is so important when sick, especially if experiencing fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Add in electrolytes as needed! If having extended vomiting or diarrhea without adequate re-hydration, call your pediatrician. You want to avoid severe dehydration.
Rest
Your body heals when it sleeps, so if you follow a strict sleep schedule don’t hesitate to throw it out. Let your kiddo nap longer than usual, go to bed earlier if needed, sleep in, etc. Resting allows the body to focus all it's energy on healing, cleansing toxins, and immune support. If a fever or cough is keeping your child up at night, that would be a time where you could consider medication if you feel that their body needs to rest and reset.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil can be used as a fever suppressant. Dilute 1-2 drops with 1/2-1 tsp coconut oil and apply to soles of feet and spine. It can also be used for headaches. Apply directly to temples, forehead, behind ears, back of neck whenever you have a headache (if using on child dilute; or if adult has sensitive skin).
Always use your discretion, and consult with your trusted provider before using oils. The age of use when it comes to essential oils is very divided, even amongst trusted medical establishments. John Hopkins Medical does not recommend the use of peppermint oil under 30 months, and CHOP does not recommend any essential oils under the age of 3. Whereas our pediatrician is comfortable with it at almost any age, as long as its properly diluted.
Wet Sock Trick
Sleeping in wet socks signals your body to dilate the blood vessels in your feet resulting in blood being moved to and warming, the feet. This increases circulation throughout the entire body. This cycle should continue throughout the night and helps boost the immune system and reduce body temperature - making it great for fevers. You can do this by placing damp cotton socks on your child's feet followed by thick wool socks.
Magnesium Chloride Bath
Give a LUKEWARM (not hot or cold!!!)) bath with magnesium chloride flakes. This is great to do before nap/bed, followed by the wet sock trick, and snuggles.
Cool Compresses on Pulse Points
Apply a cool (not ice-cold) cloth to the wrists, neck, or behind the knees to help lower core temperature gently.
Potatoes and/or Onions in Socks
The theory behind placing potatoes or onions in socks for fevers comes from traditional and folk medicine, where these vegetables are believed to have the ability to "draw out toxins" or "pull heat" from the body.
This practice is often rooted in the idea that the soles of the feet are connected to various organs and systems, as suggested by reflexology and some forms of traditional Chinese medicine.
Onions, in particular, contain sulfur compounds with known antimicrobial properties, which some believe may help fight infection. When sliced and placed against the skin, these vegetables are thought to absorb illness-causing agents or reduce body heat through the feet, offering relief from fever symptoms.
Snuggles and Skin to Skin
Your nervous system regulates your child's nervous system, so skin to skin sleeping and snuggling are great ways to comfort your child through fevers and sickness. We have had MANY fevers in our home where the only comfort measures that were needed were rest, hydration, and snuggles!
Breastmilk
If you are still nursing, this is one of the best things you can do for your sick child!! Breastmilk changes when baby is sick to give what they need. If you are pumping, you can swipe some of their saliva onto your nipple to help signal the formulation.
Homeopathy/Herbal Pain & Fever "Meds"
Dr. Green Mom's Natureprofen (Infants-Kids) ALEXKELLY gives 10%
Dr. Green Mom's Temper Tamer (Infants-Kids) ALEXKELLY gives 10%
Kids Relief Pain & Fever (6mo+)
Earthley Feel Better Fast ALEXK10 for 10%
Rowe Casa's Children's Relief ALEX20 gives 20%
Genexa Flu Fix (4yr+)
Additional Homeopathy Options
Use 30C potency in most home settings
Use with
High, sudden fever with a hot, red face
Pupils may be dilated
Throbbing headache, very sensitive to light or noise
Skin feels hot, but hands and feet may be cold
Dose: 1 dose (2 pellets) every 10 mins for 30 mins. Repeat if needed
Use with
Sudden onset fever, especially after cold wind exposure
Child is anxious, restless, maybe fearful
Often the very first stage of illness
Useful within the first 24 hours
1 dose (2 pellets) every 10 minutes for 2-3 doses
Use with
Milder, slow-rising fever
Early stage of illness with vague symptoms (slight fatigue, flushing)
Not as intense as Belladonna or Aconite
Great for when you're not sure what remedy to give yet
Use with
Slow-onset fever with weakness, heaviness, droopy eyelids
Dull, tired, wants to lie still
Common for flu or viral fevers
Chills up the spine, no thirst
Give 1 dose (2 pellets) 3-4x per day until 80% better
Additional Herbal Support
Elderberry: support the immune system, shortens illness duration, relieves fever symptoms
Yarrow: a diaphoretic herb that can help the body sweat out a fever, anti-inflammatory
Catnip: a diaphoretic herb that can help the body sweat out a fever and rid the body of toxins
Lemon balm: reduces fever and anti-inflammatory
Fennel seed: antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
Echinacea: supports the immune system and can shorten illness duration
Always check with a trusted practitioner or herbalist before using herbs in children
Lymphatic Massage
The function of the lymph system is to filter out toxins, waste, and pathogens, house immune cells (like lymphocytes) that fight infection, and transport immune cells where they’re needed. If the lymphatic system is sluggish or congested, it can delay immune response, impair detox pathways and increase inflammation leading to longer illness duration. Lymph moves through the body by muscular movement. When we're ill, we're typically not moving as much leading to stagnant lymph. Adding in a dry brushing routine or manual lymph massage can greatly improve lymph flow. Here's a video showing where to massage major lymph nodes to allow for optimal drainage
Support the Immune System
See my full immune support guide
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