Treating a Fever Naturally
Treating a Fever Naturally: What Every Parent Should Know
A fever hits, and suddenly, your child feels hot, uncomfortable, and miserable. As a mom, your instinct is to help—but what’s the best approach? Should you try to bring the fever down? Let it run its course? When should you worry?
Here’s the truth: Fevers aren’t something to fear. They’re a natural, healthy response—your child’s body working exactly as it should. The key is knowing how to support a fever instead of suppressing it, and when to step in for extra help.
Let’s explore fevers so you can feel calm, confident, and informed the next time a fever appears.
What Is a Fever?
A fever is the body’s natural defense mechanism—a sign that the immune system is actively fighting an infection. It raises the body temperature to make it harder for bacteria and viruses to thrive.
+ Normal fever range: 100.4°F to 104°F
+ Fever is a symptom, not the illness itself – the body is responding to something, and that’s a good thing!
While fevers can feel alarming, they are usually harmless and wildly beneficial. The goal is not to eliminate the fever but to support the body while it does its job.
What NOT to Do When Your Child Has a Fever
+ Don’t rush to bring the fever down – Fevers serve a purpose! Suppressing them with medication can prolong illness by interfering with the immune response.
+ Avoid unnecessary antibiotics – Fevers don’t automatically mean a bacterial infection. Antibiotics only work against bacteria, not viruses.
Instead of fearing the fever, focus on supporting the body and keeping your child comfortable.
What TO Do When Your Child Has a Fever
When handled correctly, a fever can do its job without complications. Here’s how to support your child naturally:
Keep them Hydrated
One of the most important things you can do during a fever is to keep fluids flowing. Dehydration can make symptoms worse and even cause fevers to last longer.
+ Offer water, herbal teas, or bone broth.
+ Coconut water is a great natural electrolyte replacer.
+ Avoid sugary drinks like juice or sports drinks, which can suppress immune function.Struggling to get your child to drink enough fluids? My Hydration Hero Guide is full of practical strategies and homemade electrolyte drink recipes to help keep kids hydrated during illness.
Prioritize Rest & Sleep
+ Sleep is when healing happens—it’s the body’s natural way of resetting, repairing, and fighting off infection.
+ Keep the environment calm, cool, and dimly lit to help their body relax.
+ Encourage cozy rest spots—soft blankets, a favorite stuffed animal, or gentle music can help little ones settle.
+ Don’t force activity—it’s okay if they’re extra sleepy. Their body is using energy to heal!Pro Tip: Feverish kids often need extra sleep, even if it throws off their usual routine. Let them nap as much as they need—this is one of the best ways to help their body recover faster. If they prefer to rest on the couch near you instead of in bed, that’s okay, too. Comfort and relaxation are just as important as sleep itself!
Offer Light, Nourishing Foods
If they’re hungry, keep it simple and nourishing. Fevers naturally increase metabolic demand, so offering gentle, easy-to-digest foods can help fuel their recovery without overloading the digestive system.
Some great options to consider:
+ Bone broth + simple soups
+ Soft fruits (bananas, applesauce)
+ Cooked vegetablesIf they’re not hungry, don’t stress. Short-term fasting during illness is normal and allows the body to focus on healing instead of digestion. A fever naturally suppresses appetite, so let them listen to their body!
Use Natural Remedies
One of the best things about natural remedies is that they don’t fight against the fever—they work with the body to promote comfort and healing. These gentle, time-tested approaches have been used for generations to support the fever process naturally.
+ Elderflower – Traditionally used to support fevers by promoting relaxation and gentle sweating, helping the body regulate temperature naturally.
+ Peppermint Essential Oil – A cool washcloth infused with peppermint or 1-2 drops diluted in a carrier oil can help comfort a restless or uncomfortable child. This simple remedy encourages natural sweating without forcing the body to cool down too quickly.
+ Homeopathic Remedies – Depending on symptoms, homeopathy can provide gentle, targeted support:Belladonna – For sudden, high fevers with a flushed face and glassy eyes.
Aconite – Best for fevers that come on suddenly, often after exposure to cold air.
Ferrum Phos – Great for the early stages of illness when the fever is mild but lingering.
Hydration + rest + gentle herbal support = the best fever strategy. Instead of rushing to "fix" a fever, these remedies help keep your child comfortable while their body does the important work of fighting off illness.
How to Tell When It’s Time for Extra Support
Most fevers can be safely managed at home, but sometimes, a little extra support is helpful.
Here are a few signs that a visit with a doctor or other care provider might be helpful:
+ Fever lasts longer than 5 days
+ Child is lethargic, unresponsive, or extremely irritable
+ Fever is over 104°F and not responding to hydration & rest
+ Signs of dehydration (no tears when crying, dry mouth, sunken eyes)
+ Seizure occurs
Most important is - How does your child seem to you?
In an adult, the level of the fever generally reflects the severity of the illness causing it. This may not be the case with a child; in fact, it could be the opposite - very small children may have their temperature drop below normal when they are very sick.
Want help evaluating symptoms and deciding if more support is needed?
In my free webinar, Where to Start When the Kids Are Sick, I walk you through exactly how to assess symptoms, decide when to treat at home, and know when it’s time to seek medical care. Plus I’ve included other natural remedies specifically for fevers!
Watch the free webinar + download my "Let Me Feel Your Forehead" checklist here →
And if you’re looking for even more natural ways to relieve fevers, shorten recovery time, and strengthen your child’s immune system, my online course Get Well Soon is full of even more simple, effective tools to help you handle earaches and more with confidence.
Final Thoughts: Trust the Fever Process
Fevers can feel overwhelming, but they are a sign of a strong immune response. Instead of suppressing them, we can support the body naturally while keeping our little ones comfortable.
If you want to feel even more confident handling fevers, coughs, congestion, and other common childhood illnesses, my on-demand webinar is for you.
💻 Watch the free webinar anytime →
Because the next time fever hits, you’ll already know what to do.