Every one of us has experienced a fever, even children. As parents, we've likely experienced a child with a fever. In such situations, it's not uncommon for parents to feel anxious about their child's fever. Therefore, parents should learn some natural ways to reduce fever in children so they can be treated quickly, even at home.
Here are some ways parents can treat a child with a high fever naturally, even at home :
1. Give your child plenty of water.
When your child has a fever, their body loses fluids easily, putting them at risk of dehydration. Therefore, provide enough water to help maintain fluid balance.
Drinking water can also support the body's natural cooling process through sweating. If your child has difficulty drinking, you can offer small, frequent doses.
2. Bathe with Lukewarm Water
If you want to bathe your child, use lukewarm water, not cold water. Warm water is more comfortable because it matches a child's body temperature when they have a fever.
Conversely, cold water can make them shiver. A short bath of 5–10 minutes is sufficient to keep your child comfortable.
3. Dress them in cotton clothes.
Cotton clothes tend to be thinner and more porous, allowing body heat to escape more easily.
Furthermore, loose-fitting cotton clothing allows your child to move freely without feeling overly hot.
4. Ensure the Room is Cool
Ensure the room temperature is cool, not too hot or too cold. You can use the air conditioner on medium heat or a fan.
Cool air can make your child more comfortable and help lower their body temperature naturally.
5. Provide a Thin Blanket if Your Child Shivers
Sometimes, a child's body can shiver when they have a fever. In this situation, provide a thin blanket to keep their body warm without making them feel hot.
Once the shivering subsides, remove the blanket so your child can rest comfortably.
6. Warm Compress
One way to treat a child with a fever at night is to apply a warm compress. Avoid using a cold compress, assuming it will reduce the fever more quickly.
A warm compress can dilate blood vessels on the surface of the skin, allowing heat to escape more easily. Apply the compress to the forehead, armpits, or groin for about 10–15 minutes.
7. Encourage Morning Sunlight
Morning sunlight (until 10 a.m.) can help the body produce vitamin D, which is needed to strengthen the immune system.
You can take your child out in the sun for about 10–15 minutes. This method also helps reduce fatigue caused by a fever.
8. Give Traditional Medicine
A popular traditional remedy for reducing fever in 2-year-old children is shallots mixed with eucalyptus oil.
The question is, can shallots and eucalyptus oil reduce fever? The answer is yes, even more effective than a regular warm compress.
This is because shallots contain Allin, which helps dilate blood vessels, and eucalyptus oil has the effect of stimulating sweat glands, helping the child's body temperature return to normal more quickly.
To use this remedy, mix sliced shallots with a little eucalyptus oil. Then, apply it to the child's chest, back, and soles of the feet while they sleep.
However, if your child experiences more severe symptoms, such as weakness, seizures, or difficulty breathing, make an appointment with a doctor immediately to get the right treatment.
