Fevers in children can be scary when they spike very quickly. As a parent, you might not want to give your child a conventional anti-inflammatory medication, but would rather treat his fever in a more natural way. Herbal remedies, under the supervision of a pediatrician, may be an option to get your feverish child on the road to recovery.
Elder Flower
Elder flower, also called Sambucus, may be effective in treating your child's fever for a variety of reasons. The herb, available as a liquid extract or syrup, has natural anti-viral qualities, and induces sweating, which can bring a fever down. The active ingredient of Sambucus is also used in conventional cough medicines and lozenges designed to minimize the symptoms of colds and flu. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that parents should consult a pediatrician to determine appropriate dosages for your child. HealthyChild.com suggests brewing a tea from dried elder flower, peppermint and chamomile as a "cooling" tea that your child can drink each hour until her fever breaks. Make elderberry tea with 1 cup boiling water and 3 to 5 g dried flower, and add other herbs as desired.
Echinacea and Goldenseal
Echinacea and goldenseal are both herbs that are anti-bacterial in nature and help fight off infection. Herbs2000.com, a source of traditional health care, states that the combination of these herbs can act as a natural fever reducer and are safe to give children for short periods of time, not to exceed 7 to 10 days. Both of these plants can be brewed into a tea, which may be a soothing type of medicine for your child if he has a sore throat or other respiratory symptoms accompanying a fever.
Garlic
Garlic is a natural immune-booster and fights infection, which could be causing your child to have a fever, according to Herbs2000.com. Garlic is a traditional remedy and can be added to broths or teas if your child can't swallow capsules. Ask your doctor how much garlic your child can safely take, as dosing is determined according to age or weight.
Ginger
Ginger products, especially ginger ale, are traditionally offered when you are sick and want to settle an upset stomach, but they can also reduce a fever, according to "Herbs for Health and Healing," a Rodale publication. Ginger carries anti-viral properties and may help your body fight off viruses that cause you to develop a fever. Candied ginger, ginger tea and natural ginger ale made from soda water, lemon and ginger powder and may soothe your child's symptoms and bring her fever down without the need for over-the-counter medications.
