Fever is a good thing, as the body’s way of fighting infection and healing itself. Help the fever do its job with self-care that includes hydrating, eating nutritious food, and getting plenty of rest. Adding essential oils to your treatment plan relieves the discomfort and assists in healthy healing.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for fevers are:
• Frankincense
• German chamomile
• Lemon
• Peppermint
• Tea tree
Safety First
A fever’s job is to rid the body of the illness causing it. Even a high fever can be beneficial. Be sensible and logical in deciding whether to seek medical attention or not. Use caution with peppermint for fever, as it may lower the body temperature too quickly and is best avoided for children.
Incorporate essential oils into your fever-treatment plan using these application methods that can bring comfort.
• Cool compress. When you feel like you’re overheating and you need relief, add fever-fighting essential oils to a cool or cold compress and apply it as needed.
• Cooling massage. Add anti-inflammatory essential oils to a carrier oil and massage the blend onto your aching forehead, temples, and neck for needed comfort.
• Soothing soak. Inhaling the essential oils while relaxing in an oil-infused bath gives you respite from fever discomfort.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Take elderberry syrup. This immunity-supporting herbal remedy is great for fighting off infection and flu.
• Hydrate. You need to replenish fluids as the body dehydrates from fever sweats.
• Eat chicken soup. It’s the age-old remedy that keeps you hydrated. Avoid hot spices.
When a fever knocks you off your feet, you’ll want to cope with the pain, discomfort, and sometimes overwhelming heat with these aromatherapy remedies.
This recipe combines antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties with a soothing cool compress to help diminish the discomfort of fever. You can use it either on your forehead or your neck.
2 drops lavender oil
2 drops tea-tree oil
2 drops lemon oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil
1 cup cool or cold water
1 clean washcloth
Combine the oils in a large glass bowl, then stir in the water. Soak the washcloth in the water, wring it out, and apply it to your head or neck. Hold it there until the washcloth comes to room temperature. Repeat the process up to three times a day with a fresh cloth, as needed.
A warm, salt-infused bath can help draw out toxins while essential oils help to relieve discomfort and reduce the fever.
10 drops lemon oil
8 drops tea-tree oil
8 drops German chamomile oil
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 cup Epsom salts
½ cup coarse sea salt
½ cup baking soda
1 dark-glass pint jar
In a large glass bowl, combine the oils. Add in the Epsom salts, sea salt, and baking soda and whisk to combine. Pour the mixture into your jar. Add ¼ to ½ cup of the blend to a hot bath.