Important function of the immune response
Fevers are an important immune response that should not be suppressed automatically!
The following recommendations from me, and articles from other sources, are reasonable and beneficial responses to fever in children and adults. Sudden onset and high fever, especially in an infant, are a medical emergency. In general, most other fevers are beneficially managed at home.
I recommend the in-depth information in the following articles:
For a quick guide to supporting fever therapeutically, and protecting against risk of high fever see my Fever Treatment Guide that follows.
Fever treatment guide
- At the onset of fever, start taking/giving calcium (as lactate or citrate, which are quickly converted to blood calcium bicarbonate) and/or barley water (recipe at the end of this file).
- Part of a fever’s purpose is to allow calcium to move from the tissues and bones into the blood to facilitate the immune response in what is called “the calcium wave.”
- Take/give at least 200 mg of calcium as often as every 15 minutes until the fever reduces, and then maintain intake as needed to control the fever and aching, and to prevent seizures.
- A second important supplement to take/give is Vitamin A as one dose at the first sign of illness, even before fever, and again 2-3x for the first day or two.
- Doses are: 100,000 IU for adults; 50,000 IU for mid-aged children; 10,000 IU for toddlers.
- Or, take megadoses of cod liver oil, with Vitamins A and D.
- These are therapeutic doses only for short-term use.
- Apply iodine topically in a swath with cotton balls (you can use first aid iodine). Iodine supports production of thyroid hormones, which are essential for fighting illness; and iodine is an anti-bacterial in case of bacterial infection.
- Apply a 2” long swath for an infant, and 8” for an adult. Watch this swath so that you may apply it again, in a different location, when it fades. Fading indicates that the iodine has been fully absorbed according to the body’s demands, and more may be needed depending on severity of the fever or illness.
- If there is a cough or mucus congestion, apply the iodine directly to the respiratory tissues, e.g., over the bronchi or across the forehead or cheekbones for sinus congestion. Iodine helps mucus to become more liquid and to flow freely.
- Enemas are a very effective fever reduction therapy, and can void the bowel of infection quickly. These are safe even for infants and small children.
- As the gut tolerates, and as the “patient” is able to swallow, dose with bioflavonoids, such as Cyruta Plus, Cataplex C, Quercetin and hesperidin, Elderberry, rose hips, the inner white pulp of citrus rind, fresh lemon juice in water, etc.
- Use a homeopathic remedy, as indicated by symptoms, from your home kit.
See remedies discussed in depth in the above-referenced articles.
Barley water:
Barley water is a very nutritious, cooling drink that helps bring down fever. It is also useful for those suffering from bronchitis and asthma. Read here about the benefits of barley water.3
- Take ½ cup of pearl barley and wash well.
- Add to ½ gallon of cold water, set it on the stove and let cook for one hour.
- Strain the liquid from the barley and set aside to cool.
- Squeeze in the juice of one fresh lemon, which adds bioflavonoids to boost the immune response.
- Add sugar or honey if desired, or simply add lemon or lime peel to taste, and add a piece of ice. The liquid is cooling and nourishing.
The Chinese way of brewing this drink is simple – just boil barley grains in plenty of water and then sweeten to taste.
You may use one cup of barley to five or ten (or more) cups of water, depending on whether you want a thick or a light drink. If you intend to use barley water as a fever remedy, you should make a rather thick and “milky” drink. For general enjoyment, a thinner drink is fine.
The barley grains that settle to the bottom of the pot can be either retained or discarded. But keep in mind that barley grains are rich in fiber and contain other nutrients that do not get dissolved in the water – so go ahead and eat them in soups or as a porridge.
Note: Barley is not gluten-free, so if you need to avoid gluten, please don’t try this remedy.
