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Fever Fighters:

by Lauren Feder, M.D.

Reprinted from Great Life Magazine

Aconite, Belladonna and other remedies support healing and stimulate the immune response.

When I was growing up, my mother took the advice of the doctor and always gave us medicine at the first sign of a fever. Today, an increasing number of physicians advocate a different approach that recognizes the body's own natural healing capabilities.

A fever, which can accompany many infections and conditions, is a valuable defense mechanism and does not always need to be suppressed. When the body's temperature rises, it stimulates the immune system to fight off infection. When I treat a child or adult who has a fever, I try to find the remedy that matches the person's symptoms. Homeopathic remedies make the patient more comfortable and, at the same time, support the healing process and stimulate immune response. A properly chosen remedy will give relief and often bring the fever down. The goal is not to take away the fever altogether, but to make the patient more comfortable. Although there are many homeopathic remedies for fevers, I will cover just a few of the more commonly used ones.

Aconite is useful for the early stages of an intense fever that comes on suddenly. Often the person goes out on a windy day and, a short time later, comes down with a fever. Aconite will typically be effective for a fever that's accompanied by anxiety, restlessness and a thirst for cold drinks.

Belladonna is also useful during the early stages of a sudden fever. However, a person who responds to Belladonna radiates heat and may have a flushed face and a throbbing feeling, as well as delirium and a lack of thirst. Belladonna along with all homeopathic remedies, are non-toxic.

Ferrum phosphoricum similar to Belladonna in that it is indicated when the patient's face is flushed and the fever is accompanied by throbbing. But typically, the onset of fever is more gradual and symptoms are mild.

Chamomilla can be helpful for the fevers that often accompany an infant's teething misery. Chamomilla is for the child who is very irritable and difficult to please. Often one of his or her cheeks appears red, the other pale, and the child's fever becomes worse at night.

If your symptoms are not distinct, Belladonna is the most common remedy for a simple fever (one without other symptoms). In addition to single remedies, homeopathics are also available in a variety of combinations. These ready-made formulas for the treatment of fever can be convenient for people who don't know the exact remedy they need, who cannot find the specific remedy they're looking for sold alone or who are unable to consult a homeopath.

Before self-treating a high temperature, familiarize yourself with your physician's guidelines regarding fevers, and don't forget about the good, old-fashioned sponge bath!

Many patients come to my office looking for a homeopathic remedy that is natural and safe without any side effects. Fever and other symptoms respond well to homeopathic treatment. Homeopathic medicine is effective, without the side effects of standard medicine, and is useful for adults as well as children.