Abnormal elevation of the body's temperature is called "fever". The normal temperature
taken orally is 98.6 degrees F., although normal range may vary up to 1 degree above or
2 degrees below. Rectal temperature is .5-1.0 degrees higher than oral temperature. There
are many symptoms associated with fever including flushed face; hot, dry skin; headache;
weight loss; constipation; diarrhea; body aches; skin sensitivity; and highly colored urine.
If the temperature raises to over 105 degrees F., or slightly lower in some cases, delirium
is possible. Convulsions may also follow, especially in children, and may even progress to
coma. Moderate body temperature increase in children is common and may result from minor
causes and is of less significance than in adults. In adults, elevated temperatures are
usually caused by exercise; a hot environment; neurogenic factors such as injury to the
hypothalamus; dehydration; many therapeutic drugs; certain chemical substances such as
caffeine, or cocaine injected into the bloodstream; infectious disease or inflammation; or
severe hemorrhage.
Helpful Links:
Fever
here are an extraordinary
number of plants and herbs that have been used around the world to treat fever. The best
known fever reducer is aspirin, which is derived from the salicylates in Willow Bark and
other plants. White
Willow Bark has been used for centuries to reduce fever and relieve pain. Certain compounds in
Ginger have been shown to
have anti-fever value, while properties in
Feverfew also show promise
in fever reduction. The German Commission E has endorsed
Elderberry as a remedy
for feverish chills. Perhaps the most popular herb these days is
Echinacea. It is
traditionally taken during colds and flu, which are
often the cause of fever. Because of its ability to cool down the body by promoting
perspiration, Sarsaparilla
has often been used to lower the body's elevated temperature. In traditional Chinese
medicine, Andrographis paniculata has been used for centuries in the treatment of fevers.
Note:
This information is provided for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace the use of a qualified
health care professional. We strongly recommend the use
of a physician for the diagnostic phase of any treatment.
With an accurate diagnosis in hand, we believe the consumer,
at that point, has a basic, unalienable right to seek out
factual information on all therapeutic approaches, both
orthodox and alternative, and choose those approach(es)
that are right for them. Nonetheless, a "good doctor"
should be considered a requisite starting point.To U.S. Users:
None of the products mentioned on this page have been
evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration;
therefore, they are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease.