Fever

Following my last post I received this question from a concerned mother. "What should we use for fever if not aspirin?" 

I was just then leaving for a seminar on vaccines and neurobiology so, I went to an herbal medicine site and copied off some information on feverfew and sent it out. 

As I was driving up to the seminar location I realized I had been hasty and had issued a typical allopathic response. 

Allopathy, meaning against or opposite of the suffering, is the philosophic basis of establishment or "industrial" medicine. 

 A more appropriate, that is holistic, response would have been "Why would you want to bring down a fever?" 

Unless a fever is spiking or over 104*F there should be no reason to try and bring it down. 

Fever's usually run between 100*-102* in viral infections. This the temperature at which TH1 immune cells produce interpheron.  Lowering body temperature would therefore make it more difficult for the body to deal with the infection. A typical result would be the prolongation of the illness. 

Fevers related to bacterial infection usually run a bit higher at 103*-104*F. 

The key for care is to insure adequate hydration and rest.   Reassurance and diversion are also called for in the care of children. 

Also, cells are more susceptible to viral infection if in an acid state.  Meats and grains tend to induce acidity.  Fruits, nuts and vegetables tend to induce alkalinity.  Nuts are great sources of proteins and good (anti-inflammatory) fats.

So, no cake, cookies, sweets or meats while the child is sick.