Fever indicates that the body is fighting an infection. If you have a high fever (over 102° F) take ibuprofen to lower it. But if you are running a low fever, you may either leave it alone or you can try some natural remedies to lower it.

A tub bath with warm water or a sponge bath – Take a tub bath using warm water, not cold because the body will react by trying to warm up. Another option is to wet a sponge with lukewarm water and gently wipe the warmest parts of the body. I’ve used this one with my children, and it is very effective.

Potato soaked in wine – Cut a potato in slices and soak them in wine. Tie the slices to the temples with a white cloth.

Basil tea to lower fever – In a cup of hot water, steep 2 tablespoons of dried basil for 15 minutes. Drink.

Birch tea, ginger tea, or black elder tea – A cup of any of these three teas will make you sweat and lower a fever.

Bay tea: Put a few bay leaves in a cup of boiling water. Strain and drink. This is a very effective Indian remedy for lowering a fever.

Lemongrass tea: Another very effective home remedy for lowering a fever.

Spice it up – Use chili powder in your food. The capsaicin in chili will make you sweat, and it will stimulate blood circulation.

Onion: Slice an onion and place on the foor. Stand on the onion slices for half an hour. To use this remedy with small children, place the onion slices in the child’s socks.

Cold water and clay – Make compresses using clay soaked in cold water. Put the compresses on the face, neck, and belly.

Wet socks – Put your bare feet in warm water. Then wet a pair of socks in cold water. Wring excess water and put the wet socks on before bedtime.

Eucalyptus and rue preparation: In a glass bottle put some rue and eucalyptus branches, 2 camphor pills, and fill it up halfway with rum. Let stand for two days and store in a cool place. Every time someone has a fever, pour a bit of this preparation in an aluminum plate, heat it, and apply warm on the joints.

Rosemary alcohol: Apply as a cataplasm to lower the fever.

Orange peel infusion: Boil some orange peels in a cup with water. Drink as a tea.

Green clay: Put a compress of green clay on the chest. Replace when it gets warm. This clay is found in nature stores.

Cottage cheese compress: Mix five tablespoons cottage cheese with a few drops of vinegar. Add milk and make it into a paste (not too thick). Wet some towels in the mix and apply compresses around the calves. Cover with a woollen scarf. Change compresses each time they get warm.