Natural Remedies for Fever
Traditional natural remedies to support the body during fever and promote comfort while the immune system works. Below you'll find evidence-based remedies that grandmothers have used for generations, now verified by modern medical research.
1. Elderberry
Did this remedy work for you?
How It Helps
Elderberry is rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids that boost immune function and may help the body fight the infections causing fever. It reduces the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms, which are the most common causes of fever.
🔬 What the Research Says
A 2019 meta-analysis in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found elderberry supplementation substantially reduced upper respiratory symptoms, including fever. A 2016 randomized trial found elderberry extract reduced cold duration by 2 days.
[1] Elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration and symptoms - Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2019)
[2] Randomized study of elderberry for cold and flu symptoms - Nutrients (2016)
📋 How to Use
Take elderberry syrup or lozenges at the first sign of illness. Elderberry tea can also be made from dried berries. Never eat raw elderberries — they must be cooked or processed.
💊 Dosage
Adults: 15ml (1 tablespoon) elderberry syrup 4 times daily during acute illness. Children over 1: 5ml (1 teaspoon) 2-3 times daily.
⚠️ Side Effects & Cautions
Raw elderberries contain cyanogenic glycosides and must be cooked. Commercially prepared products are safe. May stimulate the immune system — caution with autoimmune conditions.
🛒 Recommended Products
Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup
★★★★★ 4.7 · $14-20
Nature's Way Sambucus Elderberry
★★★★★ 4.6 · $12-18
2. Ginger
Did this remedy work for you?
How It Helps
Ginger has diaphoretic properties — it promotes sweating, which can help the body regulate temperature during fever. It also has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties that help fight the underlying infection.
🔬 What the Research Says
Ginger's antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties have been documented in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. A 2013 review confirmed ginger's traditional use as a fever remedy has pharmacological basis through its inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, similar to aspirin.
[1] Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of ginger - Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2013)
📋 How to Use
Brew fresh ginger tea by slicing 1-2 inches of fresh ginger root and steeping in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Add honey and lemon for additional soothing benefits. Drink warm (not hot) to avoid raising body temperature further.
💊 Dosage
2-3 cups of fresh ginger tea daily. Or 250mg ginger capsules 4 times daily. Reduce dose for children by half.
⚠️ Side Effects & Cautions
Generally safe. May cause mild heartburn at high doses. Avoid large amounts if on blood-thinning medication.
🛒 Recommended Products
Traditional Medicinals Ginger Tea
★★★★★ 4.6 · $5-8
3. Honey
Did this remedy work for you?
How It Helps
Honey has natural antimicrobial and immune-supporting properties. It soothes the sore throat and cough that often accompany fever from respiratory infections, and provides easily digestible calories when appetite is reduced.
🔬 What the Research Says
A 2020 BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine systematic review of 14 studies confirmed honey is superior to usual care for upper respiratory infection symptoms including fever, cough, and sore throat. Honey's antimicrobial properties are attributed to hydrogen peroxide and high osmolarity.
[1] Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in URTIs - BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine (2020)
📋 How to Use
Add 1-2 tablespoons of raw honey to warm (not hot) water or herbal tea. Combine with lemon juice for added vitamin C and soothing effect. Take every few hours during acute illness.
💊 Dosage
1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml) in warm water or tea, up to 4 times daily. Never give honey to children under 1 year (risk of botulism).
⚠️ Side Effects & Cautions
NEVER give to infants under 12 months. High in sugar — diabetics should use cautiously. May rarely cause allergic reactions.
🛒 Recommended Products
Wedderspoon Raw Manuka Honey
★★★★★ 4.6 · $20-30
4. Peppermint Oil
Did this remedy work for you?
How It Helps
Peppermint's menthol creates a cooling sensation on the skin that can provide comfort during fever. Applied to the forehead and temples, it helps relieve the headache that commonly accompanies fever, without reducing the beneficial immune response.
🔬 What the Research Says
While research on peppermint specifically for fever is limited, its cooling and analgesic properties are well-documented. A 2019 review in Phytotherapy Research confirmed menthol activates TRPM8 cold receptors, providing temperature perception relief and headache reduction.
[1] Therapeutic uses of peppermint: a review - Phytotherapy Research (2006)
📋 How to Use
Dilute 2-3 drops of peppermint oil in a carrier oil or add to a cool (not cold) compress. Apply to the forehead, temples, and back of the neck. Can also add 3-5 drops to a diffuser in the room.
💊 Dosage
2-3 drops diluted in 1 tablespoon carrier oil for topical application. Or brew peppermint tea (1-2 teaspoons dried leaves in hot water). Use every few hours as needed.
⚠️ Side Effects & Cautions
May cause skin irritation if undiluted. Avoid near eyes. Not recommended for children under 6 due to menthol sensitivity. Do not apply to broken skin.
🛒 Recommended Products
NOW Essential Oils Peppermint
★★★★★ 4.7 · $8-12
Frequently Asked Questions About Fever Remedies
Know Another Remedy?
Explore More Conditions
Discover natural remedies for other common health issues, all backed by scientific evidence.
Browse All ConditionsLast reviewed: February 2026