Fever

A fever is higher-than-normal body temperature. It is a symptom caused by a variety of illnesses. Every one of us has experienced the wave of chills and exhaustion that a fever causes. Fever usually occurs in response to an infection or inflammation.

However, many other causes are possible, including drugs, poisons, cancer, heat exposure, injuries or abnormalities to the brain, or disease of the endocrine (hormonal) system. A fever rarely comes without other symptoms. It is often accompanied by specific complaints, which may help to identify the illness causing the fever . This can help the doctor determine which treatment is necessary. Normal body temperature  can vary depending on the individual, the time of day, and even the weather.

For most people, a temperature  of 98.6°F is baseline. Temperature is usually controlled by the part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is like a thermostat for the body. It maintains normal temperature  through heating mechanisms, such as shivering and metabolism, and cooling mechanisms, such as sweating and dilating (opening) blood vessels close to the skin. Fever occurs when the body´s immune response is triggered by pyrogens ( fever -producing substances). Pyrogens usually come from a source outside the body and, in turn, stimulate the production of pyrogens inside the body. Pyrogens tell the hypothalamus to increase the temperature  set point.

In response, our body begins to shiver; our blood vessels constrict (close); we get under the covers in an attempt to reach the new temperature  that is higher than our baseline. Viral fever Illnesses caused by viruses are among the most frequent causes of fever in adults. Symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, cough, hoarseness, and  muscle aches. Viruses also may cause diarrhoea, vomiting, or an upset stomach. For the most part, these viral illnesses will improve simply with time. Antibiotics will not treat a virus. Symptoms can be treated using decongestants and cough medicine bought over the counter. If diarrhoea or vomiting occurs, then the person needs to be encouraged to drink fluids. If fluids are not staying down, then the doctor should be called.

Certain illnesses that occur with a fever can be life threatening. Under these conditions, the person should go immediately to a hospital's emergency department. Meningitis is life threatening and highly contagious if caused by certain bacteria. If a person has the combination of a fever, severe headache, and stiff neck, he or she should be taken to the emergency department immediately. A person with difficulty breathing or chest pain and a fever  should go immediately to the emergency department or call for emergency medical transport.

In general, a fever  can be reduced with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Both medications help control pain and fever . Alternating doses of each will also work and prevent accidental overdose. At times, a combination of both acetaminophen and ibuprofen will be needed to stop the fever. Aspirin is not the first choice for fever  reduction. It may be toxic in large doses in adults or cause Reye syndrome in children. Ibuprofen stops the hypothalamus from raising the body temperature. It comes in 200 mg tablets purchased over the counter at a drug store. You may take 1-2 tablets every 4 hours to decrease your temperature.

Aromatherapy Treatments:

Essential oils can be used in two ways for a fever. The first way is to use essential oils which promote sweating to encourage the resolution of the fever and the other way is to use essential oils which actually help to reduce the temperature.

Use Basil, Chamomile Roman, Cypress, Juniper, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Tea Tree essential oils to induce sweating. (It is interesting to note that none of these oils will help you to sweat if you do not have a fever ).

If the sick person feels well enough use 8 drops of any oils from the above list in a warm bath or if this is not possible then massage the back gently using the oil diluted in some carrier oil.

Oils which help to cool the person are Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Lavender and Peppermint. Dilute a few drops of essential oil in some cool water and sponge the body with the mixture.

Many ancient civilisations have used plants to help with fevers. The Egyptians used aromatic platns 3000 years before Christ for medicinal purposes which included burning plants. They discovered that the burning of these plants sometimes had an effect on sick people.  The Greeks also wrote a great deal about the theory of plant medicine.

Throughout the Middle Ages and the Tudor era all forms of plant medicine were used by doctors, apothecaries and lay people. In France Lavender and Rosemary were burned until very recently on hospital wards to help combat infection and fever.

Basil Essential Oil - Ocimum Basillicum (10ml)

An uplifting oil which is good for muscular aches and pains, respiratory infections and for insect bites.

£4.50

Bergamot Essential Oil - Citrus Bergamia (10ml)

Bergamot is a valuable oil for tension and anxiety. It can help with conditions such as cystitis and urethritis as well as being great for skin conditions such as acne.

£6.80

Chamomile Roman 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile

A wonderful oil which has so many valuable properties Chamomile would be a great one to always keep in and can be used in skin care, musuclar aches and pains and digestive problems.

£5.00

Chamomile Roman Pure Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile (10ml)

Chamomile is a great oil to use for nervous disorders. It is soothing and calming and can help where a person is irritable or nervous. It can also help with insomnia.

£14.50

Cypress Essential Oil - Cupressus Sempervirens (10ml)

Cypress is a great asset for any sort of skin care. It can be used for varicose veins or haemorroids, it is great for sweating and can help with the menstrual cycle.

£5.20

Eucalyptus Essential Oil - Eucalyptus Globulus (10ml)

Eucalyptus is best loved for its ability to help with chest infections and blocked up noses. However it is also great for muscular aches, colds sores, herpes or burns and makes a useful and natural painkiller.

£4.50

Lavender Essential Oil - Lavandula Abrialis (10ml)

Lavender has been used continuously for thousands of years and its popularity has only ever increased. If you could have no other essential oil in your house, then Lavender would be the prime choice: It has a wide range of uses and is a natural antibiotic, anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier.

£3.30

Juniper Essential Oil (10ml)

Juniper has a special affinity with the urino-genital tract and can be used to treat many associated conditions. It is also good for respiratory problems and certain skin conditions.

£5.90

Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemarinus Officinalis (10ml)

Rosemary is believed to have a refreshing, invigorating affect on the skin and can be used for a variety of skin and hair problems. It is good for stiff and overworked muscles, Steam inhalations with Rosemary can be good for catarrh and sinusitus. Rosemary also has a strong connection with the central nervous system and can help with memory and mental clarity.

£3.50

Tea Tree Essential Oil - Melaleuca Alternifolia (10ml)

Tea Tree - the ultimate antiseptic which is a truly wonderful oil to keep in. Use it for veruccaes, thrush and warts, acne, rashes and dandruff. Try it for resipratory problems such as coughs and catarrh and use it to help with viral infections and increase the boxes immune system.

£4.00

Peppermint Essential Oil - Mentha Piperita (10ml)

Peppermint has a lot of different uses including acne and itching skin, palpitations and neuralgiz, catarrh and colds and to aid clear thinking as well as having ties with the digestive system.

£3.50