HOMEOPATHY AND FEVER
by Lauren Feder, M.D.

When I was growing up, my mother took the advice of the doctor and always gave us medicine at the first sign of a fever. Nowadays, more and more physicians are advocating a different approach which recognizes the body's own natural healing capabilities. A fever, which can accompany many infections and conditions, is a valuable part of the body's defense mechanism and does not always need to be suppressed. Be familiar with your doctor's guidelines, and don't forget about the good old fashioned sponge bath! When I treat a fever, I try to find the remedy that matches the person's symptoms. Homeopathic remedies make the patient more comfortable and at the same time support the healing process and stimulate immune response. Although there are many homeopathics that treat fevers, I have included a few of the more commonly used remedies.

Aconitum Napellus (Aconite) is for an intense fever in the early stages that begin suddenly. Often the person was out on a windy day and a short time later comes down with a fever. The person who responds to Aconite can be anxious, restless, and is thirsty for cold drinks.

Belladona is also used during the early stages of a sudden fever. However, people who respond to Belladonna radiate heat and can be delirious. The face is red and despite a high fever they are not really thirsty.

Ferrum Phosphoricum is similar to Belladonna in that the face is flushed accompanied with a throbbing feeling, but the onset is more gradual and symptoms more mild.

Homeopathic Chamomilla can be helpful for a fever often associated with the infant teething years. Chamomilla is for the child who is very irritable and intolerant. Often the child's face is red on one cheek, pale on the other and the fever tends to be worse at night. For simple fevers, Belladonna would be the more common remedy to choose if your symptoms are not clearly indicated.

In addition to single remedies, homeopathics are also sold in combinations. These ready-made formulas for the treatment of fever can be convenient for people who don't know the exact remedy needed, who may not have the remedy available, or who are not able to consult with a homeopath. They are available at many pharmacies as well as at local health food stores.

Homeopathic remedies come in different strengths or potencies. The potencies that range from 6x (or 6c) to 30x (or 30c) are appropriate for use at home. Begin with the lower potencies (6) when given the choice and follow the directions on the bottle.

Homeopathic medicine is safe and effective, without the side effects of standard medicine, and is useful for adults as well as children.

References: Boericke, M.D., William, Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica. 9th ed. New Delhi: B.Jain Publishers: 1971.

Gibson, Douglas Dr., Studies of Homeopathic Remedies. Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd. Beaconsfield, Bucks. England. 1987.

Morrison, M.D., Roger, Desktop Guide. 1st edition. Hahnemann Clinic Publishing. Albany, California. 1993.

Panos M.D., M. Homeopathic Medicine at Home. Tarcher Publishers. Los Angeles, CA. 1980.