A fever is a mechanism the immune system employed to throw off toxins and fight infection.   According to Dr Christopher,  "a fever can be an aid and a blessing if worked with intelligently... but if fought against ignorantly, or ignored, it is a killer.  Our job in wholistic healing is to praise the fever and work with it, not fight against it. " Trying to suppress  the fever with acetominophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin tricks the body into thinking it has healed before all the microbes are killed or toxic substances are thrown off by the body's defenses. 

Instead, we should assist the fever to rebuild a malfunctioning area with the cleaning-feeding process.  When a child develops a fever , the body is doing two things; one is to draw healing aids from the body (if they are there), and the other is to discard or burn up unwanted materials.   While it is true we must not let the fever reach too high a level, we can keep the fever in check while assisting the cleansing process with the following ways: 

• When a fever first shows itself:  A pleasant herbal tea of red raspberry leaf or yarrow can be given for when a fever is just starting, because it may be a minor condition or just a common cold.  Red raspberry leaf tea is high in a number of organic minerals and vitamins and is a fine herbal liquid food for the body.  It contains the wonderful nitrate of iron which has remarkable blood-making and regulating properties as well as astringent and contracting action on the internal tissues and membranes.  It also cntains pectin, malic and other organic acids, calcium and potassium chloride and sulphates.  Sweeten with honey or maple syrup or blend with fresh ( if possible) berry juice; the important thing is to get the child to drink lots of it.

 
• Next, check the bowels, to see if child is constipated.  Many times a good bowel movement is all that is necessary to bring down a fever.(see flu treatment above).

 
• Do not force food on a sick child, but do offer plenty of fresh vegetable and fruit juices;  these foods will help the rebuilding and cleansing process.  Solid foods will only overload the digestive system at this time.

 
• The fever should be watched closely and the  child should be kept from getting chilled, but don't let child overheat with too many blankets.

 
• After fever has dropped, gradually introduce solid foods starting with fresh fruits and vegetables, or lightly steamed vegetables.  Avoid mucus-forming foods ( cooked and baked foods, dairy products, breads,  and sugar products) for another two days.

 
• Febrile seizures:  If child can not be seen by a doctor right away, place cool ( not cold) compresses behind the head, under the armpits and in the groin area to bring fever down to safe level quickly.  As an emergency measure,  a few drops of anti-spasmodic tincture may be placed under the tongue, but other fluids should not be given until child regains consciousness.  Control fevers and prevent febrile seizures by following the above procedures and recommendations.