Body Temperature
Body generates heat during metabolism of the food. Normal Human Body temperature is 98.6 °F or 37.6 °C. Body temperature keeps changing throughout the day. It is least in the morning and rises as the day progresses. Human Body temperature is affected by various factors like infection, illness, exercise, alcohol, drugs, medication and exposure to extreme weather conditions. Body temperature one degree below or above the normal range is not a problem. However, Body temperature abnormally high or below 98.6 °F is a cause of concern.
Fever - Is it a disease?
Fever is not a disease in itself. It is a consequence of another disease. It is a response by the immune system of the body to certain illness. It is a body’s attempt of fighting infections or other illness. Immune system raises the body temperature to kill temperature sensitive viruses or bacteria. Elevated Body temperature makes the replication of viruses and bacteria difficult.
Pills or potions may relieve you from symptoms of fever. But, they do not treat the actual cause. Effective treatment is finding the problem that is causing Fever.
What causes Fever?
Hypothalamus, a part of brain is responsible for releasing hormones and uplifting the body temperature. Certain illness or infection may cause Hypothalamus to raise the body temperature.
Any temperature above 98.6 °F can be considered Fever. Situation is not alarming until the body temperature rises to 102 °F. High Fever (body temperature above 102°F) may cause permanent damage to the brain. Use cold pads on the forehead to prevent permanent damage.
Symptoms of Fever
Abnormal rise in the body temperature is a common symptom. Other symptoms like Sweating, Shivering, Headache, Fatigue, Dehydration, Body aches and Low appetite may develop depending upon the actual cause of Fever.
Herbal cures of Fever
Fever is a part of body’s own defensive system. Slight fever is not a cause of concern. However, sudden rise in the body temperature above the normal range may call for treatment. You may find following Herbs good in treatment of Fever.
Caper leaves: Take some Caper leaves. Clean and soak in a jug of water. Drink it whole day.
Lemon Grass: Boil one teaspoon of crushed Lemon grass leaves in a glass of water. Have it twice a day.
Hazelnut: Take tea made of Hazelnut bark twice a day.
Arjuna: Take one teaspoon of Arjuna powder mixed with Jaggery once a day.
Orange: Drink a glass of orange juice once a day.