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Fevers are a common symptom of illness, characterized by an increase in basal body temperature. This happens because your body is attempting to kill the harmful pathogens in your body that are responsible for the illness: as your temperature increases, bacteria die. So if you are experiencing a fever, it’s a sign that your body’s immune system is under attack.
To reduce a fever naturally, essential oils can be used. Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative medicine, and can be used in isolation or in conjunction with traditional medicine for optimal results. In this article we’re going to cover some of the best essential oils to reduce a fever. Let’s get started!
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants that can be used topically (when combined with carrier oils) but which are primarily used in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a holistic alternative treatment to heal from ailments and promote full mind and body wellness.
There are many types of essential oils extracted from different plants, each with unique benefits and properties making them suitable to treat different conditions across a wide spectrum.
How Do Essential Oils Help Reduce Fever?
If you are looking for a natural treatment for fevers, essential oils should be on your list! Plants have many medicinal properties, which are carried through into the extracted essential oil. Here are the best essential oils to reduce a fever and how they work.
Top 4 Essential Oils for Fever
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil helps to reduce a fever due to the medicinal component of menthol. Menthol is cooling—hence why it’s often an ingredient in healing balms; it works to reduce the heat of the body when applied topically.
A study published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy examined the outcomes when menthol was applied, finding that it decreased intramuscular temperature by nearly 2°C. It also helped to increase blood flow—as shown in the figure below—which can effectively reduce a fever by promoting healthy thermoregulation.
Source: International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
Our favorite Peppermint Oil is Plant Therapy’s Western U.S. Peppermint Oil:
2. Lavender Oil
When you have a fever, you’re likely to feel uncomfortable, stressed, and fatigued. These sensations can impact your body’s ability to heal and keep you from getting the high quality sleep you need to recover. Research has consistently shown the effectiveness of Lavender Oil in its ability to improve sleep quality and calm the central nervous system.
It also has powerful antimicrobial properties that kill harmful germs. When applied topically it can fight the inflammation, bacteria and pain associated with a fever.
Our favorite Lavender Oil is Rocky Mountain Oils’ Lavender Essential Oil:
3. Eucalyptus Oil
Of all plants, Eucalyptus really is nature’s healer. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and analgesic properties that can facilitate overall improvements to your health and well-being over time. A 2003 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that eucalyptus essential oil possesses “central and peripheral analgesic effects… and independent anti-inflammatory activities” this supports the use of this oil to reduce a fever.
Our favorite Eucalyptus Oil is Plant Therapy’s Organic Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil:
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is a popular element in skincare solutions and holistic medicine due to its powerful anti-fungal, antibacterial, and soothing properties. These attributes help facilitate the body’s fight against the fever-inducing infection. A 2002 study found that Tea Tree Oil reduces histamine-induced skin inflammation which provides some signal as to how it might also help manage fever.
We are big fans of the doTERRA Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Essential Oil:
Final Thoughts
These essential oils have well-established scientific support for their use in reducing a fever, fighting inflammation, and soothing the body and mind to fight illness. They can be used topically in combination with a carrier oil or through a diffuser, and support your body’s natural healing process to help you feel better, sooner.
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