Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by

When you have a fever, your body loses fluids. This happens because your temperature goes up, you sweat more, and breathe faster. Drinking enough water is key to fighting off dehydration.

It’s vital to  drink lots of  fluids when you’re  sick because  fever, diarrhea, and vomiting  can quickly dehydrate you by  causing loss  of water and  important salts. For parents  wondering  how to reduce  fever in child  naturally,  ensuring hydration  with fluids like  water, broth, or electrolyte  drinks is essential  alongside rest  and light clothing  to help the child  stay comfortable  and support recovery.

It’s important to drink water, special drinks to replace lost salts, juice, and clear broths. These help put back what you’ve lost and help your body get better.

Key Takeaways

• Hydration is critical in managing fever.
• Fever can lead to dehydration due to fluid loss.
• Drinking water, oral rehydration solutions, and clear broths can help prevent dehydration.
• Replenishing lost fluids supports the body’s recovery.
• Electrolytes are lost during fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.

The importance of hydration during a fever

When you have a fever, your body is fighting an infection. Drinking enough water is key to this fight. It’s important to know how to stay hydrated and spot dehydration signs to manage fever well.

How Fever Increases Fluid Loss

Fever makes you sweat more, which helps cool you down. But it also means you lose important fluids and salts. Drinking enough water is vital to replace these losses and help your body get better.

Signs of Dehydration to Watch For

It’s important to know the signs of dehydration, as children are more at risk. Look for dry eyes, fewer wet diapers, and less energy. Watching for these signs helps you act fast to rehydrate. Experts say you need to drink a lot of fluids when dehydrated. Using natural fever reducers and fever remedies at home can also help manage fever and prevent dehydration.

Some common signs to look out for include:

• Dry mouth and throat
• Dark yellow or brown urine
• Decreased urine output
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Knowing these signs helps you stay hydrated and support your body’s recovery from a fever.

Water: The fundamental fever-fighting drink

Drinking water is key to managing fever naturally. When your body temperature goes up, staying hydrated is vital for recovery.

Water helps control body temperature. It aids in cooling down through sweating, which is important for body heat regulation.

Regulating Body Temperature

Plain water is great for keeping body temperature in check. When you have a fever, you lose more water because of sweating. It’s important to replace this lost fluid.

Rehydration is essential for the body to manage its temperature. Drinking water helps in replacing lost fluids and supports the body’s cooling processes.

Recommended Water Intake

The right amount of water for a fever can vary. It depends on age, activity level, and climate. But aim for eight to ten glasses of water a day.

• Watch how your body reacts and adjust your water intake.
• If you sweat more, you might need to drink more.
• For adults, drinks like Pedialyte, green or black tea, or non-sugar sports drinks can also help.

“Water is the best choice. But for adults, drinks like Pedialyte, green or black tea, or non-sugar sports drinks work too.” This shows the importance of picking the right drinks for fever management.

Electrolyte-rich drinks for fever management

Managing fever is more than just drinking water. It’s about replacing lost electrolytes, too. When you have a fever, your body loses water and important electrolytes. These are key to your body’s functions.

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) like Pedialyte help replace lost fluids and electrolytes. “Fluids help your immune system, thin mucus, and reduce congestion.” ORS is great for kids as it prevents dehydration.

ORS is a good way to fight fever-related dehydration. You can find it in pharmacies and use it as directed.

Commercial Electrolyte Drinks for Children

Commercial electrolyte drinks are easy for parents to use. Brands like Pedialyte have products for kids with fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. They offer the right mix of electrolytes and fluids.

• Easy to administer
• Specifically formulated for children
• Available in various flavours

Homemade Electrolyte Solutions Recipes

Homemade electrolyte solutions are a natural choice. Here’s a simple recipe:

1. 1 litre of water
2. 1/2 teaspoon of salt
3. 6 teaspoons of sugar
4. Optional: flavourings like lemon or lime

Mix everything well and give it to your child as needed. But always check with a doctor before using homemade solutions on kids.

How to reduce fever in children naturally with herbal teas

Herbal teas can be a gentle and effective home remedy for fever in kids. Fever is common in children and can be uncomfortable. Many parents look for natural ways to help their kids feel better. Herbal teas can offer relief and support the immune system.

Chamomile Tea for Fever and Restlessness

Chamomile tea is known for its calming effects. It’s great for kids who are restless because of a fever. It may also help soothe a sore throat and help them relax and recover.

Peppermint Tea for Cooling Effects

Peppermint tea can help lower body temperature and ease congestion. The menthol in peppermint can also relieve headaches and soothe a sore throat. These are common issues in children with fever.

Ginger Tea for Immune Support

Ginger tea is good for boosting the immune system. It can help fight off the infection causing the fever. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also reduce discomfort and help with recovery.

Safe Preparation of Herbal Teas for Children

When making herbal teas for kids, safety and effectiveness are key. Here are some tips to lower a fever naturally:

• Use high-quality, organic herbs to minimize exposure to pesticides and other contaminants.
• Start with small amounts (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of dried herb per cup of boiling water) and adjust according to the child’s tolerance.
• Allow the tea to cool down to a comfortable temperature before serving to avoid burns.
• For younger children, consider diluting the tea with a bit of water or breast milk/formula (for infants).

Fruit juices and broths that help with fever

Fruit juices and broths are more than just comforting drinks. They offer nutritional benefits that aid in recovering from a fever. When you’re sick, your body loses fluids and essential nutrients. Drinking the right beverages can help replace these losses and support your recovery.

Clear Broths and Their Nutritional Benefits

Clear broths, like chicken or vegetable broth, are great when you have a fever. They’re easy on the stomach and full of electrolytes and proteins to replace lost nutrients. The steam from warm broth can also help clear congestion, making breathing easier.

• Chicken broth is a good source of protein.
• Vegetable broth is rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Both can help keep you hydrated.

Vitamin C-Rich Juices for Immune Support

Vitamin C boosts the immune system. Drinking juices high in Vitamin C, like orange or grapefruit, can help fight off the infection-causing fever. These juices can also lessen the severity of the fever.

It’s important to pick juices that are 100% fruit and low in added sugars. You can also try other Vitamin C-rich fruits like strawberries or kiwis for a change.

Diluting Juices for Children with Fever

For children, it’s wise to dilute fruit juices with water. This reduces sugar content and makes them gentler on their stomachs. A common mix is 1 part juice to 1 part water, but adjust based on the child’s taste and tolerance.

1. Start with a small amount of juice and observe how your child reacts.
2. Adjust the dilution ratio as needed.
3. Always choose juices that are suitable for your child’s age and health condition.

Hot versus cold drinks: Evidence-based recommendations

The temperature of our drinks can help manage fever. Both hot and cold drinks have their benefits, depending on the situation.

Cardiff University research on hot drinks

A Cardiff University study found hot drinks help with cold and flu symptoms. They reduce fever symptom severity.

Hot drinks soothe sore throats and provide comfort when you have a fever. They’re great when you’re cold or shivering.

When to offer warm drinks to feverish children

Warm drinks comfort children with a fever. Make sure the drink isn’t too hot. Herbal teas or broth are good choices.

When cold drinks may be more appropriate

Cold drinks are better in some cases. They cool down the body when fever makes you hot.

But watch how the child reacts. Some might not like cold drinks when they’re sick.

Knowing when to use hot or cold drinks helps manage fever. By considering the person’s response and the situation, we can choose the best way to relieve fever.

Conclusion:

Keeping children hydrated is key when they have a fever. Different drinks can boost their immune system and help them get better. Effective hydration methods include water, drinks with electrolytes, and clear broths.

Drinks like chamomile tea, peppermint tea, and ginger tea offer extra benefits. They support the immune system and have a cooling effect. For babies over six months, vegetable juice or broth can also help reduce fever.

By using these home remedies, parents can make their children’s recovery more comfortable. It’s important to talk to a healthcare professional for advice on managing fever in children.

These natural fever reducers can help children feel better as their body fights the infection.

FAQ’s:

.

Reference:

1. Lazarus, M. (2018). Keeping Kids Hydrated During Illness: A Guide for Parents. Nationwide Children’s. Retrieved from https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/nighttime-bladder-emptying
2. Wright, J. W. (2009). The role of fluids in maintaining hydration and health. Journal of Public Health, 31(3), 390-394. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2852629/