It’s been a long day of caring for your sick child. They’ve been uncomfortable all day and now evening is approaching. You are tired, you know your child is tired, and you are praying for a night of sleep! To make matters worse, you are starting to feel like you might be running a fever as well. As the chills and body aches start to surface, you know you need to take action, but what? I will give you a simple recipe for a bath that will soothe and prepare the body for rest. The best part is it will work for the whole family.
First, let’s take a look at what a fever is and why it is beneficial for your body. A fever is when the body’s temperature elevates because of an infection or inflammation. Although very uncomfortable, a fever is the body’s way of fighting the infection. There have been studies showing that during a mild fever (less than 100.4 degrees farenheight) the production is higher of a particular kind of lymphocyte, called CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell. This lymphocyte is capable of destroying virus-infected cells and tumor cells.(1) A fever is the immune system’s way of generating these specific lymphocytes. A fever is a good sign your body’s immune system is functioning well and can help you get over the illness sooner if you let it take its course. Sometimes, a fever can get too high or last too long. Always stay in close connection with your trusted health care provider when considering what actions to take.
Sleep is also vital to overcoming illness. And the aches and pains of a fever sometimes make it feel impossible to sleep. I will share with you a tutorial to make a fever-reducing bath pack that will help you sleep with less discomfort. This bath will ease aches and pains to induce a healing sleep. This bath is safe for all ages.
An Overview of the Ingredients
Epsom Salt Epsom salt is high in magnesium and will help relax aching muscles and promote rest by soothing
the nervous system.
Baking Soda Baking soda balances the body’s pH helping to relieve achiness and support the immune system.
Pennyroyal (Avoid in the first 8 months of pregnancy) Pennyroyal is a diaphoretic and encourages the body to sweat during a cold or fever. It also helps calm the nervous system and so relaxes the body. Use only the dried herb, not the essential oil!
Chamomile Chamomile also relaxes the nervous system and acts as an anti-inflammatory. Chamomile contains several minerals to help nourish the body.
Rosemary Essential Oil Rosemary essential oil is a pain reliever and reduces muscular aches. It is also an antispasmodic and helps with coughs and congestion.
Ginger Essential Oil Ginger essential oil increases circulation, helps with pain, and supports the healing effects of a fever.
Lavender Essential Oil Lavender essential oil is calming, acts as a decongestant, and will help soothe the body and mind.
Fever Bath Pack Tutorial
Supplies needed:
- 1 cup Epsom salts
- 1 cup Baking soda
- ½ cup dried Pennyroyal
- ½ cup dried Chamomile
- 10 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 5 drops of ginger essential oil
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients until well blended. Pour into a sealed container. Glass is best. For children over 12 and adults, use one cup per bath. For children under 12, use ½ cup per bath. If you don’t want herbs all over your tub, you can put the mixture into a muslin bag. I like to hang mine from the tub spout and run straight hot water into the bath until it’s a couple inches deep. Then I let the bag soak in the tub for about 10 minutes. I keep the bathroom door and the shower curtain closed to keep in all the good smelling steam. After 10 minutes, I fill the tub to the desired level and temperature. Soak in the bath for 20 or more minutes. You can sip some ginger tea or hot lemonade to enhance the health benefits of the bath. After the bath, tuck into bed for some rest!
Want to try it before you make it? You can buy it in my shop while supplies last!
Yours in Health,
