fever natural remedies

CALCIUM According to Dr. Bernard Jensen, one of the main functions of a fever “is to pull ionizable calcium out of the bones and draw it into the blood where it is useful for fighting infections.” (source) The process may be part of what makes us feel achy, and some care providers suggest giving the body what it needs without requiring it to withdraw from “the bank.” Some expert believe that calcium works with the fever to make it more effective, which may reduce illness duration. One small study of patients with dengue fever did find that supplementation with calcium and vitamin D (which assists with calcium absorption) reduced the duration and overall symptoms of the illness. Calcium is best obtained from food, but it can also be obtained through supplements. Calcium citrate malate and calcium orotate are though to be two of the most bioavailable forms. (Vitamin D may also be helpful for increasing absorption) APPLE CIDER VINEGAR What happens if/when we feel it’s time to try to bring the fever down? Apple cider vinegar is an old remedy used by grandmothers and great-grandmothers that is thought to “draw out” the fever – people still swear by it! Soak a couple washcloths in diluted apple cider vinegar (1 part vinegar and 2 parts water), then place them on the forehead and tummy, or add a cup to a warm bath. Some people also soak a cloth in and wrap it around the soles of the patient’s feet. A cold bath can shock the body into trying to raise the internal thermostat even more, but a warm to extra warm bath (depending on comfort level) may be helpful, especially when a cup of apple cider vinegar is mixed in. BONE BROTH It seems that Grandma was right after all – chicken soup is good for more than just the soul. Though some have thought that the comfort associated with chicken soup was a placebo effect, research published in CHEST: The Joural of the American College of Chest Physicians, suggests that “chicken soup may contain a number of substances with beneficial medicinal activity.” Several components of broth are thought to be beneficial, but the one that has been most studies is cartilage. In Nourishing Broth, Sally Fallon Morell and Dr. Kaayla Daniel detail research which suggests that cartilage supports healthy immune function by “stimulating just about every time of white blood cell the body needs to mount a strong defense against unwanted microbes.” Of course, it’s also rich in bioavailable calcium, which as I just mentioned is likely to be beneficial as well. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s an easy tutorial on making bone broth in a slow cooker. http://www.mommypotamus.com/how-to-make-bone-broth/ First up, how to make bone broth. BENEFITS OF BONE BROTH Okay maybe not magical, but it’s pretty amazing stuff. It contains: The “spark plugs” you need to function: Minerals activate enzymatic processes needed to function well. Bone broth contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur and trace minerals in easily assimilated form. Nutrients that keep you moving, pain-free: Specifically, I’m talking about glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint function. (You can often find expensive supplements featuring these two nutrients at health food stores) (source) Anti-aging components: Gelatin supports healthy digestion and strengthens hair, skin and nails. It also nourishes connective tissues, which helps to prevent premature skin sagging and cellulite. Broth also contains the amino acid proline, which is necessary for the production of collagen. Detoxification support: The amino acid glycine helps the liver with detoxification. Glycine is also essential for the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent premature aging It’s budget-friendly, too. Not only is it inexpensive to make, regular consumption may reduce the amount of meat you need to consume for optimal health. (source) QUICK TIP: HOW I FREEZE BROTH WITHOUT BREAKING MY JARS It’s weird but true – water is one of the only substances that actually expands when frozen. I finally realized this after my billionth jar of precious golden liquid broke in the freezer. Fortunately, I’ve discovered a method that keeps my jars from cracking, so I thought I’d pass it along. After straining the broth, I pour it into wide-mouth mason jars and leave a 1.5 inch (or more) gap at the top of the jar. That way when the liquid expands slightly and the glass contracts slightly, there’s a little “give.” Oh, and I avoid putting hot jars of broth in the freezer. They always go in the fridge to cool before getting transferred. Hope this works for you as well! WHAT KINDS OF BONES SHOULD I USE? Bones from industrially produced bones can contain hormones and other unwanted residues. For that reason, I recommend sourcing bones from healthy, pasture raised animals and wild-caught fish. 5.0 from 6 reviews How To Make Bone Broth In A Slow Cooker PRINT For this recipe you will need: 8 quart slow cooker, mesh strainer Author: Mommypotamus INGREDIENTS 1 - 1.5 pounds of chicken, beef, lamb or fish bones 1 small onion, peeled and roughly chopped 2-3 carrots, chopped 1 stalk celery 1 ½ teaspoons unrefined sea salt, or more to taste (where to buy unrefined sea salt) 1 tablespoon vinegar for chicken bones, 1 tablespoon + 1.5 teaspoons for fish, 2 for beef (I use apple cider vinegar) enough water to cover the bones ½ teaspoon peppercorns, optional 2 chicken feet, optional (Yours will probably come prepared, but if now here's how to do it yourself) INSTRUCTIONS Place one pound of chicken bones in a slow cooker with veggies, salt and peppercorns. Pour in enough filtered water to cover the chicken. Add 1 ½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar Turn slow cooker on low and cook for the recommended amount of time: Chicken bones: 8-24 hours Beef bones: 8-72 hours Fish bones: 6-24 hours When desired, strain the broth and discard the bones, vegetables and peppercorns. Pour broth into jars and store in the fridge. If you would like to freeze your broth, see my note at the end for how to freeze in jars. NOTES This recipe, which is adapted from one found in Nourishing Traditions, can easily be doubled if you have more bones on hand. I usually only have one pound because I make it immediately following a roast chicken dinner. If you're using meaty beef bones you'll want to roast them in the oven at 350F for about half an hour before starting with step #1. It does wonders for the flavor. Bone broth contains anti-aging components, "spark plug" minerals you need to function, and components needed for detoxification. Great video tutorial on a quick and easy way to make it. 5.0 from 6 reviews How To Make Bone Broth On The Stove PRINT For this recipe you will need: large stock pot, mesh strainer Author: Mommypotamus INGREDIENTS 2 - 2.5 pounds of chicken, beef, lamb or fish bones 1 - 1.5 large onions, peeled and roughly chopped 3-4 carrots, chopped 2 stalks celery 1 tablespoon unrefined sea salt, or more to taste (where to buy unrefined sea salt) 2 tablespoons vinegar for chicken bones, 3 tablespoons for fish, ¼ cup for beef (I use apple cider vinegar) enough water to cover the bones 1 teaspoon peppercorns, optional 2 chicken feet, optional (Yours will probably come prepared, but if now here's how to do it yourself) INSTRUCTIONS Place bones in your stock pot Add onion, carrots, celery, salt and peppercorns. Pour enough water in the pot to cover everything Add vinegar and let stand for 30-40 minutes Bring to a boil and then reduce to a low simmer for the recommended amount of time: Chicken bones: 8-24 hours Beef bones: 8-72 hours Fish bones: 6-24 hours Remove any foam/scum that rises to the top with a spoon. I rarely have very much to scoop so I do this once at the most, but if notice a significant amount you'll want to continue to skim it off every half hour or so for the first couple of hours. NOTES This recipe, which is adapted from one found in Nourishing Traditions, can easily be doubled if desired. If you're using meaty beef bones you'll want to roast them in the oven at 350F for about half an hour before starting with step #1. It does wonders for the flavor. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE TIP OR RECIPE FOR MAKING BONE BROTH? Please share it in the comments! I’d also love to hear what you’d like to see covered in this series. Bone broth contains anti-aging components, "spark plug" minerals you need to function, and components needed for detoxification. Great video tutorial on a quick and easy way to make it. RELATED POSTS ginger-syrup-recipe Ginger Syrup Recipe (Video Tutorial) pressure-cooker-instant-pot-bone-broth Instant Pot Bone Broth Recipe aromatherapy-inhaler DIY "Breathe Easy" Aromatherapy http://www.mommypotamus.com/natural-remedies-for-a-fever/