If you’ve ever watched your little one(s) suffering from a virus, then you know how tempting it can be to reduce their fever. And it’s so easy. 

You give them a little cup of children’s nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and suddenly everyone’s feeling happier, sleeping better, and (let’s be honest) whining a whole lot less.

A win-win-win, right? If only it were that simple.

The sad truth is drug-based fever reducers come with very real short- and long-term health risks, especially for developing babies and children.

Fortunately, there are ways to lower a fever naturally at home without drugs.

Here, we share one of our favorite effective natural remedies for fever: the iodine bath.

Sobering Facts About The Risks Of NSAID Use In Children

While most pediatricians say fever reducers are safe, new research is starting to challenge this standard advice. 

For example, drug-based fever reducers not only place a burden on a child’s liver and stomach (as described on the warning labels), but acetaminophen has been linked to serious adverse effects on the brain in more than one study. [1][2]

Not only that, but few parents are made aware of the cardiovascular risks that come with NSAID use.

How bad can it be for just a few days’ use?

Believe it or not, short-term use of NSAIDs has been linked to a 50%-75% increased risk of heart attack or stroke.[3]

To our knowledge, studies have not been done to assess the risk to children specifically, however given the delicate state of their developing organs it’s something every parent should be aware of. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss our favorite alternative to over-the-counter fever reducers: iodine baths! Keep reading to get started.

Are Fever Reducers Ever Appropriate?

In a perfect world, you’d never have to use an NSAID. However, children do get hurt.

Thus, our best advice as parents is to save them for times of emergency pain—like when little fingers get shut in car doors or bones get broken or sprained—not for fevers.

You can also talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of other OTC painkillers, like ibuprofen.

So, is it ever appropriate to lower a fever?

While we believe wholeheartedly that a fever is your immune system’s best ally in fighting infection, there’s nothing wrong with offering your child some immune-boosting comfort measures while they’re sick. 

This is especially true for young children who may be frightened or very upset by their spike in temperature.

Plus, most doctors will tell you if a fever gets over 104, you need to reduce it.

So it’s a good idea to have some natural fever-reducing methods up your sleeve (remedies that work with the body’s innate healing response, not against it).

Iodine Baths: Our Go-To Natural Remedy For Fever

I (Allison) learned about “Hygiene Baths (aka: iodine baths)” from Dr. Roy Dittman, OMD, MH, a renowned specialist in preconception health.

Through many of his lifestyle and food-based supplement recommendations, my husband and I were able to overcome health issues and naturally conceive four healthy babies, so I have much respect for his advice!

When any of my children exhibit ANY symptoms of sickness, I stick them in a hygiene bath. This is best used during an acute infection, cold, or flu.

My husband and parents have watched in awe as this simple process has transformed their little bodies time and again. While symptoms vary depending on the child's age and sickness, we have noticed fevers come down drastically and moods/behavior completely transform.

Hygiene baths are a form of hydrotherapy (water therapy) used to reduce fever.

Iodine is a powerful and natural antiseptic, thus its addition to the bath creates an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effect and stimulates the transport of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products[4][5][6] 

It’s so simple, yet so effective, safe, and affordable for children (and adults) of all ages. 

Related Reading: Our Favorite Detox Baths

How To Make an Iodine Bath For Reducing Fever Naturally

• Fill a standard-sized bathtub about halfway with filtered lukewarm water (80°F (27°C) to 90°F (32°C).
• Next, add about 1 cup of Morton’s Canning and Pickling Salt (or any other pure salt, making sure there are no additives) and about 1 tablespoon iodine (can also contain kelp). The exact amount isn’t needed, these are rough measurements.
• Then have your children soak for 10-30 minutes, the longer the better!

For babies who cannot sit on their own, you can get into the tub with them and either hold them and/or nurse them while they relax.

Precautions

Though iodine is not considered an allergen since it occurs naturally in the body, certain medications, solutions, or products that contain iodine may cause a person to have a skin or allergic reaction.

These reactions may even be caused by other substances that have been mixed with iodine.

If you’re concerned about reactions, we recommend a simple skin test: place a drop of the iodine on the wrist or inside of the elbow. Wait 24-48 hours to see if any redness or reaction occurs.

If you plan on trying a hygiene bath the next time you or your children are sick, be proactive and do a skin test ASAP…no one wants to wait 24-48 hours when a fever strikes!

This method has worked time and time again for our little ones (and myself)!

However, if you are ever concerned about your or your child during illness, always consult your health care provider. 

How To Use Branch Basics During Illness + Natural Disinfectants

Branch Basics, all-in-one, MADE SAFE certified, plant- and mineral-based cleaning line is perfect for removing germs without causing respiratory, microbiome, or immune distress while sick.

Our gentle yet powerful Concentrate can be used on surfaces, door knobs, bath tubs, sinks, toys, pacifiers, etc. to help stop the spread of germs.

Our Laundry Detergent is ideal for washing and deodorizing sweaty sheets, pillowcases, stuffed animals, etc. to keep beds fresh and clean.

Although we typically recommend removing germs with a soap-based cleaner, like Branch Basics, instead of disinfecting for everyday cleaning (which can leave behind germ-resistant bugs), low-tox disinfectants can be helpful during times of sickness, especially when used with a soap-based cleaner.

We discuss some of the best low-tox and natural disinfectants in: 8 Best Natural Disinfectants For Everyday Use.

For more information on Branch Basics, check out our Starter Kits, which come with everything you need to clean your entire home and beyond!

Want More Tips on Natural Solutions for Fever, Cold, Flu, and Other Viruses?

Check out our previous articles: 

• How to Avoid Cold and Flu this Season,
• Our 9 Go-To Remedies for Cold and Flu
• What We Do When We Get Sick

This information in this article is based on the experience of the author and provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18445737/
   
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5536672/
3. https://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j1909
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5986684/
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6856232/
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7951686/