Nature’s Fever Fix (Better Than OTC)
When fevers rage, most people’s first thought is to get rid of them as soon as possible. This leads many to turn to over-the-counter solutions, which temporarily lower fevers without getting to the root cause of the illness. And, these OTC medications are harsh on the body.
Thankfully, nature has a gentler approach to alleviating fevers, which is fitting as fevers are not the enemy. In fact, a fever is one of the best ways your body fights off infection.
In this post, we’ll uncover Nature’s Fever Fix (Better Than OTC), which works with your body to boost immunity and ease discomfort.
This elderberry syrup blends antioxidant-rich berries with warm ginger and sweet honey to soothe symptoms and naturally lower fevers. Keep reading if you’re ready to take on fevers in a whole new way.
Why Do Fevers Occur?
A fever is a symptom, not an illness in and of itself. When a foreign invader, like a virus or bacteria, enters the body, your immune system responds by raising your core temperature. The heat creates an inhospitable environment for germs. Fevers aren’t all bad; when handled correctly, they can boost immunity.
Fevers can also activate your white blood cells, giving your body a better chance to destroy invaders. Mild to moderate fevers can be beneficial to the body and are a signal that your body’s immune system is doing its job.
Also, suppressing mild fevers can affect the body’s ability to fight illness. However, high and/or prolonged fevers should always be treated, which is exactly what our Elderberry Ginger Syrup will help you do.
If you’re wondering where I got the inspiration for this recipe, it’s from The Forgotten Home Apothecary. I’m sharing it because it works—and because this book is the most comprehensive remedy guide with pictures and detailed instructions I could find.
It’s organized by body system, so you can flip straight to what you need. Simple as that. Click here if you want the book too.
How to Naturally Lower Fevers
While fevers serve a purpose, they are still uncomfortable and should be monitored. These natural ways to lower a fever don’t suppress your immune system like harsh alternatives.
Instead, they ease symptoms while supporting your body in doing what it does best. Here are a few things to try next time a fever hits.
Stay Hydrated: Sweating often accompanies fevers, which means you’re losing a lot of fluid. And, when you don’t feel well, it can be hard to replace that hydration. Whether you feel like it or not, stay hydrated with water, broth, or an herbal tea that cools the body.
We recommend peppermint tea, which has natural cooling menthol, and yarrow, which supports fever recovery.
Yarrow has been reducing fevers for centuries. It’s what your grandmother reached for when someone got sick—a proven remedy passed down through generations.
The problem? Finding yarrow that’s actually potent and clean. Most yarrow grows roadside, soaking up exhaust fumes and pesticide drift. Even “organic” sources can be questionable.
I spent years searching for yarrow that tastes like the yarrow from my childhood—and actually works like it too. This is the only source I trust. Click here for the yarrow tincture that tastes and works like the real thing.
Cool Compresses: There’s a reason your mother used to put a cool rag on your forehead while you fevered. Cool compresses help the body release heat and feel great on clammy skin.
Be sure your compress is cool, not cold, as that can induce shivering, which can agitate the body. A lukewarm bath is also a great option if you’re feeling up to it.
Herbal Concoctions: Foods and herbs that are rich in antioxidants provide your body with natural anti-inflammatory compounds, helping your immune system work more efficiently.
Try fermented garlic with honey, raw ginger or ginger tea, vitamin C-rich fruits like oranges, or our Elderberry Ginger Syrup.
It’s called elderberry ginger syrup, but elderberry is the star. Elderberry blocks viruses from replicating, shortens flu duration by days, and strengthens immune response better than most OTC medications.
If you don’t have elderberries at home, get some as soon as possible. Dry them, store them, and before cold season hits, start making your own tincture. It’s going to save you.
Here’s my problem: I don’t trust the elderberries near me. There are trees nearby, but when I check the berries, I can see the dust—petrol fumes, exhaust particles, chemicals. I’m not putting that in my body.
The only retailer I trust for potent, clean elderberry is Nicole’s Apothecary. That’s where I get mine. Click here to get the elderberry tincture I trust—and I recommend you do the same.
Fresh Air: Never underestimate the power of a cool breeze. If you can, go outside for a few minutes. Vitamin D (a benefit of the sun) is one of the best natural fever reducers. Plus, clearing your lungs of stale air is always beneficial.
If you can’t go outside, try cracking a window. Even if it’s cold outside, a few minutes of fresh air and sunlight can work wonders.
How to Make Elderberry Ginger Syrup
Elderberry syrup is one of the oldest remedies that can be taken proactively or during times of illness. It’s a straightforward process that anyone can handle, making it the perfect remedy for novices and experts.
If you choose just one herbal remedy to keep in your arsenal for colder months, let it be this one! Unlike store-bought versions, this DIY recipe allows you to control your ingredients, so check out the variations to create the perfect elderberry syrup for your family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried elderberries (or 2 cups fresh—or, for maximum potency, 20 drops of this Elderberry Tincture for concentrated immune support)
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- ½ cup raw honey
Instructions:
- Place the elderberries, water, ginger, and cinnamon in a medium-sized saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until your syrup is reduced by half and slightly thickened
- Remove the elderberry syrup from the heat, let cool, then strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Be sure to press the berries to remove all of the juice.
- Stir in the honey when the liquid reaches room temperature. Do not add the honey too soon, as excessive heat can ruin its healing properties. Pour the Elderberry Ginger Syrup into a clean glass jar and store in the refrigerator.
Nicole Apelian once said you should never add honey to hot liquid—it destroys the enzymes and medicinal compounds that make honey healing. I trust her completely as an herbalist and remedy maker.
Ever since I started following her video guidance, I realized I’d been ruining most of my homemade remedies for YEARS. Wrong temperatures. Wrong timing. Wrong combinations.
How to Use This Remedy
Elderberry syrup is a safe remedy for the entire family. This syrup is best taken when you first notice you’re coming down with an illness, so that you can hit symptoms head-on.
During active illness, adults can take 1 tablespoon every 2-3 hours as long as symptoms continue. Children can take 1 teaspoon every 2-3 hours. Do not give this remedy to children under the age of 1, as it includes honey, which can be harmful.
You can also use elderberry syrup for daily immune support, taking 1 tablespoon (adults) or 1 teaspoon (children) daily. If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with your natural health care provider before implementing any new remedies.
You can store your syrup in a clean jar in the refrigerator for up to a month. Always use a clean spoon when dosing to prevent contamination. If you notice that your syrup has signs of mold or smells rancid, discard it immediately.
You can freeze your elderberry syrup for up to 6 months in a small jar or ice cube tray. It’s easiest if you freeze the syrup in small portions to thaw when needed. You can melt the frozen syrup in the fridge overnight, or dissolve the cubes into a glass of warm (not hot!) herbal tea or water.
Everything You Need for Cold & Flu Season
The Winter Defense Bundle is the most complete strategy for winter and flu season. It includes Nicole’s All-Purpose Salve (cuts, scrapes, bites), Bronchial Blend (lung congestion), Elderberry Tincture (immune support), Yarrow Tincture (fever reduction), Yerba Santa (mucus clearing), and Usnea Throat Spray (kills bacteria on contact).
You get everything you need—at a better price than buying separately—because it already includes the elderberry and yarrow tinctures mentioned above. Click here for the Winter Defense Bundle that covers you from every angle.
Stop Getting Sick Over and Over Again
Elderberry syrup fights the fever. But what about tomorrow? Next week? How do you rebuild your immune system after illness so you don’t get sick again?
A single remedy treats symptoms. A complete protocol heals your body and prevents the next infection.
The Holistic Guide to Wellness contains a complete Flu, Viral, and Immune System Protocol that tells you exactly what to do—morning, noon, and evening—until you’re fully recovered:
Morning: Which immune-boosting herbs to take on an empty stomach
Midday: Which foods reduce inflammation and support recovery
Afternoon: Which supplements rebuild white blood cell activity
Evening: Which stress-relief techniques help your body heal during sleep
It’s not guessing. It’s a step-by-step roadmap with the highest-impact changes first—the things that actually work, in the right order, for as long as your body needs.
This book is printed in limited edition. Once these copies are gone, there’s no guarantee they’ll reprint. These protocols work too well—and Big Pharma doesn’t profit when you’re actually healthy.
Click here to get The Holistic Guide to Wellness and heal completely, not just temporarily.
