Fever

Raised body temperature is known as fever. In medical terms it is called 'Pyrexia'. Many a times fever is a symptom of many diseases.
Causes
The normal body temperature is 37° C (98.4° F) but may vary slightly from individual to individual. It also varies half a degree or so through­out the day, and is usually at its lowest in the morning. The minimum body temperature occurs between 2 AM and 7 AM and the maximum occurs between 4PM and 6PM of the day.
In very hot weather, the body temperature may rise a little more.
Usually a rise in temperature of a degree or more is caused by some form of infection.
Signs & Symptoms
A temperature over 37.4° C or 99.4° F may be considered as fever.
The person's face will probably be flushed, the eyes may be glazed, the body hot to the touch. The person may either feel hot or cold depending on the rise and fall of temperature.
When the temperature is dropping, the body often sweats profusely.
Herbal Medicines
A doctor's consultation is a must to know the exact diagnosis on the type of the fever, especially in cases of children, as they may develop convulsions. However some simple remedies are enumerated below, which can be used in mild cases.
Tulsi (Holy Basil) is a well known home remedy useful in all types of fevers like viral, bacterial or malarial.
A decoction can be prepared by adding 10gm of fresh leaves and 2gm of black pepper powder to 50ml of water. This can be taken 3 times a day. It is a good remedy for fevers.
Neem: Juice of tender fresh leaves of neem is also effective in fevers. 1 teaspoonful of the juice well mixed in 2 spoons of honey should be taken twice a day. It works both as curative as well as preventive.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Sudarshana Ghana Vati 2 tablets thrice a day with black tea should be taken for 7 days.
Amrutharishta, an oral liquid in a dose of 15ml thrice a day with equal quantity of water is also useful.
Godanti Mishran 1 to 2 tablets thrice daily reduces fever and pain.
Anand Bhairav Ras and Tribhuvan Kirti Ras are also very effective in fever but should be taken under the supervision of an Ayurvedic physician.
Do's & Don'ts
Cold sponging if the temperature is too high.
Easily digestible liquid diet is good.