Fever Soothing Tea

This tea can help ease a low-grade fever of under 102 degrees F (39 C). If you have access to any of these herbs fresh, double the amounts.

2 teaspoons peppermint leaves (antiviral, helps break fevers)

2 teaspoons elder flowers (antiviral, helps break fevers)

2 teaspoons yarrow flowers (antibacterial, helps break fevers)

2 teaspoons boneset flowers and leaves (helps break fevers)

4 cups hot water

Honey or maple syrup to sweeten

Combine the herbs. Use 1 teaspoon of the dried blend or 2 teaspoons of fresh blended herbs per cup of boiling water. Steep for five minutes and strain. Sweeten a cup to taste for your child to drink; pour the rest in the bath. To induce sweating, serve this tea as hot as your child can comfortably drink it. We recommend serving it in a plastic mug while your sick child sits in a comfortably warm bathtub in a warm bathroom. After you child spends ten minutes soaking and sipping, gently and slowly help him out of the tub. Watch for signs of dizziness; if they occur, allow your child to cool off a bit while still in the bathroom. Offer a glass of cool, not cold, water. Dry your child and dress him in warm clothes, warm socks, and a hat. Tuck him into bed and cover him with lots of blankets; offer another cup of hot tea.

CAUTION: Not recommended for children with seizure disorders or a history of febrile seizures.