Cologne Water: A Natural Remedy For Fever

Fever is a common symptom of infection or disease, and it is the body's way of fighting off bacteria or viruses. When a person has a fever, it is important to bring down their temperature, especially in the case of small children, as high temperatures can be detrimental to the body and may even be fatal. While medicines are often used to treat fever, they can take time to take effect, and in the meantime, water treatment can be a life-saving measure. One way to do this is through cold water sponging, where sponges or towels soaked in cold water are applied to the body. Eau de cologne can be added to the sponging water to help bring down the temperature faster due to its alcohol content.

Add to bath water

When dealing with a fever, adding cologne to your bath water can be a refreshing and revitalising option. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use cologne water in your bath to help bring down a fever:

Prepare the Bathwater

Firstly, fill your bathtub with warm water. Avoid using ice-cold or very hot water, as extreme temperatures can be uncomfortable and even counterproductive when you have a fever. Lukewarm water is ideal, especially during the colder months.

Add the Cologne Water

Pour a few drops or a small amount of cologne water into the warm bathwater. You don't need to use a lot, as cologne has a strong fragrance, and a little can go a long way. The amount you add can also depend on your preference for fragrance strength.

Soak in the Bath

Once you have added the cologne water, gently step into the bathtub and immerse yourself in the water. Relax and soak in the bath for a while, allowing the fragrance of the cologne to envelop you. You can close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths, focusing on the scent to help you feel refreshed.

Re-apply Cologne if Needed

If you wish to prolong the scent or enhance the experience, you can re-apply a few drops of cologne water to your skin after your bath. However, be cautious and avoid applying it to broken or irritated skin. Also, remember to keep the cologne away from your eyes and open flames.

Other Benefits of Cologne Water

In addition to its refreshing fragrance, cologne water can offer other benefits. Its high alcohol content, typically around 70%, gives it robust antiseptic properties, ensuring cleanliness during your bath. Additionally, you can also use cologne water for other purposes, such as adding a pleasant scent to your clothes or linens.

Precautions

While cologne water can enhance your bath experience, it's important to remember that it is not a cure for a fever. Make sure to consult a medical professional and follow their advice for treating your fever. Additionally, always follow the instructions on the cologne bottle, and discontinue use if you experience any skin irritation.

Use in an ice bath

Although it is not recommended to take an ice-cold bath when you have a fever, as it may cause shivering and increase body temperature, there are other ways to use cold water to bring down a fever. One way is to use cold water strips or a napkin soaked in ice-cold water on the forehead, changing it every five minutes. This is done to prevent damage to the brain and to keep the head cool.

Another method is cold water sponging, where you sponge the body and head with cold water. This is especially useful for small children who are prone to convulsions (fits) during a high fever. It is important to remember not to apply ice-cold water to large areas of the body, as it may cause chills and discomfort. Instead, use normal temperature tap water for sponging the body.

Eau de cologne can be added to the sponge water to help bring down the temperature faster, as alcohol evaporates more quickly. Keep giving sips of cold water to the patient during sponging, and keep checking their temperature every 15-20 minutes.

An ice bath is not generally recommended for treating a fever, but cologne water can be added to a sponge and cold water treatment, which is a safe and effective way to bring down a high temperature.

Rinse clothes with it

Rinsing clothes with cologne water is an effective way to help reduce a high fever. This method is especially useful when caring for children with a fever, as their small bodies are more susceptible to harm from high temperatures. By rinsing their clothes with cologne water, you can help lower their body temperature and prevent potential complications. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

First, remove the patient's clothes. It is important to act quickly when dealing with a high fever, so have a bowl of cologne water ready. You can prepare this by adding a few drops of cologne to a bowl of water. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the cologne water and gently squeeze out the excess. Begin rinsing the patient's clothes with the cologne water, ensuring you fully saturate the fabric. You may need to prepare additional cologne water if you are rinsing multiple garments.

After thoroughly rinsing the clothes with cologne water, gently wring out any excess liquid. Hang the clothes to dry in a well-ventilated area. If possible, hang them outside in the fresh air and sunlight. Sunlight will help to remove any remaining odours from the fabric. Alternatively, you can place the clothes on a drying rack indoors near an open window. Ensure the clothes are completely dry before allowing the patient to wear them again.

While rinsing the clothes with cologne water will not directly impact the patient's body temperature, it can provide a sense of comfort and freshness. The aroma of the cologne can create a soothing atmosphere, contributing to the overall healing process. This method is particularly useful when caring for children, as the familiar scent can provide a sense of reassurance during their illness.

It is important to note that rinsing clothes with cologne water is not a substitute for proper medical treatment. While it can help lower body temperature and make the patient more comfortable, it should be used in conjunction with other fever-reducing techniques and medications prescribed by a doctor. Additionally, be mindful that cologne can stain or discolour fabrics, so it is advisable to test a small area of the garment before fully immersing it in cologne water.

Apply to the forehead

Applying cologne to the forehead is a traditional method to help bring down a fever. This is done by soaking a napkin or towel in ice-cold water, adding cologne, and placing it on the forehead. The napkin should be replaced every five minutes. This method can be used on both children and adults.

The use of cologne on the forehead is thought to help bring down a fever due to the alcohol content in the cologne. Alcohol evaporates faster than water, helping to lower the temperature. This method is particularly useful in bringing down a high fever while waiting for medication to take effect.

In addition to applying cologne to the forehead, there are other pressure points on the body that can be stimulated to help reduce a fever. For example, the 'Drilling Bamboo' pressure point is located on the big toe and is used to treat fever, sore throat, and headaches. The 'Bubbling Spring' pressure point is located on the thumb and helps to eliminate sore throat, fever, and headaches.

Another important pressure point for reducing fever is the Triple Warmer point (TW 15). This point can be found on the back, just above the top tip of the shoulder blade. Applying firm pressure to this area for about three minutes on each side can help balance the body temperature.

It is important to note that while these methods can help reduce a fever, they should not be considered a replacement for medical treatment. If a fever is very high or persists for a long time, it is important to seek medical attention.

Sponge the body with it

Sponging the body with cologne water is a great way to bring down a high fever. It is a temporary but quick and necessary way to control a high temperature until medication starts to work.

Firstly, remove the patient's clothes and heavy blankets, if used. Cover the patient with a thin bedsheet if desired. Then, take a sponge or a small towel and dip it into a bowl of normal temperature tap water. Squeeze out the excess water and begin to sponge the body, focusing on the arms, chest, abdomen, and back. Keep the fan running while sponging, if required.

You can also add cologne water to the sponge water to help bring down the temperature faster. Cologne water is usually made with ethyl alcohol, which has antiseptic properties, and evaporates faster, helping to bring down the body temperature. However, do not use ice-cold water for sponging, as this may cause chills and discomfort to the patient.

Continue sponging the body for at least 20 minutes or until the body temperature starts to come down. Keep checking the body temperature of the patient every 15-20 minutes after the water treatment.

Frequently asked questions