Supporting Fever with Diaphoretic Herbs
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products I personally use or trust.
Supporting Fevers in Adults and Children
When illness shows up, fevers often come with it. While they can feel uncomfortable (and stressful—especially with kids), fevers are part of the body’s normal response to infection. One of the ways herbalists traditionally support the body during this process is with diaphoretic herbs—herbs that encourage gentle sweating and help the body regulate temperature.
Used thoughtfully, diaphoretics can be supportive for both adults and children, depending on the stage of illness. In this post, we’ll look at how diaphoretic herbs work, when to choose stimulating vs. relaxing options, and how yarrow can be a dependable, family-friendly herb to keep on hand.
What Are Diaphoretics?
Diaphoretic herbs support the body’s natural ability to sweat. Sweating can help regulate temperature and move heat outward when the body is working through illness.
There are two main types, and knowing the difference matters.
1. Stimulating Diaphoretics
These herbs increase circulation and bring warmth to the skin’s surface. They’re most helpful early in an illness—especially when someone feels chilled, achy, or “stuck” and unable to mount a proper fever.
Common examples:
Yarrow
Ginger
Cayenne
Horseradish
Mustard seed
2. Relaxing Diaphoretics
These herbs help the body release heat by easing tension. They’re useful when a fever is present but sweating hasn’t started, or when the person feels restless, tense, or irritable.
Common examples:
Elderflower
Catnip
Peppermint
Chamomile
Diaphoretics for Children: Why Yarrow Shines
Yarrow is one of those herbs that earns a permanent spot in the family apothecary. It bridges the gap between stimulating and relaxing actions, making it especially useful for children.
Why Herbalists Reach for Yarrow:
Gentle enough for children when used appropriately
Traditionally used to support fevers by encouraging mild sweating
Works well alone or blended with other calming herbs
Suitable for both internal and external use
Kid-friendly pairings: chamomile, catnip, elderflower
Common preparations: warm tea or added to a warm bath
How to Use Diaphoretics
For Adults
Choose stimulating diaphoretics when chills are present or at the very beginning of illness
Choose relaxing diaphoretics when there’s heat but no sweating
For Children
Stick with gentle herbs like yarrow, catnip, chamomile, and elderflower
Offer as warm teas or soothing baths
Sweeten teas with honey for children over 1 year old
Build Your Apothecary
I wrote this to be my own open-and-go resource for herbal preparations — the kind you keep nearby when you’re actually making things, not just reading about them.
The Herbal Preparations for the Home and Community Herbalist guide walks you step-by-step through more than two dozen methods you can use right from your kitchen or workshop.
You’ll find easy-to-follow instruction for:
Teas, infusions, powders, and capsules
Poultices, compresses, steams, and baths
Syrups, glycerites, oxymels, vinegars, and infused oils
Tinctures, liniments, salves, elixirs — and more.
.
Fever Support Formulas
Children’s Fever Support (with Yarrow)
1. Basic Children’s Blend
2 parts Yarrow
1 part Elderflower
1 part Peppermint
Preparation: Prepare as a standard infusion. Sweeten with honey if appropriate.
2. Gentle Warming Blend
2 parts Yarrow
2 parts Catnip
1 part Chamomile
Preparation: Serve as a warm tea.
3. Cold & Flu Support
2 parts Yarrow
1 part Elderflower
1 part Chamomile
Preparation: Brew as tea or add to a warm bath for comfort.
Adult Fever Support
1. Classic Fever Blend
2 parts Yarrow
2 parts Elderflower
1 part Peppermint
Use: Drink 1 cup every 30–60 minutes until gentle sweating begins.
2. Strong Adult Blend
2 parts Yarrow
1 part Ginger
1 part Elderflower
¼ part Cardamom
Use: Sip while hot and stay warm.
Tips for Best Results
Serve teas warm—heat helps activate diaphoretic action
Encourage warmth, but don’t over-bundle
Hydrate well to replace fluids lost through sweating
Protect tissues by adding honey to teas when appropriate
Final Thoughts
Diaphoretic herbs offer a thoughtful way to support the body during fever, rather than working against it. With a little observation and the right herbs at the right time, they can be useful for both adults and children.
Yarrow, in particular, is a steady, reliable ally—one that earns its place in a home apothecary again and again. Understanding when to support warmth and when to encourage release makes all the difference.