What drinks help reduce a fever and promote hydration?

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Mayo Clinic, drinking plenty of fluids is the single most important thing you can do when you have a fever, which increases the risk of dehydration. Knowing what drinks help reduce a fever can provide significant relief by replenishing lost fluids and supporting your body's natural cooling and healing processes.

Quick Summary

Clear broths, herbal teas, electrolyte solutions, and diluted fruit juices are recommended for fever. These beverages help replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through sweating, which is crucial for fighting infection and avoiding dehydration.

Key Points

Hydration is Critical: During a fever, you lose fluids and electrolytes through sweating, making proper hydration essential for temperature regulation and recovery.
Sip, Don't Chug: Drinking small amounts of fluid frequently is more effective for hydration than drinking large amounts sporadically, especially if you experience nausea.
Clear Broths Provide Nourishment: Chicken and bone broths offer hydration, sodium, and protein, and are easy to digest when you have a poor appetite.
Herbal Teas Offer Relief: Ginger, peppermint, and chamomile teas can help soothe symptoms, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation, though they are not fever cures.
Replenish Electrolytes: For significant fluid loss, drinks like oral rehydration solutions or coconut water are superior to plain water for restoring lost minerals.
Avoid Dehydrating Beverages: Caffeine, alcohol, and high-sugar drinks can worsen dehydration and should be avoided during a fever.

The Importance of Hydration During a Fever

When your body temperature rises due to a fever, your metabolic rate increases, and you lose fluids more quickly through sweating. This rapid fluid loss can lead to dehydration, which can worsen symptoms like headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, and hinder your body's ability to fight off the underlying infection. Proper hydration helps regulate body temperature, thins mucus, and ensures that critical bodily functions continue to operate effectively. Replacing lost fluids is therefore paramount for a faster and more comfortable recovery.

Best Drinks to Help Reduce a Fever

Staying hydrated doesn't mean drinking large quantities of plain water at once. Instead, it involves sipping various beneficial fluids throughout the day to replenish water and lost electrolytes effectively. Here is a breakdown of the best drinks to help reduce a fever and support recovery.

Clear Broths and Soups

Bone Broth: Rich in protein and minerals, bone broth is easy to digest and helps replenish sodium lost through sweating. The warmth can also be soothing for a sore throat or congestion.
Chicken Soup: Often considered a classic remedy, chicken soup combines hydrating broth with a bit of protein, offering nourishment even when you have a low appetite.
Vegetable Broth: For a plant-based option, vegetable broth provides warmth and hydration along with essential vitamins.

Herbal Teas

Ginger Tea: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. A warm cup of ginger tea can induce sweating, helping to cool the body down. Adding honey and lemon can also soothe a sore throat and boost immunity.
Peppermint Tea: The menthol in peppermint can help open airways and provide a cooling sensation, which is very helpful when you have congestion and a fever.
Chamomile Tea: Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, chamomile tea can help promote relaxation and sleep, which is vital for recovery.
Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea: Used in Ayurvedic medicine for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, tulsi tea can boost immunity and help reduce a fever.

Electrolyte-Rich Drinks

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): These are specifically formulated to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, particularly after vomiting or diarrhea. ORS are ideal for both children (like Pedialyte) and adults.
Coconut Water: A natural source of electrolytes like potassium, coconut water is often easier on the stomach than commercial sports drinks and helps with rehydration.
Diluted Fruit Juice: For a gentler option than full-strength juice, diluting it with water provides vitamins and energy without too much sugar, which can sometimes worsen symptoms like nausea.

Comparison of Drinks for Fever


Drink Category	Primary Benefit	Electrolytes	Added Nutrients	Best For	What to Avoid
Clear Broths	Hydration, mild nutrition	Yes (Sodium, Potassium)	Protein, Vitamins	Low appetite, stomach upset	High-fat, creamy soups
Herbal Teas	Soothing, anti-inflammatory	No (Mostly)	Antioxidants, Vitamins	Sore throat, congestion	Caffeinated teas, milk tea
ORS / Coconut Water	Electrolyte replenishment	Yes (Sodium, Potassium)	Minerals, Antioxidants	Dehydration, vomiting	High-sugar sports drinks
Diluted Fruit Juice	Hydration, vitamins, energy	Some	Vitamin C, Sugars	Light energy boost	Undiluted, high-sugar juices
Plain Water	Universal hydration	Minimal	None	Consistent hydration	Drinking too much at once

Drinks to Avoid During a Fever

Certain beverages can be counterproductive when you are sick. To avoid slowing down your recovery, steer clear of the following:

Caffeinated beverages: Coffee, some teas, and energy drinks act as diuretics, which can increase fluid loss and exacerbate dehydration.
Alcohol: This is a diuretic and a toxin that can weaken the immune system and interfere with medications.
Sugary drinks: High-sugar juices and sodas can irritate the stomach and may worsen nausea or diarrhea.
Milk tea: Some sources suggest that milk-based teas and drinks can cause bloating or digestive discomfort during a fever.

Conclusion

Staying well-hydrated is the most important step in managing a fever, and choosing the right beverages is key to feeling better. By focusing on clear broths, herbal teas, electrolyte-rich fluids, and diluted juices, you can help your body fight infection and recover more comfortably. Remember to avoid dehydrating drinks like caffeine and alcohol, and always listen to your body. If your fever is persistent or particularly high, or if you have any serious concerns, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional. For most mild cases, a steady intake of hydrating, nourishing fluids will put you on the path to recovery.

Natural Remedies and Home Care

Beyond just drinks, a holistic approach can help. Alongside proper hydration, incorporating other natural remedies can further aid recovery.

Rest: Adequate rest allows the body to conserve energy and focus on fighting the infection.
Lukewarm baths: A lukewarm bath can help lower your body temperature gradually and soothe tired muscles. Avoid cold or icy baths, which can cause shivering and raise your body temperature.
Dress lightly: Wear lightweight, loose clothing and use a light blanket to avoid trapping heat against your body, which can worsen the fever.

For more detailed advice on complementary therapies, you may find information from reputable health authorities useful, such as this guide from Henry Ford Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain water is the most fundamental and effective drink for fever, as its primary purpose is to rehydrate the body and support its natural cooling processes. However, supplementing with other electrolyte-rich and nutrient-dense fluids can be very beneficial.

Sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes lost during a fever, but many have high sugar content that can be harsh on a sensitive stomach. For this reason, oral rehydration solutions or coconut water are often better alternatives, or you can dilute a sports drink with water.

Warm, caffeine-free herbal teas like ginger, peppermint, or chamomile can be very soothing when you have a fever. The warmth helps clear congestion and the herbs can have anti-inflammatory properties, but avoid hot baths or showers, as these can increase body temperature.

Diluted fruit juices, especially citrus varieties like orange juice, can provide vitamins and hydration. It is best to dilute them to reduce sugar content, which can irritate the stomach. Coconut water and watermelon juice are also excellent hydrating options.

Caffeine and alcohol are both diuretics, meaning they increase urination and cause fluid loss, which can worsen dehydration. Alcohol is also a toxin that can weaken your immune system and may interact negatively with medication.

While milk can provide some nutrients, some people find that dairy products can lead to bloating and digestive issues when sick. Milk-based teas are generally discouraged during a fever.

For children, clear fluids like water, diluted juice, and electrolyte solutions (such as Pedialyte) are recommended. You can also offer popsicles or chicken broth to encourage fluid intake.