Definition of Febrifuge:
It is not clear whether Anti-pyretics and Febrifuges are synonymous or subtly different [ORWJr].
Anti-pyretics and Febrifuges reduce abnormally high body-temperature, either by decreasing heat-production, or increasing heat-loss; the former condition being effected by
the latter by
- lessening tissue-change,
- reducing circulation;
E.g.: cinchona alkaloids, acetanilid, antipyrine, acetphenetidin, phenyl salicylate, phenol, creosote, aconite, veratrum viride, cold bath, pack, or sponging, purgation, venesection [Culbreth1927, pg 38].
- dilating the skin-vessels, thereby increasing radiation,
- causing perspiration and its evaporation,
- abstracting body-heat, through cold applications
A normalizing remedy useful when temperature is too high or rising. Constitutes remedies that reduce fever by improving the efficiency of the body's response to the intrusion while providing relief to the sufferer rather than simply suppressing the condition. Aim is to relieve and relax rather than to suppress [Sanchez BOTM680].
Normalizing body temperature, diaphoresis, use for fever, induces sweating [Palmer2004].