In traditional medicine, a wide variety of natural ingredients are used to relieve fever. All of these are easily obtained from around the home, garden, or local markets, and fall within the category of ethnomedicine passed down through generations. The following are among the main ingredients:

1. Hibiscus Leaf (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Hibiscus leaves are believed to have natural cooling effects. When crushed with water, they produce a clear mucilage that can be applied to the head or forehead to help reduce body heat. The cooling property of these leaves also provides relief for the body weakened by fever.

2. Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Gotu kola is known as a refreshing herb that enhances the body’s resilience. In traditional treatments, the leaves are pounded or blended into juice and consumed to cool the body, lower body temperature, and restore energy.

3. Neem Leaf (Azadirachta indica)

Neem leaves, also widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, have antipyretic (fever-reducing) and antiseptic properties. The leaves are boiled and the decoction used as bath water to lower body temperature during fever, while also helping to cleanse the skin.

4. Kembang Semangkuk Infusion (Scaphium macropodum)

Kembang semangkuk is a forest fruit that swells into a gelatinous form when soaked in water. The drink is well-known among Malay communities as well as ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak as a traditional remedy for fever. It is believed to cool the body, quench thirst, and stabilise body temperature.

5. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)

Tamarind is used as a natural cooling agent. It is mixed with water to be consumed as a drink or prepared into a thick paste for external application on the body. Its natural acidic content is believed to reduce body heat and relieve the burning sensation in the throat.

6. Coconut Water (Cocos nucifera)

Young coconut water is commonly consumed as a traditional beverage to cool the body. It contains natural electrolytes that help replenish body fluids lost during fever. This practice is also believed to aid in detoxifying the body.

7. Lemon (Citrus limon) and Pure Honey

The combination of lemon and pure honey is one of the most popular remedies for fever. Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, while honey acts as a natural antibacterial agent and provides energy. This drink not only soothes the throat but also accelerates recovery.

8. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Astragalus is renowned in traditional Asian medicine for its numerous health benefits, including strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation, and supporting the body's ability to fight infections. In traditional practice, it is prepared as an herbal decoction and consumed during a fever.

The preparation of traditional ingredients to relieve fever is generally simple, yet each remedy requires specific techniques to maximise its effectiveness. The following outlines the preparation and application methods for each ingredient used in traditional fever remedies:

1. Treatment with Hibiscus Leaves

• Pick 4–5 fresh hibiscus leaves.

• Wash thoroughly and crush them in a bowl of water until a clear mucilage is released.

• Apply the liquid directly to the patient’s head, forehead, or neck.

• Repeat 2–3 times daily to help reduce body heat.

2. Treatment with Gotu Kola 

• Take a handful of fresh Gotu Kola leaves and wash them well.

• Pound finely or blend with a glass of warm water.

• Strain and drink as a cooling juice.

• Alternatively, the leaves can be boiled like a herbal soup, and the water consumed.

• Drink once daily until your body temperature returns to normal.

3) Treatment with Neem Leaves

• Pick 10–15 fresh neem leaves.

• Pound the leaves into a paste, adding a little water to create a thick consistency.

• Apply the paste to the forehead or areas of the body such as the underarms and chest.

• Use 1–2 times daily to help lower body temperature.

4) Treatment with Kembang Semangkuk Infusion 

• Take 1–2 dried kembang semangkuk fruits.

• Soak them in a glass of boiled water for 3–4 hours or overnight.

• Once the fruit has expanded and produced a clear jelly-like mucilage, drink the infusion.

• Consume once daily to cool the body.

5) Treatment with Tamarind 

• Tamarind treatment can be applied in two ways, as a drink or as a body poultice 

• As a drink, take a piece of tamarind (about the size of a thumb).

• Dissolve it in a glass of warm water.

• Crush and mix thoroughly, then strain to remove seeds and fibres.

• Drink 1–2 times daily during a fever.

• This method cools the body from within, reduces heat, and soothes the throat.

• As a body poultice, take a piece of tamarind and dissolve it in a small amount of warm water.

• Crush until a thick, sticky paste is formed.

• Apply the paste evenly on the entire body, neck, and head of the patient.

• Leave for 15–20 minutes to allow the cooling effect to absorb into the skin.

• Rinse with clean water afterwards.

• Use once daily to help cool the body and reduce fever symptoms.

6) Treatment with Young Coconut Water 

• Pierce or cut open a fresh young coconut.

• Drink the water directly.

• For additional freshness, some variations mix coconut water with mint leaves.

• Consume 1–2 times daily to cool the body and replenish electrolytes lost during fever.

7) Treatment with Lemon and Pure Honey

• Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water.

• Add 1 teaspoon of pure honey.

• Stir well and drink slowly.

• Take twice daily (morning and evening) to boost energy, strengthen immunity, and cool the body.

8) Treatment with Astragalus 

• Take 1–2 slices of dried astragalus root (about 10 grams).

• Boil with 2 cups of water until the liquid has been reduced by half.

• Strain and allow to cool slightly before drinking.

• Drink once daily during a fever to help strengthen the immune system.