Starve a Fever . . .

The idea of feeding a cold and starving a fever very likely originated back in the 1500's when people believed there were two kinds of illnesses. Illnesses caused by low temperatures, such as a cold, had to have "fuel," so it was necessary for the patient to eat plenty. Other illnesses were caused by high temperatures, such as a fever; the person needed to be cooled down, so he/she should not eat in order to deprive the body of heat-making energy. Most doctors now think that starving a fever is not going to produce significant benefit, and may in fact be harmful since the body needs adequate nutrition to support the immune system.

A fever, though, can be a helpful thing, warning us that something may need attention. Usually there is no cause for alarm. A slight and temporary rise in temperature may not require anything more than a couple of aspirin and some extra rest. But continued high temperature or a fever with other symptoms demands, "Pay attention! Something is wrong here!"

Anger is somewhat like a fever. There are many things in an ordinary day that can spark that response. The rude driver who cut you off. The neighbor's dog barking at all hours. The long wait at the grocery story, and you're in the wrong line again. The Coke machine that doesn't give anything for the money you deposited.

Like the fever that registers on the thermometer, this little fever of anger signals that something may need your attention. Usually there is no cause for alarm. A slight and temporary rise in your emotional temperature may not require anything more than a couple of deep breaths and a quick prayer for calm. But continued mulling over your frustration means, "Pay attention to what's happening!" Anger along with other symptoms like yelling, muttering mean things or making rude gestures says, "Something has gone wrong here!"

The best thing to do with the fever of anger is to starve it. Don't dwell on the injustice. Forgive the insult. Reject the idea of getting even. Let it go. Paul said it, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:31, 32)

"Starve a fever" may not be good medical practice, but it is sound spiritual advice.

MaryMartha

Scripture quotation taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.

Information about the old home remedy of starving a fever is from the online HealthLibrary of the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, a large academic medical center in Philadelphia.

Art from http://www.sxc.hu/