What Is Normal Body Temperature, and When Should You Be Concerned?

Question

I recently started tracking my body temperature, and I was surprised to learn that normal body temperature isn’t the same for everyone. From what I understand, the average body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C), but I’ve read that it can vary based on age, time of day, and health conditions. What is considered a truly normal body temperature range, and when does a fluctuation indicate a potential health issue?

I read that factors like exercise, stress, diet, and even hormones can influence body temperature, making it go slightly higher or lower. But at what point should a temperature increase be considered a fever, and when does a low body temperature become a serious concern?

One thing that concerns me is how body temperature changes with illness. I’ve heard that certain infections can cause high fever, while conditions like hypothyroidism and shock can lead to low body temperature. What are the best ways to manage temperature imbalances naturally?

Are there any Ayurvedic remedies or herbal treatments that help regulate body temperature? I’ve heard that Tulsi, Giloy, and Sandalwood have cooling properties for fevers, while ginger and cinnamon help raise body temperature—do these actually work?

If anyone has experienced abnormal body temperature, what was the cause, and how did you treat it? Did home remedies or medical intervention help the most?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns about body temperature fluctuations. You’re correct—while the “average” body temperature is often cited as 98.6°F (37°C), normal ranges can vary from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C) depending on factors like age, time of day, and activity level.

A fever is generally defined as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, which can indicate an underlying infection or inflammation. On the other hand, low body temperature (below 95°F or 35°C) may signal conditions like hypothyroidism, shock, or hypothermia, which can be serious if not addressed promptly.

If you notice elevated temperatures due to mild infections, staying hydrated, resting, and using fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen can help. Natural remedies like Tulsi and Giloy may have immune-boosting and fever-reducing properties, though more research is needed. For low body temperature, warming the body with warm fluids and layers is often helpful, and ginger or cinnamon may provide mild warming effects.

If you experience persistent temperature changes, unexplained fevers, or low body temperature without a clear cause, it’s important to seek medical attention. These fluctuations could indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires further investigation. Always monitor for additional symptoms like fatigue, chills, or confusion to help guide treatment decisions.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

Normal body temperature varies between 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C) and fluctuates due to factors like age, time of day, and activity. Ayurveda considers temperature imbalance a sign of doshic disturbance—Pitta aggravation leads to fever, while Kapha or Vata imbalance can lower temperature. Fevers can be managed with cooling herbs like Giloy, Tulsi, and Sandalwood, which help detoxify and reduce heat. If the body is too cold, warming herbs like ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper stimulate circulation and balance Vata. Proper hydration, light food, and rest aid recovery. Persistent extreme temperature changes should be evaluated for underlying health issues.

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