Chills: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Chills are a sudden feeling of coldness or a sensation of a low body temperature, often accompanied by shivering or trembling.

They can be caused by various factors, including infections, exposure to cold, hormonal changes, or certain medications. If left untreated, chills can lead to more serious health issues, such as hypothermia or exacerbate existing conditions like fever or flu. To alleviate chills, herbal remedies like ginger, peppermint, and chamomile can be used in the form of teas, infusions, or topical creams.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional and follow proper dosages when using medicinal herbs to avoid interactions or allergic reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of chills, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of chills?

The main causes of chills are various physiological and pathological factors.

Chills can be triggered by a sudden drop in body temperature, such as exposure to cold environments, which activates the hypothalamus to produce heat-shock proteins to protect the body. Infections like tuberculosis, endocarditis, and sepsis can also cause chills due to the release of pyrogenic cytokines, which stimulate the hypothalamus to induce fever.

Other possible causes include anaphylaxis, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications such as amphotericin B. Additionally, chills can be a symptom of withdrawal from substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol.

• Viral Infection: Viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, cause chills due to the body's immune response to the invading pathogens, which leads to the release of pyrogens and cytokines that stimulate the hypothalamus to raise body temperature, often causing chills.
• Bacterial Infection: Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or sepsis, cause chills due to the body's immune response to the invading bacteria, which leads to the release of pyrogens and cytokines that stimulate the hypothalamus to raise body temperature, often causing chills.
• Meningitis: Meningitis, an infection of the meninges, causes chills due to the body's immune response to the invading pathogens, which leads to inflammation of the meninges and the release of pyrogens and cytokines that stimulate the hypothalamus to raise body temperature, often causing chills.
• Sepsis: Sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by an uncontrolled immune response to an infection, causes chills due to the release of pyrogens and cytokines that stimulate the hypothalamus to raise body temperature, often causing chills.
• Fever: Fever, a medical condition characterized by an elevated body temperature, causes chills due to the body's attempt to raise its temperature in response to an infection or other illness.
• Anxiety: Anxiety, a mental health condition characterized by feelings of worry and fear, causes chills due to the body's 'fight or flight' response, which can cause a rapid heart rate, sweating, and chills.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism, a medical condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, causes chills due to the decreased production of thyroid hormones, which can lead to decreased metabolism and a drop in body temperature.
• Medication Side Effect: Medications such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and certain antidepressants can cause chills as a side effect, often due to the disruption of the body's normal temperature regulation mechanisms.
• Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia, a medical condition characterized by low blood sugar levels, causes chills due to the body's attempt to conserve energy and regulate its temperature in response to the lack of glucose.
• Adrenal Insufficiency: Adrenal insufficiency, a medical condition characterized by the underproduction of hormones by the adrenal glands, causes chills due to the decreased production of cortisol, which is necessary for the body's normal temperature regulation mechanisms.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for chills?

The main medicinal herbs used for chills are Zingiber officinale, Echinacea purpurea, Ginkgo biloba, Cinchona officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Eucalyptus globulus, Panax ginseng, Sambucus nigra, Ephedra sinica, and Andrographis paniculata.

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, contains gingerol, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, helping to reduce fever and alleviate chills. Echinacea purpurea's immunomodulatory effects, as well as its ability to stimulate the production of white blood cells, aid in the body's natural defense against infection and inflammation. Cinchona officinalis, a plant containing quinine, has been traditionally used to treat malaria, a disease characterized by chills, fever, and flu-like symptoms, due to its antimalarial properties.

Additionally, Panax ginseng and Eucalyptus globulus have been used to boost the immune system and relieve respiratory symptoms associated with chills.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, helps with chills due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to warm the body, which is attributed to the compound gingerol that stimulates circulation and helps to increase body temperature.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea, a flowering plant, helps with chills by boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation, which is achieved through the activation of immune cells and the production of cytokines that help fight off infections.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba, an ancient tree, helps with chills due to its vasodilatory effects that increase blood flow to the skin, which in turn helps to warm the body and reduce the sensation of coldness.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, a tropical tree, helps with chills by stimulating the heart to increase circulation and warm the body, which is attributed to the compound quinine that acts as a cardiac stimulant.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps with chills by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of cortisol, a hormone that helps the body respond to stress and maintain its normal temperature.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus, a tree, helps with chills by releasing camphor and eucalyptol compounds that have a cooling effect on the body, which helps to reduce the sensation of coldness and promote sweating.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng, helps with chills by stimulating the body's natural response to cold stress and increasing the production of heat-shock proteins that help protect against cold-induced damage.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra, also known as elderberry, helps with chills by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of cytokines that help fight off infections, which in turn helps to alleviate the symptoms of chills.
• Ephedra sinica: Ephedra sinica, also known as ma huang, helps with chills by stimulating the body's natural response to cold stress and increasing the production of heat in the body, which is attributed to the compound ephedrine that acts as a decongestant and bronchodilator.
• Andrographis paniculata: Andrographis paniculata, a plant, helps with chills by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of cytokines that help fight off infections, which in turn helps to alleviate the symptoms of chills and promote the body's natural response to cold stress.

What are the main herbal preparations used for chills?

The main herbal preparations used for chills are Decoction, Tincture, Suppository, Capsule, Salve, Poultice, Elixir, Ointment, Cream, Gel.

Decoction is a liquid herbal remedy made by steeping herbs in hot water to treat fever, chills, and body aches due to its high water content and bioavailability of active compounds. Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract used to stimulate the immune system and reduce chills, typically taken orally in small doses. Suppositories and Capsules are solid herbal remedies that release active compounds directly into the bloodstream, providing rapid relief from chills and fever.

Salve, Poultice, Ointment, Cream, and Gel are topical preparations used to reduce chills and fever by applying heat, reducing inflammation, and promoting blood circulation.

• Decoction: A decoction of the medicinal plant Echinacea purpurea is used to help alleviate chills by releasing the bioactive compounds, such as alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives, into the solution, which then stimulate the immune system to combat infections.
• Tincture: A tincture of the medicinal plant Andrographis paniculata is used to help alleviate chills by releasing the bioactive compound andrographolide into the bloodstream, which then acts as an immunomodulator to stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.
• Suppository: A suppository of the medicinal plant Glycyrrhiza glabra is used to help alleviate chills by releasing the bioactive compound glycyrrhizin into the rectal tissue, which then acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce fever and alleviate discomfort.
• Capsule: A capsule of the medicinal plant Camellia sinensis contains an extract of Camellia sinensis that is used to help alleviate chills by releasing the bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and theanine, into the bloodstream, which then act as an immunomodulator to stimulate the immune system and reduce fever.
• Salve: A salve of the medicinal plant Plantago major is used to help alleviate chills by releasing the bioactive compound aucubin into the skin, which then acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce fever and alleviate discomfort.
• Poultice: A poultice of the medicinal plant Aloe barbadensis is used to help alleviate chills by releasing the bioactive compound aloe-emodin into the skin, which then acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce fever and alleviate discomfort.
• Elixir: An elixir of the medicinal plant Cinnamomum verum contains an extract of Cinnamomum verum that is used to help alleviate chills by releasing the bioactive compound cinnamaldehyde into the bloodstream, which then acts as an immunomodulator to stimulate the immune system and reduce fever.
• Ointment: An ointment of the medicinal plant Calendula officinalis is used to help alleviate chills by releasing the bioactive compound triterpenoids into the skin, which then acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce fever and alleviate discomfort.
• Cream: A cream of the medicinal plant Symphytum officinale contains an extract of Symphytum officinale that is used to help alleviate chills by releasing the bioactive compound allantoin into the skin, which then acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce fever and alleviate discomfort.
• Gel: A gel of the medicinal plant Ginkgo biloba is used to help alleviate chills by releasing the bioactive compound ginkgolides into the bloodstream, which then acts as an immunomodulator to stimulate the immune system and reduce fever.