What does “Spring Fever” even mean?

Historically, poets and whole cultures often referred to a Spring “sickness” or “fever” which usually presented itself during April and May was characterized by unpredictable mood swings, increased heart rate, restlessness, flushed face, raised energy levels and a tendency to daydream or romanticize ideas and plans. Is there an actual basis for this supposed “feverish” phenomenon?

 Anthropologists have suggested that spring fever may have developed over the course of human evolution. They point out that early humans often spent winter in a state of near-hibernation. Then, when spring arrived, they would enter an active period of intense hunting, gathering and procreating.

 

A few hundred years ago, when the term “Spring sickness” or Spring Fever” was created, it was likely referring to a disease called scurvy which was caused by the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables available to eat over the winter months. Some believe that the term spring fever refers to the weakness, fatigue and irritability many felt after a long winter without fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

Let’s consider  a few perspectives…

 

Seasonal Changes


During the Winter months, nature slows down its processes due to cold weather, decreasing sunlight and lack of sustainability/food; basically, it is like a hibernation of sorts. With the vernal equinox, the balance begins to come back as daylight increases, sap flows, plants are able to make chlorophyll and all dormant flora and fauna are “reborn”. Birds return and sing their songs, opening plant stomas to allow cross-pollination. Animals quicken their metabolism and scurry around looking for food and materials to make nests.

 







Energy Flow



Concurrently with the vernal equinox, energy levels increase, creating a continuing burst of energy flow to allow Nature a head start towards re-emerging from sleep. This upsurge of vitality fuels the urge for mating and nesting in animals and romance, in humans. Pairing, bonding, mating and nesting impulses affect all of nature and the vibrancy of life reflects the increased “glow” of energy being provided by the Universe. The sometimes abrupt changes of weather throughout the Spring months can affect peoples’ moods. 

 

Psychological  Impact

Thoughts turn from survival, complaint, moodiness, suffering, depression and the past, to looking forward, making present and future plans, improved mood and flourishing passion and romance. Quite a change of focus with the renewed energy and increasing sunlight! In countries with cold weather, the impact of warmer weather means letting go of heavy, restrictive winter gear and replacing it with lighter-weight, freer-flowing, more sensory-pleasing, colourful clothes. A strong feeling of freedom emerges and thoughts of dreams coming true. The increased energy along with an improved mood, often inspires people to thoroughly clean their living spaces and to begin exercising or gardening. 

 

For people with bipolar disorder or another mental health condition, sunlight or spring can trigger mania, which can include an explosion of energy, ideas, racing thoughts, and extraordinary plans or actions that may or may not be harmful to them. One may feel extremely irritable or extremely happy. Research shows that suicide rates are higher in the spring and summer; not during darker, colder times like winter, as we may expect. In addition to mania and its link to suicide and depression, there's also some information to suggest inflammation and allergies associated with spring and depression may be a contributing factor. 

 

Spiritual Focus


During the Winter, the spiritual focus is on the inner self, self-improvement, capacity for change and the opportunity for inner quiet, a time for self reflection and renewal, gratitude and appreciation. With the explosion of positive “re-birthing” energy that comes with Spring, the spiritual focus is on hope, creativity, relationship building, pleasure and opportunity. Very often, the sensory experiences/distractions that come with Spring, and later, Summer abundance, lead to forgetfulness of the inner self.

 




Physiological Changes

Seasonal frequencies or vibrations affect biological rhythms: heart rate increases, release of melatonin decreases, serotonin levels increase, mental alertness increases and energy increases. Kathryn A. Roecklein, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, says changes in the size of the hippocampus — the part of your brain that controls mood and memory — can also occur in Spring. She points to a 2015 study that examined how the size of the human hippocampus related to shorter or longer days, or what the scientists referred to as “photoperiod conditions.” A correlation was established between hippocampus volume and seasonal variations in mood — the shorter the day, the smaller the hippocampus. 

 

Rates of conception correlate to seasonal rhythms; historically, there has been a 10 to 20 percent  increase in births in the Spring. During June there are peaks up to 20% above average in the production of luteinizing hormone, which produces testosterone in men and triggers ovulation in women. 

 

In Spring there is always a surge of allergic reactions to the pollen of flowering trees and weather changes (hay fever and asthma). 

 

How does Spring affect children?

Spring brings forth similar behavioural changes to a full moon. Bursting energy, positive mood, increased outdoor time in the sunlight, feelings that nothing is impossible, tend to overwhelm children, causing them to lose some control over themselves and become easily distracted and restless. The good news is that these energetic impulses can be directed and used creatively, rather than punished and squelched for convenience. Energy is a key component of creativity. It is the “high frequency” children that others flock towards because they are more…fun, exciting, risky, imaginative, innovative, inventive, genuine and free. Isn’t that what we all secretly wish for?



Homeopathic Remedies to the Rescue:





  1. Pulsatilla: This remedy is often used for individuals who show clinginess, moodiness, and a need for comfort and reassurance, which might be more pronounced during periods of change like the transition into spring. It can also help with colds and congestion that have a thick, yellow discharge.

  2. Chamomilla: Best known for its use in teething babies, Chamomilla can also be helpful for children who become irritable and fussy due to changes in routine or season, showing a particular neediness or temper tantrums.

  3. Natrum Muriaticum: This remedy might be suited for children who become withdrawn or sulky as the seasons change, possibly experiencing headaches or feeling lethargic with the onset of warmer weather.

  4. Phosphorus: For children who exhibit a heightened sense of excitement and energy with the arrival of spring, becoming overly enthusiastic and burning out quickly, Phosphorus can help balance their energy levels.

  5. Sulphur: If a child shows signs of being physically sluggish with the change of seasons, perhaps with skin eruptions that worsen with the warmth, Sulphur might be considered to stimulate their system and improve vitality.

  6. Calcarea Carbonica: This remedy can be helpful for children who are slow to adapt to change and may feel overwhelmed or fatigued by the transition into spring, especially if they tend toward being chilly and crave stability.



 Conclusion 


So whatever anyone experiences during the seasonal shift to Spring, it is important to maintain your balance. Now that you can understand what is happening “behind the scenes”, so to speak, enjoy the ride. You have the extra energy, daylight, hormones and good mood to tackle whatever you want to.... Homeopathic remedies are here to help you and support you in all changes. 


You can schedule 15 min appt. at no charge "Meet & Greed" to see, if homeopathy is what you are looking... please call, 416-924-8887, visit our website or simply request via email : frontdesk@homeopathicfamilypractice.com



 

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