Natural remedies for pneumonia are much in demand. Even though it cannot do much to cure the condition, these home remedies can ease the side effects of the drugs you intake while alleviating the symptoms. This lung inflammation is normally caused by a bacteria or virus, and leaving it untreated could prove to be life-threatening. Before reading through these handpicked home remedies for pneumonia, try to assimilate and understand what you need to look for if a person has developed this lung infection.
Symptoms of Pneumonia:
Here are some of the symptoms you can watch out for:
The moment you notice these, you should rush to the doctor. Bacterial pneumonia is more frequent and can be treated using a combination of antibiotics and home remedies, without the latter obstructing the effectiveness of the former.
Home Remedies for Pneumonia from Nature’s Bounty
1. Garlic:
Garlic is a natural antibiotic and has the potential to kill the bad germs triggering various infections. However, the good bacteria remain untouched by garlic. Heat 2 or 3 cloves of garlic, crush them and apply on the chest to ease the pain experienced. Roast and crush 3 garlic cloves, add them to olive oil, and heat the oil. Inhale the fumes to decongest yourself. You can also include garlic in your diet to boost your immunity power. Onions can be used with garlic in your daily diet to enhance the antioxidant power of the latter and ensure faster recovery.
2. Turmeric:
The golden yellow-hued turmeric powder has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-oxidative properties. Rich in curcumin and volatile oils, this herb is used in Indian kitchens as a part of their cooking. Mix in ½ a teaspoon turmeric powder in warm milk and drink two glasses a day to frighten pneumonia away. Alternatively, you can prepare a paste with ½ tsp honey and consume it at regular intervals. Including turmeric powder in your cooking can also bestow you with the same goodness.
3. Ginger:
Ginger is the most sought-after home remedy for pneumonia and all the infections affecting your respiratory system. Crammed with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, ginger can be used fresh or in the dried form. Grate fresh ginger root and add it to freshly squeezed lemon juice. Flavor with a little honey and sip it every now and then for relief from congestion. Alternatively, you can brew ginger tea by simmering about 1 inch grated ginger in 225 ml water. Add a little black pepper powder and sweeten with molasses or jaggery. Dried ginger can also help ease the condition. A paste of dried ginger powder with black pepper powder and turmeric powder can be applied topically on the chest to ease the congestion and pain.
4. Parsnip Juice:
The juice extracted from the root and leaves of parsnip is known to be effective in curing pneumonia. Rich in chlorine and phosphorous, this juice is beneficial for infections affecting the bronchial system and lungs. Drink 250 ml of parsnip juice daily for quicker healing.
5. Holy Basil:
Just crush holy basil leaves, add it to eucalyptus oil, and inhale the fumes to thwart congestion. You can prepare a tea by brewing 5 to 6 Holy Basil leaves with 8 to 10 freshly crushed black peppercorns and consume this once in six hours. Holy Basil and cinnamon tea can also help in easing pneumonia. These leaves possess the potential to eliminate phlegm and catarrhal matter collected in the bronchial tube. It also enables the mobility of mucus, paving way for decongested lungs. Extract the juice of fresh Tulsi leaves and mix it in water. Sipping it every 2 hours can bring down the fever experienced due to pneumonia.
6. Carrots:
Carrots are rich sources of Vitamin B complex, magnesium, potassium, Vitamin A, calcium, phosphorous, and iron. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of carrot juice help in safeguarding the lungs from oxidative damage. Add a little cayenne pepper or black pepper powder to make the drink more effective. It is advisable to drink 12 ounces of carrot juice at dinner for visible results.
7. Fenugreek Seeds:
Drinking tea prepared with 4 cups of fenugreek seeds a day can ease pneumonia in its initial stages. An easy to prepare home remedy for pneumonia. Alternatively, you can add 3 tsp of freshly powdered roasted fenugreek seeds to your black tea, flavor with honey or jaggery, and drink one cup everyday to recover from pneumonia. These tan-hued seeds help in sweating out the toxins, eliminating the root cause of this lung infection.
8. Sesame Seeds:
The presence of magnesium in sesame seeds helps in airway spasms experienced during pneumonia, thus easing the chest pain experienced. Prepare a tea by simmering 2 tbsp sesame seeds with 1 tbsp flax seeds in 250 ml water. Add a pinch of salt and flavor with 2 tbsp honey. Consume this twice a day for faster recovery. Heat a little sesame seed oil along with 2 or 3 pinches of camphor and inhale the fumes for clearing the congestion experienced. Alternatively, you can crush 2 or 3 garlic cloves and heat it in sesame seed oil. Apply it on the chest to alleviate the pain.
9. Honey:
The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of honey are admirable, thus making it one of the best home remedies for pneumonia. Mix in 1 tsp honey in 200 ml lukewarm water and sip it. Drinking 3 to 4 glasses of honey water can soothe the symptoms of pneumonia. Add a dash of cayenne pepper or black pepper powder and dried ginger powder with 1 tbsp lemon juice for better results.
10. Camphor:
Camphor is known to help in eliminating the mucus collected in the lungs, easing the cough. Camphor also possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and can be massaged along with turpentine oil on the chest to ease the pain. You can use camphor essential oil rich with anesthetic, antiseptic, antispasmodic and decongestant properties to clear the airways, lessen the pain, and breathe better.
11. Oregano Oil:
Oregano oil is an abundant source of antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, the synergic effects of which enable elimination of the germs that cause pneumonia. This oil also possesses the potential to improve mucus mobility by thinning, ensuring a congestion-free lung. You can add 2 to 3 drops of this oil to a glass of freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice. Drink this thrice a day. Add a few drops of this oil to a handkerchief or clean tissue and place it beside you while sleeping. Inhaling the aroma could open up crammed air passages, easing your breathing.
12. Dandelion:
The antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties of dandelion make it quite effective natural remedy for pneumonia. Along with easing the pain and inflammation, it also kicks away the pneumonia-causing germs, ensuring faster and complete relief. Add dandelion leaves to water and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and use this decoction. Dandelion roots are also known to be beneficial for pneumonia. Powder the dried roots. Prepare a paste with warm water or sesame seed oil and apply it onto the chest to alleviate congestion and pain. A concoction prepared by steeping powdered dandelion roots in water and flavored with honey can also be used daily for better benefits.
13. Apples:
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and here it cures pneumonia by revitalizing and replenishing your antioxidant levels. Drink about 14 ounces apple juice, made from red apples, along with plain yogurt for breakfast. Keep it light and stay away from other hard foods during this meal. The flavanoids in apple juice strengthen the lungs. Quercetin, an antioxidant in apple juice, fortifies and enhances the immune system, enabling faster recovery.
14. Willow Bark:
There was a time when people used to rely on the bark of the white willow tree to ease fever and pain. Prepare a tea by steeping willow bark and drink it to bring the fever down. The analgesic and antipyretic properties along with its anti-inflammatory nature will ease the fever, lower the inflammation, and help in combating the infection prevailing in the lungs.
15. Beet Juice:
Betalain, an ingredient in beet juice, is a potent antioxidant, fungicidal and anti-inflammatory agent. This enables beets to soothe and heal the pain experienced during pneumonia. Drinking this juice clears the phlegm collected in the lungs, making breathing easier. Juice beets with carrots and cucumber, and sip this drink two times daily for faster and better recovery.
Lifestyle Changes for Combating Pneumonia:
16. Keep Yourself Hydrated:
As with any respiratory tract infection, pneumonia requires keeping yourself hydrated. Drink at least 2 liters of warm water a day to prevent dehydration due to drugs and mucus. This will ensure that the phlegm collected loosens up fast, aiding in faster recovery.
17. Steam Inhalation:
Steam possesses the potential to combat the infection, while clearing the congestion. This will help you to breathe better. You can use a neti pot or a steamer. A simple, large bowl will also do the job. Boil water, bring your head above the steam, cover yourself and inhale to unclog the lungs. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water. Alternatively, you can slightly heat eucalyptus oil and inhale its steam to put yourself at ease. A hot shower will also render you the same benefits.
18. Replenish with Vitamin C:
Studies suggest that Vitamin C has the potential to cure and prevent pneumonia. A person was saved by administering 6 grams of Vitamin C intravenously. The recommended daily Vitamin C dosage is between 1,000 mg and 3,000 mg. You can also include Vitamin C-rich fruits and veggies including broccoli, sprouts, sweet potatoes, sweet red peppers and citrus fruits in your diet to reap the same benefits.
19. Indulge In Vegetable Proteins:
Cut short on animal protein; instead, include proteins from vegetable sources. When you are ill, your digestive power spirals down. So it is better to avoid hard foods. Including wholesome foods packed with protein such as beets, spinach, peas, and lentils could actually give you the necessary nutrients. This, in turn, will aid in faster healing and recovery.
20. Boost Up Your Body Temperature:
Hyperthermia, as it is known, is the process where your body temperature is increased akin to fever. This improves the immunity levels and helps to get rid of bacteria, virus and toxins from your body. Stand under a hot shower for 10 minutes and allow yourself to sweat. Keep your head covered with a shower cap to prevent your head from getting damp. Alternatively, you can increase the temperature of your room heater or cover yourself with two or three blankets and allow yourself to sweat.
Tricks And Tips To Combat Pneumonia:
While the above-mentioned home remedies for pneumonia are effective, here are few tricks and tips that one should adopt for ensuring complete recovery.
Along with these best home remedies for pneumonia, you should complete the medicines prescribed to ensure complete recovery. The slightest carelessness and you will find yourself under the attack of pneumonia again. While these home remedies do not interfere with the pneumonia medications, check with your doctor before trying them out to avoid complications.
Remember, pneumonia is not just another common ailment. Neglecting the symptoms will have grave effects. So, visit your doctor and start the medication the moment you feel you are under the siege of pneumonia.
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