There are over 50 different causes of pneumonia- primary among them being microbes like bacteria and viruses which cause inflammation of the lungs. Symptoms of this disease come on rather suddenly and typically include high fever, cough, shivering and bloody sputum. Let us study some natural treatment options for pneumonia in babies and adults.
1. Onion vinegar poultice
Fry 6 to 10 chopped onions with some rye and vinegar to make a thick paste. Stir continuously for 10-15 minutes until soft and mushy. Put the paste in a cotton bag and apply the hot poultice to the patient’s chest. Replace when the poultice gets cold. Repeat 3-5 times until the patient starts sweating in the chest region.
2. Drink plenty of hot fluids
Bed rest and plenty of hot fluids work very well in treating this respiratory illness in the early stages. Hot herbal teas are best. Use the following herbal tea recipe that helps throw out toxins, encourages perspiration and reduces duration of the disease:
- Fenugreek tea for pneumonia treatment– Boil 3 to 4 cups of water with a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds. Once the liquid reduces, remove from heat and steep for 5-7 minutes. Sweeten with honey and add a few drops of lemon juice. Drink 4 cups daily.
3. Garlic
Many physicians and herbalists recommend garlic which is a natural antibiotic to get rid of pneumonia naturally. Drink chicken soups, stews or broths made using plenty of garlic. Patients need to consume at least 5-6 cloves of raw garlic every day. You can also inhale garlic fumes as follows:
Place crushed garlic in a pan of boiling water. Let the patient inhale these fumes of garlic. Now dip a soft, flannel cloth in the liquid. Press the cloth on patient’s chest. Once it is cool, again dip the cloth in the hot garlic liquid. Repeat several times until the patient starts sweating. Also cover the cooked garlic with oil and place the mixture in a tight container. Make the patient inhale these fumes. Repeat all through the day. This remedy will shorten the duration of the disease.
4. Basil juice
Another effective herbal remedy to cure pneumonia is basil. Drink juice of holy basil or tulsi several times a day to strengthen immunity and fight infection naturally. Adding some cayenne pepper to the juice of basil leaves can also enhance the herb’s infection fighting properties.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory remedy that is perfect for treating pneumonia. Take organic turmeric powder mixed with some warm milk to reduce phlegm. You can also take turmeric extract or curcumin pills which are readily available online and offline.
6. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar pneumonia treatment works by fighting inflammation and strengthening the body’s natural defenses. Drink several cups of organic, raw apple cider vinegar mixed with some juice or water and honey when suffering from this infection. Here is a powerful immune strengthening drink with apple cider vinegar:
- 1 tbsp organic, raw apple cider vinegar
- 2-3 cloves of garlic- crushed or chopped fine
- Juice of half a lemon
Mix the above ingredients in a glass of water and drink before meals.
7. Vitamin C
A high dose of vitamin C is one of the best home remedies for pneumonia in adults. It boosts the immune system by throwing out disease causing microbes and protecting against free radical damage. Take 500 mg of vitamin every 3 hours. Reduce the dose if you suffer from diarrhea.
8. Hydrogen peroxide
Inhaling food grade hydrogen peroxide (3%) is a great remedy for treating pneumonia in adults. Use hydrogen peroxide in inhalers or in the form of sprays to reduce cough. In babies, you can dip a cloth in the peroxide and wipe its feet, chest, throat and nose carefully with it. This remedy is extremely effective in shortening the duration of the disease and also prevents chronic cough and bronchitis that sometimes follows a bout of pneumonia.
9. Colloidal silver
Use a few drops of colloidal silver internally and also inhale it using a nebulizer. Inhale the vapors of this natural antimicrobial remedy that can prevent bronchitis, cough and other symptoms of respiratory, lung infections.
10. Oil of Oregano
You can use this herbal all-natural treatment for pneumonia is several ways. Take food grade oil of oregano with some milk. (Oil of oregano is highly concentrated so dilute it first with water, coconut oil or milk-else it can cause hyperacidity). Do not ingest more than a few drops at a time. Also add it to your room diffuser and inhale the vapors.
11. Cayenne pepper
Take cayenne pepper (capsules or powder) to shorten the duration of this illness. You can also add cayenne pepper to warm saline water and use it for gargling or for a nasal rinse with neti pot. This remedy will throw out all of the phlegm from the nose and throat and prevent sore throat and coughs.
12. Green tea
To strengthen immune system and heal pneumonia infection quickly, drink green tea. Add a few drops of cayenne pepper to this tea to make it even more potent. This simple remedy can lessen the duration of the disease and strengthen immunity to prevent potential complications.
13. Coconut oil
At night, apply some coconut oil inside the nostrils to prevent post nasal drip. Also do oil pulling to strengthen immune system and throw out toxins. You can regularly eat coconut oil –use it for cooking, sautéing or in your salads. This will help reduce phlegm and fight off the pneumonia causing microbes.
Use these 13 home remedies for pneumonia and get better soon!