Pleurisy occurs when the pleura (a thin delicate cavity surrounding the lungs) gets infected. This mainly occurs when fluid gets accumulated in the cavity. There are many complications which can lead to Pleurisy-tuberculosis, pneumonia etc to name a few. Cancer, blood clots, congestive heart diseases, and/or kidney disease can also cause this condition.It is characterized by difficulty in breathing, chest pain, and pain in or under the rib cage as well as fever, chills, fatigue and increased debility. Today, we will consider top home remedies to manage Pleurisy pain.
1. Detoxification
At the first sign/diagnosis of the disease, the patient must keep a complete fast to detoxify. One must drink water (hot or cold) and nothing else. Drink at least 6-7 glasses of water. Follow up with a coffee or garlic enema. This will help flush out toxins and mucous secretions.
2. Chest strapping for Pleurisy
Chest strapping for pleurisy helps prevent chest and rib pain and gives much needed relief while sleeping. You can use hot or cold pack and strap it to the chest tightly. Let this remain for an hour at a time. Repeat application of chest straps 3 times a day. You can also immerse the chest strap into a bowl of warm water mixed with essential oils for Pleurisy. The best essential oils for Pleurisy are eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, lavender and chamomile. All these oils are soothing, anti-inflammatory and relieve chest congestion and pain.
3. Practice deep breathing
Deep breathing exercise is very beneficial for strengthening the lungs. Patients must breathe in fresh cool air, preferably in the morning. Gentle aerobic exercises are best after recovery, though one must take plenty of bed rest during pleurisy attack. Avoid exposure to excess hot or cold weather.
4. Hot Epsom salt baths
Heat is very effective remedy to get rid of pleurisy fast. Immerse in a hot bath of 100 F for one hour daily. You can add a cup of Epsom salts to the bath water. If you like, you can also add some essential oils for pleurisy. Soak in the bath water twice daily to relieve painful symptoms.
5. Milk diet
Many patients benefit from milk diet (after a complete detox fast first), when suffering from this disease. Herbalists recommend drinking 250 ml of milk every few hours. Additionally, one can also take some oranges or fruits. Avoid any other food or drink.
6. Pleurisy root tea
Pleurisy root (also called Butterflyweed) is known to relieve this painful condition. Steep the herb along with some Yarrow, buckthorn bark and Valerian in hot water and drink this pleurisy root tea 2-3 times a day. (If constipation is a symptom, use more buckthorn bark and drink it every few hours.)Violet tea which is rich in vitamin A and helps strengthen the immune system is also beneficial. Pour hot water over chopped violet leaves, stems and flowers and steep for a few minutes. Flavor with honey/lemon and drink it 2-3 times a day. For severe pleurisy pain, mix together equal parts of Calamus Root, Lady’s Slipper and Skullcap. Steep a large teaspoon of the mixture in a cup of boiling water. Drink a few sips every few hours to stop the pain.
7. Garlic
Patients are advised to eat 1-2 raw garlic cloves daily to strengthen immunity. Garlic also prevents chest congestion.
8. Dietary changes
Avoid eating spicy, deep fried foods-a light liquid diet or milk diet described above works best. Take a decoction of mint and basil leaves, cloves and black pepper -50 ml 2-3 times a day. Drink plenty of fluids to help liquefy and remove secretions from the system.
9. Sleep on your side
Patients must sleep on the side to drain the fluids and prevent them from affecting the unaffected side of the lungs.
Pleurisy usually heals on its own. However, the pain and discomfort of this disease is debilitating and can cause extreme fatigue. Chest strapping, essential oils for pleurisy along with other remedies described above can help manage the pain.