7 Pneumonia natural remedies that work
Pneumonia is a curable contagious disease that affects the lungs and is associated with breathing difficulty. It is an infection of one or both lungs by bacteria, virus, or fungi which inflames the lungs causing it to be filled with pus hence, it becomes difficult to breathe.
Pneumonia is usually characterized by:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Loss of appetite
- Chills,
- Bluish lips or finger tips due to lack of oxygen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion especially in older people, etc.
Pneumonia is often spread from the person to person through coughing and sneezing. It can also be contracted from the environment. It is known to be more common in:
- People with a weak immune system
- Older people i.e those older than 65 years
- Those with health conditions
- Young children below 5 years old, etc.
How to reduce risks of contracting the infection
- Stop smoking immediately
- Maintain a strong immune system by eating well, sleeping well, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Pratice good hygiene e.g regularly wash your hands, cough into your elbow, etc.
- Stop abusing alcohol
- Avoid breathing polluted air as much as possible.
Natural Remedies
Garlic
Garlic is one of the most effective natural antibiotics, antifungal, and antiviral remedy that is known to be as effective as medications.
Research has shown that garlic contains compounds such as allicin which strengthens immunity and acts as a natural antibiotic. It is also effective for airways infections such as bronchitis, sinus infections, etc.
You can swallow chopped pcs (2-3) of the garlic cloves, add it to soups or teas or take it as a supplement in a capsule.
Ginger
This herb/spice is useful in reducing chest pain and coughing attacks with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
You can have it as ginger tea but remember to take it warm, chew about an inch of it when you feel discomfort, or add it to soups. It will be good if you can include ginger in your daily diet to help soothe your symptoms
Honey
Honey is effective in soothing coughs, boosting immunity, and acting as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agent. Research has shown that it is actually a better cough suppressant than most OTC drugs.
Have 1-2 tablespoons of honey twice a day and do not eat anything for the next 30 minutes-1 hour.
Warm teas and foods
Staying hydrated beyond just taking water is important when we are sick, especially during pneumonia. Warm soups, teas, and other foods help in loosening the mucus that is making breathing difficult.
Stay away from foods that dehydrate the body such as alcohol, caffeine, etc. To ease breathing, you can try humidifiers. They make things easier sometimes.
Essential Oils
Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and ginger oil are some of the most common oils used for pneumonia and breathing-related ailments. This is because these oils are very effective in clearing and soothing the airways and reducing inflammation.
You can rub them on your chest, neck, below your nose, some drops on your pillow, etc. Any place that will make it easy to breathe them in.
Steam Inhalation for congestion
Steam inhalation is a common remedy for ailments such as asthma, pneumonia, colds, cough, etc. It often becomes necessary when breathing becomes difficult or when the airways are dry and irritated.
Simply add 2-3 drops of the essential oils listed above in a bowl of steaming boiled water. cover yourself with a heavy cloth/blanket and bend over the bowl. Maintain this position for 5-10 minutes or until the water has cooled
turmeric
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory remedy. Since the lungs are inflamed during pneumonia. It becomes necessary that turmeric is included in your management plan. It also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that relieve chest pain.
Simply add it to your tea, add it to soups, or add it to honey and take a tablespoon of the mixture in a day.
conclusion
When fighting pneumonia, remember to have adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, avoid cold foods and drinks, keep warm and avoid cold temperatures, and maintain a healthy diet. It usually clears up in a week or two. If it persists afterward, see a doctor ASAP.
The recommended remedies are very effective for clearing the airways, boosting immunity, clearing the infection, and stopping the inflammation.
I wish you the best. Bye for now.
