Pneumonia is a condition characterized by lung inflammation and is caused by bacterial, fungal or viral infections.Difficulty in breathing, inflammation in chest and lungs and pain are common symptoms of pneumonia. Antibiotics are the first line of treatment adopted by most doctors.
However, in certain cases (especially of viral pneumonia) antibiotics often do not respond. In such cases, people can switch over to natural herbal remedies for treatment of pneumonia that have shown good results. Here are some of the best herbal remedies for pneumonia.
Herbal Remedies For Pneumonia
This herb is quite popular among herbalists as a treatment for pneumonia. It reduces the inflammation in the lungs’ pleural membranes and promotes secretion of healthy lung fluids.
It stimulates the lymphatic system. It is efficient in treating many other health conditions such as pleurisy, influenza, bronchitis, cough, etc. apart from pneumonia. Hence, it also helps in treating conditions that may arise in people who have had pneumonia in the past.
This particular herb has amazing immune-boosting properties and hence guards a person against frequent bouts of infections like flu, cold, fever, cough, etc. It promotes phagocytosis in which the white blood cells destroy the bacteria and virus causing diseases. It increases properdin levels in the body and hence improves defense mechanisms.
It is well known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Both these properties come in handy in preventing and treating diseases like pneumonia. It promotes healthy immune system function by increasing immune cells.
It acts in a similar manner to another immune-boosting herb echinacea but can be taken on a daily basis unlike the latter herb. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in preventing frequent flu and colds in people with weak immune system. It also prevents in edema in people with pneumonia.
The antibiotic properties of garlic are well known. The best thing about garlic as an antibiotic, unlike conventional antibiotics, is that it does not attack the good bacteria needed by the body for various other purposes (like digestion) and limits itself to bad germs.
Ginger is extremely beneficial in treating a good number of respiratory diseases and pneumonia is one among them. Shogaol, gingerols and zingerone are the active agents in ginger that account for its pain relieving properties.
Hence, it helps in alleviating the pain caused by pneumonia. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduces inflammation in lungs. It also boosts the immune system that is essential for warding off infections and diseases like pneumonia.
The component curcumin in turmeric is attributed with numerous health benefits. It acts as a tonic for your lungs. When used along with other lung-benefiting herbs such as black pepper, fenugreek, ginger, etc. turmeric’s benefits become manifold. You can add turmeric to your curries or can have it uncooked by mixing it to glass of hot milk.
It is often used alongside other antibiotic herbs such as yellow dock root, goldenseal, oregon grape and barberry. However, no one should include skullcap in the treatment regime without prior consultation with the doctor. It has strong antimicrobial action and inhibits viruses causing flu and fungi causing pneumonia.
Basil has numerous medicinal properties and cures a good number of diseases including pneumonia. You can prepare a basil and black pepper concoction for treatment of pneumonia. Just add black pepper to juice extracted from basil or tea prepared from fresh basil leaves. Take this mixture daily in an interval of 6 hours.