Pneumonia is a severe infection in the lungs that can happen due to viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and other types of microorganisms. Home remedies are useful to treat pneumonia. Although you can review the treatment options before taking any prescribed medications; you could try the herbal treatment.
In the year 2012, 345 people out of 100,000 suffered from pneumonia; either it was one episode or more episodes. In 2018, 257,000 people were reported to have visited emergency departments due to pneumonia. And 68.9% adults (aged 65 & above) had received a vaccination i.e. pneumococcal.
Herbs for pneumonia(1) help in improving the functioning of the immune system, which usually possesses antimicrobial action.
Herbs for Pneumonia
1. Peppermint
Natural care products usually consist of peppermint oil, which is useful for respiratory conditions. Peppermint is the perfect source of menthol. When you inhale the peppermint, it helps in alleviating irritation and expelling mucus. Research states that when a healthy person starts using peppermint oil, it helps in relaxing the windpipe muscles, known as the bronchial muscles.
It can also explain why oil is capable of easing breathing in people who are suffering from cough. This will also help in alleviating irritation and expelling mucus because it has proved itself as an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and painkiller. It is the best herb for pneumonia.
You can take it in different forms such as capsules, oil, tea, etc. For using peppermint essential oil, you need to dilute it in boiling water and inhale the steam. Add that oil to a diffuser and use it in a blend of tropical oils.
Using peppermint essential oil may not be advisable in children younger than 8 or people who are pregnant. In case you want to take it through tea, then wash and chop the fresh mint leaves. Place the chopped mint leaves in a teapot or cup. Fill the teapot or mug with boiling water and steep for around five minutes. After that, strain it and serve with milk, honey, or lemon.
Usage of peppermint essential oil is not advisable for pregnant women or for children who are younger than eight years of age. For adults, the dose of peppermint oil is 0.2ml to 0.4ml times per day whereas children who are age 8 and above should take 0.1ml to 0.2ml of peppermint oil three times a day.
2. Ginger
Ginger consists of analgesic, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it useful to reduce the pain. It can treat pneumonia naturally because ginger fights infectious microbes, which are responsible for pneumonia. Ginger(2) helps to reduce the pain in the chest, which is one of the significant symptoms of the infection. Ginger extract can reduce Gastroparesis and nosocomial pneumonia.
You may take the ginger in raw form, or consume ginger tea or water. Bagged and loose ginger teas readily available. You may go for raw ginger for preparing your ginger tea. For making ginger tea, you need to chop or grate a few fresh ginger pieces and add it to the boiling water pot. Now, reduce the flame and simmer it for around 20 minutes. Strain the ginger water. You can also serve it with lemon and honey.
You can consume ginger water and ginger tea twice or thrice in a day. Or you can have it as much as you would like.
[ Read: How to Treat Pneumonia? Natural Remedies to Consider ]
3. Turmeric
Curcumin is a natural phytochemical, which is present in turmeric. The rhizome’s ground powder of Curcuma is long known to have anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are useful to treat arthritis, cancer, liver and digestive abnormalities, and infection in respiratory. Because of the turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties, it can help in getting relief from pain. Turmeric also incorporates anti-microbial properties.
You can consume turmeric in numerous ways. Turmeric tea is readily available. However, you can also prepare your turmeric tea by using turmeric powder. For making the turmeric tea, put one tablespoon of turmeric powder in the boiling water. Decrease the flame and let it boil for around 10 minutes. Strain the turmeric water and serve it with both lemon and honey. For increased absorption, you may add a pinch of black pepper.
Moreover, you can take turmeric with milk. Add turmeric powder in a hot glass of milk and consume it daily to reduce the effect of pneumonia.
You can drink turmeric tea as much as you like. You can have it at frequent intervals. The best thing about turmeric is that it has no side effects whatsoever.
In case your body shows severe symptoms of pneumonia, you need to seek medical help instantly. If left untreated, it may turn into a life-threatening condition. Usually, it takes around 6-7 months to recover from pneumonia.
If it gets diagnosed at the initial stage, it is essential to pace yourself and give time to your body to get healed. Thus, you can use the herbs for pneumonia as soon as you observe its symptoms. Also, eating the right kind of foods, and taking plenty of rest is key to a healthy life.
FAQs
1. What are the different stages of pneumonia?
People suffer from a variety of Pneumonia. It includes Aspiration Pneumonia, Atypical Pneumonia, Bacterial Pneumonia, Bronchial Pneumonia, Community-acquired Pneumonia, Hospital-acquired Pneumonia, Mycoplasmal Pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP), Viral Pneumonia, etc. There are different stages of pneumonia; however, it can get treated if the proper medication is given at a proper time.
2. How to diagnose pneumonia?
Doctors will first ask you about your medical history and will do a physical examination. A doctor can recommend a few tests, such as a blood test, chest X-ray, pulse oximetry, sputum test. If the doctor finds serious health issues or symptoms, he may recommend a CT scan and Pleural fluid culture.
3. Is pneumonia contagious?
Pneumonia is tissue inflammation in one or both the lungs. It usually happens due to an infection, and the most common source is viruses and bacteria. Both are contagious. The germs transmitted through the air. It can also be easily passed on through sneezing and coughing.
4. Is Thyme good for pneumonia?
Thyme is a herb that is antibacterial, antifungal and spasmolytic, so it helps fight bronchitis and to quells a spasmodic cough. Thus, Herbalists suggest thyme and thyme preparations for relieving respiratory disorders and bronchitis.
