Pneumonia is life-threatening respiratory diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. These infections fill the inflamed air sacs in the lungs with fluids or pus. It can cause respiratory distresses and disrupt the circulation of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The condition can, in turn, damage other organs in the body due to disrupted oxygen supply.
According to the American Thoracic Society, around 120 million children under the age group of 5 suffer from episodes of pneumonia every year. Approximately over 10% of them, i.e., 14 million, progress into severe conditions. In 2016 nearly 880,000 deaths in children below the age of five were recorded(1).
Pneumonia is a serious condition, and treatment is highly essential to treat the condition. Ignoring it may damage the lungs, which can also be fatal. Natural or home remedies play a vital role in enriching the immune system and also lung function. It can help in augmenting the treating and healing the body within. Below listed are a few such remedies to treat pneumonia:
Facts
Studies state that in 2011, Pneumonia ranked under the top ten most expensive medical condition.
Home Remedies for Pneumonia
1. Turmeric or Ginger Tea
Turmeric and ginger tea effectively help alleviate many sinuses and throat related conditions. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of these two substances can help in alleviating inflammation and also may also prevent the spread of the infection. These also help in removing excess mucus that may be filled in the lungs or respiratory tract.
Prepare a cup of hot turmeric or ginger tea and consume it on an empty stomach.
How to make it?
- Take freshly grated ginger or turmeric powder
- Add either one of them to boiling water
- Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes
Drink this tea once or twice a day regularly until the symptoms are eased.
Consuming fresh ginger or turmeric roots is also of great help.
2. Saltwater
Saltwater gargle is one of the best ways to get quick relief. Mucus, pus, or fluids in the respiratory tract can make breathing difficult and can stir irritation and cough. Salinity in the saltwater helps in eliminating any infectious germs, dead cells, and also fluids that are blocking the respiratory tract.
- Add around half a tablespoon of salt into a glass of lukewarm water.
- Stir well until the salt dissolves.
- Gargle the solution and spit it out.
Repeat the procedure at least twice-thrice in a day to ease breathing and irritation. Prepare a new solution every time you gargle with saltwater.
3. Caffeine
Drinking caffeinated tea has various benefits. Drinking hot coffee not only refreshes your mind but also clears up the airways in the lungs. Caffeine and theophylline drugs share similar properties; both help ease troublesome breathing.
- Prepare a cup of coffee or tea and consume it early in the morning.
- Even better! Drink black coffee, green tea, or herbal tea.
Caffeine effects last for nearly four hours. Consider consuming caffeine once or twice in a day.
4. Hydration
When a person is suffering from pneumonia, the body has to be hydrated with electrolytes and liquids to prevent excessive dehydration. It also helps in reducing inflammation and lung burns.
- Frequently consume fruits rich in antioxidants and liquid content such as kiwi, oranges, watermelon, muskmelon, etc.
- Consuming electrolytes or fruit juices can be more productive.
A glass of water or juice, when thirsty or in every 30 minutes, also does wonders.
5. Fenugreek Tea
It is widely used to treat pneumonia and many other diseases related to skin and appetite. Fenugreek herb is rich in fiber, protein, magnesium, and manganese, which helps in treating symptoms of pneumonia and strengthens the immune system.
How to make it?
- Boil the water to the desired temperature in a teapot
- Add a teaspoon of fenugreek tea into the boiling water
- Cover it for at least 3 minutes and strain it into a cup.
- You can add honey to flavor the tea
Consume this tea twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening.
6. Bath
Taking a shower in the lukewarm water or cleaning the body with a towel dipped in hot water also helps in decreasing the temperature of the body. It also helps in reducing the high fever caused by pneumonia.
- Relax in a lukewarm water tub for 10-15 minutes.
- Else, dip a towel or cloth in the lukewarm water and apply it on the face or chest. Once the towel cools down, remove and dip again in lukewarm water. Apply a wet towel or cloth until the body cools down. You can practice this for three to five times a day.
Take a lukewarm shower once in 2 days. It is the most effective home remedy for pneumonia that will instantly ease your suffering.
7. Warm Liquids
Warm beverages such as soups, teas, or coffee play a vital role in alleviating clearing up the respiratory distress. It also helps in treating associated symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, fatigue, and chest pain. (we can include an article that talks about teas or soups or any liquids that improve the respiratory system).
- Drink warm water with a tablespoon of honey early in the morning.
- Drink a cup of black or green tea at snack time.
- Add a small crushed slice of ginger to boiling water when you add the tea leaves. Strain it to a cup after 3 minutes and drink.
Twice a day is preferable if it’s tea or coffee. Warm liquids also relieve you from pain instantly and make you feel better.
[Read: Popular Herbs for Pneumonia]
8. Herbal Teas
Herbal teas can help fight against the world of diseases such as pneumonia, allergies, and various respiratory problems. These teas also relieve breathing problems and ease several symptoms associated with it.
Herbal infusion eventually boosts your immune system; there are several herbal teas popularly known as a cure for pneumonia. Below listed are a few:
- Elderflower tea
- Echinacea tea
- Eucalyptus tea
- Goldenseal tea
- Linden tea
- Lemon peel tea
- Marshmallow tea
- Peppermint tea
- Thyme tea
- Lavender tea
- Milk thistle tea
Wake up, lay back, and enjoy a cup of hot herbal tea every morning. This home remedy for pneumonia also helps you relax and loosen up the congestion in the respiratory tract. A little dosage of herbal tea every morning will strengthen your immune system and help fight pneumonia more effectively.
Bottom Line:
Pneumonia is a standard air-borne illness affecting nearly 450 million people every year across the world. Germs that cause pneumonia are commonly present in our surroundings, which makes us more prone to the attack.
Practicing lifestyle habits such as giving yourself enough time to sleep, having a healthy diet rich in nutrition, and living in a healthy environment might reduce the risk of catching pneumonia. Pneumonia is a severe inflammatory disorder that needs medical assistance for complete recovery. However, you can ease the situation with the blend of home remedies for pneumonia and medicinal treatments.
FAQs
1. Is There Any Vaccination for Pneumonia?
According to the American Thoracic Society, there are quite a few effective vaccines available for some causes of pneumonia. The influenza vaccine and pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines are effective for people of all ages.
2. How Can You Treat Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a severe condition that requires medical assistance. Generally, doctors treat pneumonia with anti-inflammatory medicines, antibiotics, and penicillin antibiotics. Treatments for pneumonia also include various therapies such as oral rehydration therapy, IV fluids, and oxygen therapy.
