10 Simple Home Remedies for Dealing with Pneumonia

When bacteria, fungus, or other infectious substances work their way through your system, your body can usually stop these organisms from reaching your lungs, but if they are able to overpower your immune system, you could end up with pneumonia.

Pneumonia is a type of respiratory problem that typically occurs as the result of a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. The symptoms and the severity of pneumonia can vary. In some cases, the symptoms are mild and the issue is easily treatable; though, it can also be potentially fatal in some situations, particularly if the patient is a young child, over the age of 65, or has a weakened immune system.

If you suspect that you have pneumonia, you should schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible, or visit the hospital if you are at risk of severe pneumonia. While you should always follow the advice of your doctor, in mild cases of pneumonia, you may be able to treat the problem on your own – without the use of medications.

When you have pneumonia, the most commonly experienced symptoms include coughing, fever, shortness of breath, and chills. You may also notice a loss of appetite, sweating, headaches, nausea, chest pain, and vomiting. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing or severe chest pain, you should visit your doctor or the hospital as soon as you can.

Learn how to deal with pneumonia by using these 10 simple home remedies.

Drink Vegetable Juice

Drinking fresh vegetable juice can help strengthen your immune system and detox your body. Look for vegetables that contain a lot of phosphorus and antioxidants, such as spinach, kale, and various dark, leafy greens. Combine a selection of vegetables in a juicer or blender to make a healthy smoothie. If you want a little more flavor, you could add some fruit to the mix.

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds contain mucolytic properties that are useful for breaking up mucus and congestion. It could also help induce sweating and even reduce your fever while removing toxins from your body.

You can make your own fenugreek seed tea by boiling a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in two cups of water. Boil for ten minutes and then strain. Drink this on a daily basis.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are a natural expectorant and can help expel phlegm from your lungs. Add a tablespoon of sesame seeds to a cup of water. Boil this mixture, while adding one tablespoon of flaxseed. Strain the mixture and add a teaspoon of honey. Allow the drink to cool and consume. Drink this once per day to help get rid of some of your phlegm.

Steam Therapy

Steam therapy is always a useful method for relieving congestion and coughing. Boil water in a pot, adding several drops of essential oils. Breath in the steam from the pot. Another option is to take a hot shower, breathing in the steam from the shower.

Turpentine Oil

Turpentine oil can be used to relieve pain, including the pain related to pneumonia. Add a small amount of turpentine oil to your rib cage and massage into your skin. This should help relieve pain from your chest and possibly relieve some congestion.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a very powerful spice that is a staple of Indian cuisine. It contains strong compounds that can help expel mucus from your lungs and the rest of your respiratory system. It also provides antibacterial compounds that may help fight infections.

Add a small amount of turmeric powder to some mustard oil to create a paste. Rub the mixture on your chest. Another option is to add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk.

Basil and Black Pepper

Basil and black pepper are both good for your lungs and helpful in the treatment of pneumonia. To combine basil and black pepper into a home remedy for fighting pneumonia, extract the juice from five basil leaves and add a pinch of black pepper. Consume this mixture every six hours.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that can thin your mucus in your lungs and clear congestions so that your body can attack the infection. Add a few drops of oregano oil to a glass of water and drink several times per day.

Garlic

Garlic contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that could help fight the infection in your lungs. It can attack bacteria, fungus, and viruses. Eating garlic may also be able to lower your body temperature and help clear phlegm out of your chest and lungs.

You can add garlic to a variety of meals or try this recipe. Mix four cups of water with one cup of milk. Add a ½ teaspoon of crushed garlic to the mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil until the liquid has reduced to one-fourth of its original size. Remove from heat and allow to cool until warm.

Drinks this mixture three times per day, until you notice some relief from your pneumonia symptoms.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin that is used in many pain relievers, such as capsaicin cream. Consuming cayenne pepper can help clear mucus, relieving congestion in your respiratory system which will increase your body’s ability to fight the infection. If you do not feel like eating a cayenne pepper, add a dash of cayenne pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice to eight ounces of water.

These home remedies could help alleviate the symptoms of pneumonia; though, you should continue to follow any treatment prescribed by your doctor. Along with the treatment you choose and your doctor recommends, you should get plenty of rest and keep yourself hydrated.

If your symptoms do not go away or if your pneumonia persists for weeks, you should schedule another visit to your doctor. In most cases, you should be able to experience some level of relief from your symptoms, by combining these home remedies with the treatments suggested by your doctor.