NATURAL REMEDIES FOR PNEUMONIA

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lung that is typically caused by infection--bacterial, viral or fungal. The most common form of the disease is largely bacterial in nature, although pneumonia is sometimes caused by a virus (viral pneumonia). Symptoms include inflamed and painful lungs and chest, breathing difficulties, severe cold and flu-like symptoms, swollen glands, fever and significant-to-severe mucous build-up. The disease can last for as little as 1 month and progress for as long a year or more. Pneumonia is commonly treated with antibiotics, but in some cases, mainly viral, the disease can fail to respond to antibiotic treatment. There are several natural and herbal remedies available to treat pneumonia. A 3-month treatment program is recommended. Read more for help.

Instructions

1. Diet and Nutrition

   • 1
     Remove excessive amounts of animal protein from your diet. During a bout with pneumonia, it is important to get as much protein from vegetable sources as possible. Excessive amounts of animal protein can be hard on your digestive system, especially if you are sick. When you are ill, it is important to keep yourself regular and allow whole foods to work quickly so your body can absorb their nutrients and fight the infection. A healthy amount of protein can be found in vegetables such as beets, artichokes, spinach, cauliflower, peas, eggplant and potatoes.
   • 2
     Mince 4 to 6 garlic gloves and 1/2 onion. Add 8 to 10 oz. of water and 2 tsp. of honey. Blend well and drink 30 minutes before you eat your first meal. This mixture will help open your bronchial passages so you can stay comfortable during the day. Drink this mixture throughout the day if you feel unusually congested.
   • 3
     Drink a 12 to 14 oz. glass of cranberry/apple juice with breakfast. This will add antioxidants to your system. Do not eat any solid foods for breakfast, except for a small bowl of yogurt or kefir.
   • 4
     Drink a potassium broth with lunch. Making a potassium broth is simple. It can be done by juicing 2 large carrots, 2 stalks of celery, 4 cloves of garlic, 2 radishes and a few pinches of parsley. If you don't have a juicer, drink 10 to 12 oz. of low-sodium vegetable juice. V-8 Juice is among the top brands. It is important to get as much potassium as possible during a bout with pneumonia. Potassium helps repair damaged tissue in the lungs. Do not drink a potassium broth if you have heart disease; potassium helps to regulate your heart function and too much can be dangerous. Consult your health care provider before drinking a potassium broth.
   • 5
     Drink a 12-ounce glass of carrot juice with dinner. Add 1 tbsp. of cayenne pepper. Carrot juice will help heal the lungs, and add antioxidants to your damaged tissue. Carrot juice, aside from being a wonderful source of vitamin A, is also rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B complex. Cayenne will increase the effectiveness of the carrot juice. It also helps in repairing tissues in the lungs.
   • 6
     Drink 1 or 2 cups of olive leaf extract tea before bed. Olive leaf extract acts as a natural antibiotic and will help your body fight your infection by attacking the pneumonia, while keeping the rest of your immune system healthy. Olive leaf extract is sold in tea form at health food stores. It is also available in capsules, powder and as a liquid elixir, if you wish to take it in a form other than tea.

   Body Care

   • 7
     Relax in an oxygen bath at least once a day. An oxygen bath consists of adding 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of sea salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda to a hot bath. Sit for at least 15 to 30 minutes. An oxygen bath will help you breathe while it oxidizes the toxins and mucous built up in your lungs so they can be released through your pores, nose and urine.
   • 8
     Apply a mustard plaster to your chest twice a week. A mustard plaster is made by mixing 2 tbsp. of mustard powder, 2 eggs, 6 tbsp. of wheat flower and a cup of water into paste. Apply liberally to your chest and let it sit for 20 minutes, or until you skin flushes to a light pink color. This mixture will held bring the toxins in your lungs to the surface so they can escape through your pores. Do not use the mustard plaster if you have any allegies to mustard, egg or wheat.
   • 9
     Sit in a hot sauna or steam bath for 20 minutes at least once a week. If a sauna or steam room is not available, simply add 10 to 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to a hot bath. Breathe in the steam slowly and allow the oils to open your pores so toxins may be release through your skin.
   • 10
     Perform a nasal/mucous treatment at least once a day or as needed: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus oil. Place a bath towel over your head and breath in the steam from the water. Do this until the water is room temperature or the steam subsides.