Pneumonia, inflammation of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and other microorganisms. Some major symptoms of pneumonia include fever and cough, diarrhea, vomiting, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, tiredness and feeling cold. In most cases, it occurs as a mild condition and clears up in two to three weeks. However, pneumonia can cause long-term lung damage and even turn deadly, if not dealt with in time. According to a research conducted by W.H.O., every year, around the world, over a million children below five years of age die from pneumonia. Modern medicine has reduced the incidences of deaths related to pneumonia, adults older than 65 and children younger than 3 months should go to the hospital regardless. It is always advisable to seek medical advice, though it can also be treated at home. If the symptoms are not severe, you can try some home remedies for pneumonia that can help you recover faster.
Garlic
Garlic is a natural antibiotic, it is considered as one of the tremendous home cures for the problem of pneumonia. Take 2 to 4 garlic cloves and heat them. After heating, crush them and apply on the chest to ease the pain experienced. You can also eat few raw garlic cloves every day. Chew them, if you can. If you didn’t like the taste of garlic, you can also have it in the form of sweet and sour chutney. Take some garlic cloves, crush them and extract their juice by pressing them. Mix equal quantities of honey and lemon juice with this garlic juice. Take two to three teaspoons of this, three or four times a day.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an excellent home remedy when used in the early stages of the pneumonia. Fenugreek seeds have excellent mucolytic properties, that is, it helps break up congestion. Furthermore, fenugreek helps remove toxins from the body through perspiration. Make fenugreek tea by boiling one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in 500 ml or about two cups of water, add four or five drops of lemon juice to the fenugreek tea for improving the taste. Massaging chest area with fenugreek seed oil can also provide the desired results.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is another way to control the infections during pneumonia in an efficient manner. Cayenne pepper is full of antimicrobial properties, making it excellent for treating infectious diseases. Cayenne pepper is also a good source of beta-carotene, which helps in the healthy development of mucus membranes. Fill a jug with 250ml of water, add 1 tsp of lemon juice and sprinkle a little cayenne pepper. Drink the water, at least, 4 to 5 times every day.
Turmeric
Turmeric has a few medicinal properties and is extensively used in treating many diseases like pneumonia. It works as an anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-viral as well as anti-bacterial treatment. Mix one-half teaspoon of turmeric and one-quarter teaspoon of black pepper powder in a glass of warm water. Drink it once a day.
Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are also helpful in treating pneumonia. Add 15 grams of sesame seeds in 250 ml water. Add a pinch of common salt, a teaspoon of linseed, and a tablespoon of honey in this mixture. Regular consumption of this mixture can reduce the phlegm resulting from pneumonia.
Turpentine Oil
Turpentine oil is strong resinous oil obtained from the pine tree. It is an excellent home remedy which helps in easing the intolerable chest pain caused due to the pneumonia. This home remedy has to be used externally, mix some camphor with warm turpentine oil and apply it on the chest. Gently massage the oil on the skin. After that cover the area with a warm cotton or wool cloth.
Ginger
Ginger is really a well-known remedy for treating the majority of the respiratory diseases. It can fight not only pneumonia, but also other lung infections. Take 10 ml juice of the fresh ginger, or one or two grams dried ginger powder along with honey two times daily. You can also drink ginger tea to relieve symptoms. How To make ginger tea:
