Home Remedies and Herbs for Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation to the lungs’ air sacs. It can affect one or both lungs. Pneumonia affects differently people differently. For some, it can be a mild case with a quick recovery. For others—especially those with weak immune systems—pneumonia can be potentially fatal. For infants and older adults, pneumonia can cause severe complications, and many people suffer from recurring bouts of pneumonia.^1,2,3

What Causes Pneumonia?

Pneumonia can have multiple causes, depending on the case. In general, pneumonia is caused by germs—airborne bacteria or viruses that get inhaled and infect the lungs. Normally, the immune system works to fight off these germs and prevent them from infecting your lungs. However, sometimes these germs can become too strong and cause an infection.¹

Pneumonia can be caused by any of the following types of germs:

• Bacteria—Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Micro-organisms—Mycoplasma pneumoniae
• Viruses
• Fungi

Pneumonia can also be considered either community-acquired or hospital-acquired. Community-acquired pneumonia is common and happens when you contract germs outside of hospital facilities. Hospital-acquired pneumonia is less common and happens when you contract germs inside a hospital.¹

Certain factors also put people at greater risk of developing pneumonia, including:

• Smoking
• Respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma
• Having been recently hospitalized
• Having immune system conditions like HIV/AIDS

Pneumonia Symptoms

Common pneumonia symptoms include:

• Chest pain and trouble breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Cough and phlegm
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat
• Feeling unwell
• Chills and sweating

Other possible, but less common pneumonia symptoms may include:

• Body aches
• Wheezing
• Feeling confused or disoriented (in elderly people)
• Headaches
• Coughing up blood

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Pneumonia

Certain natural remedies can treat pneumonia symptoms and help heal the infection sooner. Natural remedies for pneumonia include:

• Carrageen Moss - Carrageen moss is a natural remedy used to help dry up fluid in the lungs and improve breathing in people with pneumonia.
• Garlic and Milk - Garlic and milk is a traditional home remedy for clearing up pneumonia infections and improving breathing.
• Cayenne Pepper and Water - Taking cayenne pepper with water can help to boost the immune system and fight against bacteria causing pneumonia.
• Cinchona - Cinchona is a South American herbal remedy traditionally used to treat respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia.
• Osha - Osha is a natural remedy for helping to clear pneumonia infections by increasing circulation, which helps to improve breathing.

References

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pneumonia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354204
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pneumonia/
3. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/pneumonia