Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by the bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and other small organisms. It leads to fever, pain in the chest, inflammation of the lungs and difficulty in breathing. This problem is diagnosed with the help of X-rays and sputum examination.
The prevention of this disease is possible with the help of vaccines but if the pneumonia is caused by the bacteria then it has to be treated with the help of antibiotics. Herbal remedies can also be used for the treatment of the pneumonia.
Herbal Remedies For Pneumonia
Astragalus
This herb is used in several medicinal preparations and Astragalus is a botanical generic name and the English common name for the Chinese herb known as Huang-Qi. This herb helps to fight with the viral infections that leads to pneumonia. Astragalus contains astragalosides and other immunostimulant, polysaccharides, beta-sitosterol, flavonoids and selenium.
You can take this herb in the form of tea, powdered extract or capsules. The powder form of this herb can be sprinkled on the food or shake as it is sweet in taste. It is a non-toxic herb but it should not be taken if you are taking warfarin or other high blood pressure medicines.
Echinacea
The main constituents of this herb are humulene and caryophylene, glycoside, polysaccharide, polyacetylenes, resin, betaine, inulin, and sesquiterpene. They help to fight with the herpes simplex viruses and candida albicans that leads to pneumonia.
It is recommended to take this herb in the form of tinctures or capsules. The tea is not advised as it tastes bad but can be used for external applications in compresses.
Pleurisy Root
Pleurisy root is an orange flowered herb that is used for the treatment of bronchitis’s and pneumonia. This herb has antispasmodic, diaphoretic and expectorant properties and it is a very good vasodilator that helps to increase the volume of the lungs. It contains glycosides including asclepiadin, cardiac Glyco-sides and small amount of volatile oils.
It is acidic in nature so it is recommended to use it in the form of tea and extract. The encapsulated form of this herb is rarely used. However the use of this herb is not recommended for pregnant and nursing mothers as it contains alkaloids which are toxic to livestock.
Wild Cherry
The bark of this herb is used for the treatment of bronchitis’s and pneumonia. The wild cherry belongs to the rose family and it has got sweet, bitter, astringent properties which help to heal the problem of pneumonia. It contains acetylcholine, kaempferol, p-coumaric acid, prunasin, quercetin, scopoletin and tannins.
The p-coumaric acid should be in lesser quantity in the medicinal preparations as low in between 0.07% to 0.16 and if more than this percentage is used then it can be hazardous. It should be taken by making an infusion by adding one tablespoon of powdered bark to one cup of hot water. You can take this infusion thrice a day. It is also available in the form of syrup and that can be taken one tablespoon twice a day.
Bloodroot
The herb blood root is named after noticing the color of the reddish roots which secretes red juice. The roots contain phytochemical sanguinarine.
It has antispasmodic, expectorant, diuretic properties and acts as a stimulant for the mucous membrane secretion. This herb is poisonous in nature and it is not advised for internal use. You can apply this herb on the chest in the form of tincture or salves.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
