Pneumonia is an inflammation in the tiny alveolar sacs of the lungs, where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. The first signs of classic pneumonia are a painful, dry cough, intense fatigue and a high fever. The person will typically feel very sick. Since each breath is painful, breathing becomes labored and shallow. As the infection continues, the lungs fill with mucus and the cough loosens, causing the coughing-up of rust-colored mucus.
There are several different types of pneumonia, many of which are less intense. Pneumonia will go unnoticed for weeks if it develops slowly and without fever. Since there are many causes for a cough and breathlessness, an X-ray is usually necessary. Pneumonia can be life-threatening and should be closely monitored by a professional.
The classic type of pneumonia, lobar pneumonia, is caused by a pneumococcal bacteria, which reaches the lungs through the airways, affecting one of the five lung lobes.
Bronchiopneumonia is an infection which arises from a bronchitis, and is caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses that cause colds and flus. The type which produces the fewest symptoms is called an interstitial pneumonia and is usually viral in origin. Most pneumonias are infectious, spread by inhaling infected droplets from a cough, yet most people will not catch pneumonia. Some people carry the pneumococcal bacteria in their lungs without ever becoming ill. Pneumonias tend to strike those with a poor resistance to disease, especially if the lungs are not well supplied with fresh air and blood.
People already ill and confined to their beds are most susceptible. Other people at high risk because of poor resistance are those with HIV and those who drink heavily or who take strong medications. The elderly and infants are particularly prone. Heavy smokers and those with long-term respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis, are also more likely to catch pneumonia. Irritating substances such as chlorine can also cause inflammation. A pulmonary embolism or a tumor may also be the source of pneumonia.
Eat plenty of yellow vegetables for vitamin A, which supports the health of respiratory passages. Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and leafy green vegetables, promotes the healing of infection. Drink plenty of water and juices to replace fluid lost during fever and to thin lung secretions. Fresh fruits and vegetables also provide enzymes, which help build a strong immune system. Dairy products produce mucus and should be avoided. Eat whole grains and sprinkle wheat germ on your morning cereal to ensure adequate vitamins B and E. These are often deficient, leaving the body susceptible to disease.
Vitamin C taken with bioflavonoids, which help the body absorb it, is the most important supplement to help fight an infectious pneumonia. High dosages of vitamin C to bowel tolerance are recommended (For more information, see Section 6, Nutritional Supplements). Vitamin A is also recommended, as it promotes healing of the lung tissue and reduces the duration of illness. Deficient in some lung diseases, the antioxidant vitamin E prevents free-radical damage at the cellular level.
Since deficiencies of vitamin B are common in pneumonia, a B complex should also be added. If antibiotics are taken, an acidophilus combination should be supplemented to replenish healthy intestinal bacteria destroyed by antibiotics. These natural intestinal bacteria are important for the normal intestinal balance and for overall health. Zinc fortifies the immune system and also helps the body maintain adequate amounts of vitamin E, which does not stay in the body for long on its own.
Daily dosages:
Most Important
Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg every few hours
Vitamin A, 25,000 IU (avoid during pregnancy)
Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols,
400-800 IU twice daily
Vitamin B complex, 100 mg
Zinc, 30 mg, with 3 mg copper
Helpful
Acidophilus combination, 3 capsules or 1 tsp.
Herbal remedies for pneumonia focus on eliminating toxins from the body and boosting the immune system to speed healing.
At the beginning of pneumonia, drink elderflower tea to encourage sweating. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over a mix of 1 tsp. of elderflower and 1 tsp. lindenflower. Steep for ten minutes and drink 1-2 cups three times daily. Take a hot shower immediately afterward and go to bed.
To boost the immune system, take 10 drops of echinacea extract in liquid three times daily for a week.
Prepare an antibiotic horseradish syrup by adding 1 tsp. of honey to 1/2 cup of horseradish juice. Honey increases the medicinal effect of any remedy. Cook with a little bit of water and strain to provide a strong medicinal mixture, which can be added to herbal teas.
Nasturtium has antibiotic and fever-reducing properties. Sprinkle some petals on a salad several times a day.
Combine equal parts of fresh or dried plantain and thyme. Bring to boil 1 cup of water with 1 slice of lemon and 1 tsp. of demerrara sugar. Remove from the stove and add the herb mix. Steep for half a minute, strain and sip tea as hot as possible. In the acute stage of pneumonia, prepare and drink this tea hourly.
Equal parts of lungwort, plantain and marsh mallow is an excellent combination for pneumonia. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of this mix; steep for ten minutes; strain and sip slowly three times daily. Prepare fresh each time.
The silica in horsetail helps to strengthen and rebuild lung tissue. Take 15-25 drops of horsetail tincture or 3-4 capsules of vegetal silica aqueous extract three times daily.
Steam inhalation with eucalyptus, camomile or peppermint will soothe and heal the affected lung tissue. Add 10 drops of tincture of each to a bowl of hot water. Inhale for fifteen minutes.
Constitutional treatment is recommended during and after a bout of pneumonia to boost the immune system. The sample of remedies below should be used in mild cases of viral pneumonia. If no improvement occurs within twenty-four hours, see a physician. Take every two hours for up to ten doses.
Use Aconite, 30c, for sudden onset of pneumonia, especially in cold and dry weather. Chest pains, fever, anxiety and fear of dying are present.
Take Bryonia, 30c, for sharp chest pains aggravated by the slightest movement but relieved by lying on the affected side.
Take Phosphorus, 6c, when weakness and trembling occurs and the extremities feel nervous and numb. There is coughing and rust-colored sputum. The symptoms are made worse by lying on the left side.
For children:
If pneumonia is suspected in children, see a physician within two hours, especially if the child has difficulty breathing or turns blue around the lips or tongue. Give one of the following remedies every five minutes for up to ten doses or until help arrives.
Give Belladonna, 30c, for stabbing pains around the rib cage, aggravated by inhaling. A high fever, wide, staring eyes, and delirium are present.
Use Bryonia, 30c, for pain which occurs when inhaling. Pain is aggravated by the slightest movement but relieved by lying down on the painful side. Thirst is felt at infrequent intervals.
Aconite, 30c, is used for a fearful child with a sudden onset of symptoms, especially after a fright or exposure to cold wind.
Give Phosphorus, 6c, when brown phlegm is coughed up and the child wants cuddling and reassurance. Cold drinks are craved but are vomited when warmed in the stomach.
Tissue salts can speed healing and recovery. Take 4 tablets under the tongue every hour or two, as needed, then four times daily in later stages.
Ferr phos is helpful at the start of any chest infection, as soon as fever, chills and a dry cough develop.
Kali mur is useful in the second stage, when coughing up thick, white mucus. There may be difficulty breathing.
Use Kali sulph for a rattling cough with loose, watery phlegm, usually yellow or green in color.
Use Nat mur if the mucus is clear and frothy.
The bedroom should be aired frequently, and the patient kept warm in bed.
Keep air moisture high by using a humidifier or by placing a container filled with water near the radiator or heat vents.
Whenever possible, the patient should sit out in the fresh air, dressed warmly.
Wash the body with a terry cloth dipped in apple cider vinegar.
Apply cool chest compresses for high fever.
If there is no fever, place moist, hot towels on the chest and cover them with a dry towel, then a wool shawl.
Gently massage extremities to prevent thrombosis.
The pneumonia should be healed completely before resuming a regular routine. A partial recuperation could result in pleurisy and other more serious, chronic lung ailments.
For stubborn cases, intravenous vitamin C can work quickly and knock out the infection.
Nutritional Supplements
Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)
Beta Carotene (Natural Factors)
Beta Green (Natural Factors)
C Extra (Natural Factors)
Coenzyme Q10 (Natural Factors)
E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)
Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)
Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Other Nutritional Supplements
Bee Propolis (Natural Factors)
Herbal Remedies
FloraGuard Echinacea Tincture (Flora)
FloraSil (Flora)
Horsetail Leaves (Flora)
Medicinal Tea: Flugrip (Flora)
Salus Echinacea Tincture (Flora)
Schoenenberger Echinacea Cellular Plant Juice (Flora)
Aller-Ease (Natural Factors)
Cold and Cough (Natural Factors)
Echinacea Fresh Juice Extract
(Natural Factors)
Echinacea Tincture (Natural Factors)
Silica Extract 500 mg (Natural Factors)
Echinacea Angustifolia Extract (Nature's Herbs)
Elderberry Flowers & Berries (Nature's Herbs)
Golden Seal Root (Nature's Herbs)