Pneumonia refers to the acute inflammation of the lungs and is one of the most serious infectious diseases. There are basically two types of pneumonia, called lobar pneumonia and bronchopneumonia They, however, run into each other and are treated in the same way. The disease becomes more serious if both the lungs are affected and is called double pneumonia.
Symptoms of pneumonia
Most cases of pneumonia begin with a cold in the head or throat. The patient generally feels chill, shivering, difficulty in breathing and sharp pain in the chest. This may be followed by a cough with pinkish sputum which may later become brownish. The patient usually suffers from fever and headache.
In more serious cases of pneumonia, the sputum may be of rusty colour. In children, the disease may cause delirium and convulsions. Most patients feel very miserable and sweat profusely. The temperature may rise to 105° F and pulse may go up to 150 beats per minutes.
Causes of pneumonia
Pneumonia can be caused by various types of bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Bacterial infections that can cause pneumonia
- Acinetobacter baumannii
- Bacillus subtilis
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Legionella bacteria that cause Legionnaires’ disease,
- Micrococcus luteus
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Staphylococcal bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
Fungal infections that can cause pneumonia
- Aspergillus
- Candida
- Coccidioides
- Cryptococcus
- Histoplasma
- Pneumocystis
Virus infections that can cause pneumonia
- Adenovirus
- Covid 19 virus
- Coxsackievirus
- Cytomegalovirus
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Influenza virus (flu)
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Other causes of diseases can be irritation by worms, inhaling foreign matter, irritant dust or noxious gases and vapours such as ammonia, nitrogen dioxide or cadmium.
The real cause of pneumonia, however, is the toxic condition of the body, especially of the lungs and air passages, resulting from wrong feeding habits and faulty lifestyle. Persons with healthy tissues and strong vital force are unlikely to develop pneumonia. It is only when the system is clogged with the toxic matter, and the vitality is low that the germs of pneumonia invade a person.
Vitamin D and pneumonia
Vitamin D acts as a natural antibiotic working against all types of microbes (bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses). It has shown, in scientific studies, to be more affective at preventing influenza than vaccines and anti-viral medications.
Vitamin D levels can easily become deficient, especially during the winter months, as the body only stores it for up to 60 days thus making an individual susceptible to infections from November to April. It is during this period that blood tests should be done, especially if an individual keeps getting infections, colds and influenza, and extra vitamin D rich foods should be consumed.
Sunscreens, covering up and windows can stop the skin from being able to produce vitamin D. Cholesterol is used by the skin for this process so lowering cholesterol levels may cause further deficiencies. A compromised liver could also be the cause of low vitamin D levels.
It may be necessary to take vitamin D3 supplements. These should be taken with vitamin K2 supplements and a little oil as vitamin D is fat-soluble so needs oil to be absorbed by the body. K2 helps vitamin D to transport calcium to the bones and teeth.
Highest sources of vitamin D per serving listed
- Krill oil – 1 teaspoon: 1000 IU
- Eel – 85 g or 3 oz: 792 IU
- Maitake mushrooms – 70 g: 786 IU
- Rainbow trout – 85 g or 3 oz: 540 IU
- Cod liver oil – 1 teaspoon: 440 IU
- Mackerel – 85 g or 3 oz: 400 IU
- Salmon – 85 g or 3 oz: 400 IU
- Halibut – 85 g or 3 oz: 196 IU
- Tuna – 85 g or 3 oz: 228 IU
- Sardines – 85 g or 3 oz: 164 IU
- Chanterelle mushrooms – 85 g or 3 oz: 155 IU
- Raw milk – 1 glass or 8 oz: 98 IU
- Egg yolk – 1 large: 41 IU
- Caviar – 28g or 1 oz: 33 IU
- Hemp seeds – 100 g or 3.5 oz: 22 IU
- Portabella mushrooms – 85 g or 3 oz: 6 IU
NOTE: One IU is the biological equivalent of 0.3 μg or 0.3 micrograms.
One high strength red krill oil capsule per day can be the best choice as it contains the highest level of vitamin D plus added benefits of, omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin which is one of the most powerful antioxidants that can help to reduce toxins in the body when a person is ill. Plus krill are very short lived and reside at the top of the ocean so do not get contaminated by mercury like many other sea creatures now do.
Natural treatment for pneumonia
To begin with, the patient should be kept on a diet of raw juices for five to ten days, depending on the severity of the disease. In this regimen they should take a glass of fruit or vegetable juice diluted with warm water every two or three hours.
Fruits especially kiwifruit, tangerine, orange, mosambi, apple, papaya, pineapple and grapes and vegetables like carrots, avocado & tomatoes (drunk together) may be used for juices. Avocado helps the body absorb the carotenoids from carrots and tomatoes.
After a diet of raw juices, when the fever subsides, the patient should have three or four further days on an exclusive fresh fruit diet, taking three meals a day of juicy fruits such as kiwifruit, apple, grapes, pineapple, mangoes, tangerine, orange, lemon and papaya.
Thereafter, the patient may gradually adopt a well-balanced diet of natural foods consisting of nuts, seeds, grains, eggs, fish, lean meat, fruit and vegetables, with emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables.
The patient should avoid strong tea, coffee, refined foods, fried foods, white sugar, white flour and all products made from them. They should also avoid all meats as well as alcoholic beverages and smoking. To reduce temperature naturally, during the course of the fever, the procedure outlined on the Bacteria page may be followed.
Sipping of cold mineral water has also been found beneficial in the treatment of pneumonia. The patient should sip cold water at short intervals so long as the fever continues.
Natural remedies for pneumonia
Certain home remedies have been found beneficial in the treatment of pneumonia. During the early acute stage of this disease, a herbal tea made from fenugreek seeds will help the body to produce perspiration, dispel toxicity and shorten the period of fever.
In can be taken up to four cups daily. The quantity should be reduced as condition improves. To improve flavour, a few drops of lemon juice can be used. During this treatment, no other food or nourishment should be taken as fasting and fenugreek will allow the body to correct these respiratory problems in a few days.
Garlic is the ultimate remedy for pneumonia, if given in sufficient quantities. Garlic will bring down the temperature as well as the pulse and respiration within 48 hours. Garlic juice can also be applied externally to the chest with beneficial results as it is an irritant and rubefacient.
Sesame seeds are valuable in pneumonia. An infusion of the seeds, mixed with a tablespoon of flaxseeds, pinch of Himalayan pink salt crystal and a dessert spoon of pure honey, should be given in the treatment of this infection. This will help remove catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes.
Chilli peppers, hot mustard, radishes, pepper, onions and garlic contain substances called ‘mucolytics’ (similar to over-the-counter expectorant cough syrups) that liquefy thick mucus that accumulates in the sinuses and breathing passages.
The pain of pneumonia can be relieved by rubbing oil of turpentine over the rib cage and wrapping warmed cotton wool over it.
When suffering a fever, the patient should avoid any supplements containing iron or zinc, iron causes great tension in a body that is fighting infection and zinc is not absorbed by the body during fever. For more natural remedies see>> Fever
Apple cider vinegar: A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar taken first thing in the morning in warm water with lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey before any food can help to fight infection.
Barley grass juice is highly nutritious and is one of the rare plants to contain vitamin B12 which may be lacking in the diet of a patient with pneumonia and pleurisy.
Beetroots are rich in anthocyanins which have powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. They also contain iron which is an essential nutrient. A glass of beetroot juice per day can help speed recovery.
Carrot juice blended with radish juice is an effective aid in cleansing and healing the mucous membrane of the digestive system as well as of the respiratory organs.
Coconut water and pineapple juice can prevent dehydration when a fever is present.
Fermented foods can help restore an imbalanced intestinal flora that can occur when taking antibiotics. The correct balance of gut bacteria is essential when the body is fighting infection.
- Brine pickles (eggs, fruit, nuts, seeds and vegetables that have been fermented by lactic acid bacteria)
- Kefir (fermented milk drink)
- Kimchi (a fermented, spicy Korean side dish)
- Kombucha (fermented black or green Asian tea)
- Miso (a Japanese fermented seasoning made with soya beans, salt and a type of fungus called koji)
- Sauerkraut (finely shredded cabbage that has been fermented by lactic acid bacteria)
- Tempeh (fermented soya beans)
- Yoghurt (plain with live cultures)
See also>>
Herb and spice remedies for pneumonia
Herbs and spices have powerful antimicrobial and healing properties. Three cups of herbal tea a day sipped slowly can provide much relief and help fight infections such as pneumonia and pleurisy. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey for additional benefits. Mix and match any of the herbs and spices below. Seeds can be ground using a coffee grinder.
- Aloe vera juice
- Basil
- Burdock root tea
- Chamomile tea
- Chilli pepper
- Cinnamon
- Cloves (three ground)
- Comfrey
- Ginger ale
- Ginkgo biloba
- Echinacea
- Elecampane
- Fennel seeds
- Fenugreek seed (ground)
- Huang lian
- Liquorice root tea
- Mullein oil tea
- Mustard seeds
- Noni plant
- Nasturtium juice (freshly pressed)
- Nettle tea
- Nutmeg
- Oregano
- Pan pien lien
- Passionflower
- Pau d’arco
- Peppercorns
- Peppermint tea
- Periwinkle
- Pine needle tea
- Rosehip tea
- Rosemary
- Saffron
- Sea salt (pure unrefined)
- Slippery elm
- Thyme
- Turmeric
- Yerba santa
Black tea and especially green tea) contain caffeine that helps to dilate the bronchial airways. Three cups should be consumed per day with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey.
NOTE: Avoid coffee as it causes many adverse side-effects and nutrient deficiencies that a person with pneumonia or pleurisy are too weak to withstand. See>> Coffee dangers
A tea made by steeping the following together in hot water for 20 minutes before straining and gently reheating can be used to lower fever and fight infection:
Propolis has powerful antibacterial properties which can aid with recovery from pneumonia and pleurisy.
Raw juice therapy can successfully treat pneumonia and pleurisy. Use a powerful (at least 900 watt) slow juicer for best results and the juice should be consumed immediately after making. Adding a pinch of chilli powder and turmeric can provide additional benefits due to their antimicrobial properties.
The best organic natural foods to juice for pneumonia and pleurisy
- Apple
- Apricot
- Beetroot
- Carrot
- Cranberry juice
- Dandelion
- Ginger
- Grapes
- Daikon radish
- Lemon
- Lime
- Mosambi
- Onion
- Orange
- Papaya
- Peach
- Pineapple
- Pomegranate
- Radish
- Spinach
- Strawberry
- Soursop
- Tangerine
- Tomato
Sprouting grains, legumes, nuts and seeds can provide high nutrition without the bulk when a person’s appetite is low as can happen with pneumonia and pleurisy. They are very easy to grow on a sunny windowsill with a rinse of water daily and will be ready to eat within five days which is around when a patient with pneumonia or pleurisy may begin to regain their appetite for food. See>> Sprouting greens
Use the sprouts as a side dish with eggs, fish, rice (brown) or salads or to accompany warm thick soups made from the foods below.
- Algae and seaweed
- Alfalfa
- Ashitaba
- Bell peppers (all colours)
- Butternut squash
- Chicken
- Chilli peppers
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Carrots
- Fenugreek
- Lettuce
- Mustard greens
- Okra
- Onion
- Celery
- Oily fish
- Parsnips
- Peas
- Radishes
- Soya beans
- Spinach
- Sweet potato
- Tomatoes
- Turnips
- Watercress
External natural remedies for pneumonia and pleurisy
To inhale the vapours from the remedies below pour boiling water into a small basin then add the remedies chopped up. Then place a towel over the head and the bowl and breathe in the vapours keeping the eyes closed. This will provide great relief from the chest pain that can accompany pleurisy and pneumonia.
There are various types of poultices that can be used to treat a wide variety of complaints from acne, arthritis and respiratory conditions to bruises and sprains. Some people advocate the use of porridge, carrot, bread, milk, potatoes, clay, cabbage and herbal poultices and many use poultices as a home remedy for their horses’ ailments.
A poultice will also help ease out anything that’s embedded under the skin such as wood or metal splinters and can also bring boils or abscesses to the surface and draw out bee sting poison.
A homemade poultice is made by mashing herbs, plant material or another substance with warm water or natural oils to make a paste. Pure pressed coconut oil is especially good to use. The paste can be applied directly to the skin and covered with a piece of clean cloth.
If the herb used is potent such as onion, garlic, ginger, mustard, etc., it is advisable to place a layer of thin cloth between the skin and the herb. The cloth can then be covered with plastic wrap to hold in the moisture. The poultice should be changed every 3 to 4 hours or more if it dries out. Then the area should be washed with soap and dried thoroughly and left uncovered.
A compress is used the same way, but usually warm liquids are applied to the cloth instead of raw cold substances. Tinctures or herbal infusions are great for compresses. The following can provide relief from congestion and help to break up mucous in the chest.
- Bay leaf (hot or cold fomentation compress)
- Comfrey (hot or cold fomentation compress)
- Eucalyptus (vapours)
- Garlic (hot or cold fomentation compress)
- Mint (vapours)
Related subjects
- A-Z of ailments
- Anti-microbial healing plants and foods
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Brine pickling for health
- Colds coughs and influenza
- Feed your friendly bacterial
- Fever remedies
- Fungal and yeast infections
- Mosquito-borne infections
- Parasites
- Pleurisy
- Respiratory disorders
- Virus infections
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