Pneumonia
Congestion of the Lungs
Definition
Inflammation of the lungs caused primarily by bacteria, viruses,
and chemical irritants. There are more than 50 causes. The tiny air
sacs in the lung area become inflamed and fill with mucus and pus.
It is unlikely to be contagious.
Symptoms
Pneumonia caused by pneumococci, staphylococci, streptococci, or
bacilli often begins suddenly. Chills, high fever,
pain in the chest, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, enlarged
lymph glands in the neck, bluish nails (cyanosis), rapid, difficult
breathing, purulent and often bloody sputum. Mortality is high unless
treated with an appropriate antibiotic. See your doctor for diagnosis
and treatment.
Some contributing factors are the common cold,
influenza, seizure or stroke,
aspiration under anesthesia, alcoholism, smoking, kidney failure,
sickle cell disease, malnutrition, foreign bodies in the respiratory
passages, even allergies.
Vitamin A is necessary for maintaining the health of the lining of
the respiratory passages. A deficiency increases susceptibility to
respiratory infections, which may lead to pneumonia.
Weakness will remain for 4-8 weeks after recovery. Diagnosis is by
x-ray.
Treatment
Herbal Medicine Formulas and Recipes
Chinese Formulas
Ayurvedic Formulas
Nutrients
Beta-carotene, 15,000 IU daily, protects the lungs from
free radical damage. Vitamin A, 50,000 IU
daily. Vitamin C, 3,000 to 10,000
mg. per day, in divided doses, is very important for immune
response and for reducing inflammation. Vitamin B complex,
100 mg. 3 times per day, is needed for normal
digestion, production of antibodies, and formation of red blood cells;
for healthy mucous membranes. Raw thymus extract and raw lung tissue,
500 mg. each twice per day, stimulates immune response
and promotes healing of lung tissue. Vitamin E emulsion,
1,500 IU daily, is a potent antioxidant that protects
the lung tissues and enhances oxygen utilization. Zinc, 80 mg.
daily, is needed for tissue repair and immune function.(Zinc gluconate
dissolved in the mouth is very effective). Germanium, 200 mg.
daily, aids in relieving discomfort and promotes immune response.
Proteolytic enzymes, 3 times daily on an empty stomach,
aids in absorption of nutrients and reduces inflammation.
Herbs
TB
- Alum, wild root
- Angelica
- Balm-of-Gilead
- Bayberry bark
- Beth root
- Birch, sweet or black
- Black root
- Blood root
- Boneset
- Buttonbush
- Bryony, white
- Cactus, prickly-pear
- Catnip
- Cayenne
- Celandine
- Cherry, wild
- Chickweed
- Clover, red
- Cohosh, black
- Coltsfoot
- Comfrey
- Coughwort
- Cudweed
- Dogwood, American
- Elecampane
- Elm, slippery
- Ephedra
- Eucalyptus
- Fern, maidenhair
- Feverfew
- Feverwort
- Flaxseed
- Garlic
- Ginger, wild
- Ginseng
- Holy thistle
- Hops
- Horehound
- Horseradish
- Horsetail
- Hyssop
- Irish moss
- Ivy, ground
- Lettuce, wild
- Life everlasting
- Linden
- Lobelia
- Lungwort
- Mallow, common
- Marshmallow
- Mint
- Mulberry, bark of root
- Mullein
- Mustard
- Myrrh
- Nettle
- New Jersey tea
- Northern prickly-ash
- Onion
- Pennyroyal
- Pilewort
- Pimpernel
- Pine, white
- Plantain
- Plantain-leaved pussytoes
- Pleurisy root
- Polypody, common
- Reed grass
- Sage, red
- St. John's wort
- Sanicle
- Sassafras
- Seneca snakeroot
- Shepherd's purse
- Skunk cabbage
- Solomon's seal, giant
- Speedwell
- Spikenard
- Squaw weed
- Strawberry bush
- Sumach
- Sunflower
- Thimbleweed
- Thyme
- Vervain, blue
- Violet
- Wahoo
- Water plantain
- Willow, white
- Witch hazel
- Wood sanicle
- Yarrow
- Yerba mansa
- Yerba santa
Recommendations
If you suspect pneumonia, see your doctor. If your doctor prescribes
antibiotics, take acidophilus capsules or 2 tbsp. of
liquid 3 times per day.
Eat raw fruits and vegetables. Take a protein supplement from a vegetable
source. Include chlorophyll in a "green drink" or take in tablet form.
Avoid dairy products, sugar, white flour products, coffee, all tea
except herb tea, and cigarettes.
Drink plenty of juices. Liquids help thin the lung secretions. Fast
on pure juices, fresh lemon juice, and distilled water.
A cool mist from a humidifier or vaporizer is helpful. A heating
pad on the chest will relieve pain.
|
Back to Top
