PNEUMONIA
IT STARTS OUT FEELING LIKE A BAD COLD, but when the symptoms get worse and you wake up with an awful cough that produces ugly, green mucus, you know it's more than a cold. If these symptoms come with exhaustion, fever, shorthess of breath and chest pain, you've probably got pneumonia.
Pneumonia is an infection of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs inside the lungs. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and other organisms can be at fault; doctors diagnose pneumonia by physical examination, lab tests and a chest X-ray. The severity of the condition depends on which organisms cause the infection, how much of the lung is infected and whether there are additional health factors, such as long-term lung disease, immune dysfunction or age.
Pneumonia is more
serious than other lung infections, such as bronchitis. Some patients who
have it need to be hospitalised.
Fungal infections in the lungs occur primarily in patients with compromised
immune systems. Treatment usually involves antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole.
For viral pneumonias, specific drug treatments are not available.
MAKING ALLIES
OUT OF ANTIBIOTICS
If you have to take antibiotics for your pneumonia, you can prevent the side
effects caused by a decrease in normal digestive bacteria. Here are some
supplements to try.
Saccharomyces boulardii. This beneficial yeast has been used for decades to prevent side effects of antibiotics. It inhibits yeast overgrowth and also decreases the risk of a certain type of colitis that can be brought on by using antibiotics. This yeast also stimulates production of a part of the immune system that fights infections in mucous membranes, such as in the lungs. Typical dosage: one 300-milligram capsule (3 billion viable organisms per capsule) three times per day while on antibiotics and for one week after.
Acidophilus and bifidus. These are the two main beneficial bacteria
that antibiotics kill. You can begin taking them while on antibiotics, but
you need to continue treatment for at least one month after you finish your
antibiotic course for complete replacement. Buy the best quality product
available (if your health food store has a good sales staff, they can help
you select one) and follow directions on the package.
TREATING PNEUMONIA AT HOME
During a bout of pneumonia, good nutrition, a healthy diet and general physical
and emotional support are especially important. Get plenty of rest and, if
you live alone, try to have a friend or family member stay with you to help
you cook, to purchase or prepare your medicines, and to provide all
around TLC.
Stick with a diet of fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes,
soups and juices. Stay away from sugar, which suppresses the immune system.
Warm baths or showers may make you feel better. Be sure to drink plenty of
fluids; this helps keep respiratory secretions thin and flush toxins out
of your body.
If your symptoms are mild, you might be able to treat bacterial pneumonia with herbs. However, if you are not feeling better in a few days or if your symptoms worsen, you need to switch to antibiotic drugs. On the other hand, if your doctor believes you have viral pneumonia, the herbs in this chapter are the treatment of choice.
DRUG TREATMENT
Antibiotics
Erythromycin, tetracycline, co-trimoxazole, cephalosporin drugs (cefalexin
and others). Function: rid the lungs of bacteria. Side effects: rash, upset
stomach, intestinal upset, yeast infections, severe infection of the colon,
nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhoea.
HERBAL REMEDIES
Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
This well-known immune-boosting herb treats infections by bolstering the
body's infection-fighting arsenal. It also directly attacks bacteria. Typical
dosage: 3 to 5 cups of tea per day (simmer 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried root
in 1/4litre of water for 10 to 15 minutes); or1/4 to 1 teaspoon
of tincture three to five times per day; or 500 to 1,000 milligrams in capsules
three to five times per day. Caution: some people who are allergic to plants
in the aster family, such as ragweed, are also allergic to echinacea.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and Oregon Graperoot (Berberis aquifolium)
Both of these herbs kill a wide range of bacteria and fungi. They may have
mild immune-stimulating effects as well. Wild goldenseal is an endangered
plant species due to overharvesting, so look for a product whose source
is cultivated goldenseal, or choose Oregon graperoot instead. Typical dosage:
3 to 5 cups of tea per day (simmer 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried root in 1/4
litre of water for 10 minutes); or 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three
to five times per day; or 500 to 1,000 milligrams in capsules, divided
into three or four doses per day.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
This versatile, highly antimicrobial herb fights bacteria, fungi, viruses
and parasites. To treat infections, eat several raw garlic cloves per day.
Can't eat quite that much fresh garlic? Try thinly slicing or pressing the
cloves through a garlic press; then marinate in. a combination of equal parts
of honey and fresh lemon juice to cover. Store in the refrigerator for up
to two days. Eat 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls three or four times per day.
Mullein
(Verbascum thapsus)
This common wild plant tones the entire respiratory tract. It also fights
inflammation, soothes and heals irritated tissues, and helps ease coughs.
Typical dosage: 2 to 3 cups of tea per day (simmer 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried
root in 1/4 litre of water for 10 minutes); or 1/8 to 1 teaspoon of tincture
three times per day.
Elecampane (Inula helenium)
In addition to toning the lungs, easing coughs and having mild antibacterial
effects, elecampane offers other advantages. Because it's bitter, it stimulates
appetite and supports digestion, so you'll get more from the food you are
able to eat. Typical dosage: 2 to 3 cups of tea per day (steep I to 2 teaspoons
of dried root in 4 litre of hot water for 10 minutes); or %, to 1 teaspoon
of tincture three times per day. Caution: do not use if you are pregnant.
Schisandra
(Schisandra chinensis)
This traditional Chinese lung tonic strengthens the lungs and treats coughs.
Typical dosage:2 to 3 cups of tea per day (simmer 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried
fruits in 4 litre of water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 4 to 1 teaspoon of tincture
three times per day. Caution: avoid schisandra if fever is one of your symptoms.
Usnea (Usnea spp.)
A medicinal lichen, usnea helps fight the bacteria that are commonly to blame
in bacterial pneumonia. Its active ingredients don't dissolve well in water,
so tincture is the best way to take it. Typical dosage: 1/4 to 1 teaspoon
of tincture, three to five times per day.
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
This herb is anti-inflammatory and soothing, and it eases coughs. It also
nourishes the adrenal glands, which play a role in stress. Typical dosage:
2 to 3 cups of tea per day (simmer 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried root in ''/,
litre of water for 10 minutes); or 4 to % teaspoon of tincture two or three
times per day. Caution: do not take liquorice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding,
have high blood pressure, are on heart medications or have liver, kidney
or thyroid disease.
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
Remember the horehound lozenges carried in old-fashioned pharmacies? The
herb that flavours them promotes mucus production and expectoration, but
it also relaxes smooth bronchial muscles, helping you breathe more easily.
Typical dosage: 2 to 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried
herb in 1/4 litre of hot water for 10 minutes); or 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of
tincture three or four times per day.
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
This traditional cough remedy soothes, eases inflammation and calms lung
spasms. Typical dosage: 2 to 4 cups of tea per day (steep1 to 2 teaspoons
of dried flowers or leaves in 1/4 litre of boiling water for
10 minutes); or 1/8 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three or four times per day.
Caution: limit use of coltsfoot to no more than four weeks per year.
Hyssop
(Hyssopus officinalis)
Both a cough suppressant and an antispasmodic, hyssop has been studied for
its antiviral properties, mainly in connection with herpes and HIV. It has
been used with horehound in folk medicines for lung ailments. Typical dosage:
3 to 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb in 1/4
litre of water for 10 minutes); or 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of tincture three
or four times per day.
Wild Black Cherry Bark (Prunus serotina)
Wild black cherry has a powerful suppressant effect on the cough reflex.
Because suppressing your cough is actually counter-productive during pneumonia,
use this herb only at night when your cough is interfering with much-needed
sleep. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea before bedtime (simmer 1 to 2 teaspoons
of dried bark in 1/4 litre of water for 10 minutes); or 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon
of tincture before bedtime.
Anise (Pimpenilla anisum)
This pleasant-tasting seed eases coughs by calming respiratory spasms. Typical
dosage: 2 to 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried seeds
in 1/4 litre of hot water for 10 minutes); or 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of tincture
two to four times per day.
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) and Slippery Elm Bark (litmus rubra)
Both of these herbs are demulcent, which means they contain soothing substances
that decrease coughing by coating and protecting irritate tissues. Both work
best if taken as a tea. Typical dosage: 2 to 4 cups of tea per day (simmer
1 to 2 teaspoons of chopped root or bark in 1/4 litre of water for 10 minutes).
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR LUNG HEALING
Most essential oils have some antibiotic effects. The best way to use them is
in a steam inhalation, which takes their healing components deep into the lungs.
Eucalyptus oil is especially helpful for pneumonia, because it not only is
a decongestant but also helps you cough up mucus. Tea tree oil is another good
choice because it's a potent microbe-fighter.
To make a steam with either of these essential oils, carefully pour water (hot enough to steam, but not hot enough to burn your face) in a heat-resistant bowl and place it on a sturdy table. Add a few drops of essential oil, put a towel over your head, and hold your face at least 30 centimetres away from the steam. Inhale deeply through mouth and nose until you can no longer smell the fragrant oils. Repeat at least three times per day.
You can also apply either of these essential oils directly to the chest after diluting with a vegetable oil (use about 20 drops of tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil per tablespoon of olive, almond, castor or other neutral oil).
Another option is to make a heat pack. Moisten a thick piece of absorbent cotton or wool flannel with vegetable oil. Warm the cloth in a low-temperature oven. Add 10 to 20 drops of eucalyptus or tea tree essential oil to the cloth and gently rub them in to disperse them. Apply the pack to your chest (the temperature should be comfortable, not hot). Put a piece of plastic over the top of the pack to protect your bedding, and top it with a hot-water bottle if desired. Leave the pack on for 20 to 30 minutes. Repeat one to three times per day.
Castor oil itself, applied topically, increases blood supply and stimulates the immune system. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine believe that it `moves energy', directing your immune system to the place in your body that needs it. You can simply massage castor oil into the chest area (front and back) once or twice a day. Caution: do not take castor oil or other essential oils internally.
THE GOOD OLD-FASHIONED PLASTER
Herb plasters are a time-honoured, highly effective way to treat pneumonia.
Herbalists often make plasters with warming herbs such as mustard, ginger
and garlic because they increase blood supply and increase expectoration.
To make a plaster, mix 15 grams of dried, powdered mustard, ginger or garlic with 15 grams of powdered slippery elm or marshmallow root. Add water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture forms a thick paste. Spread a thin layer of paste on a piece of thin cloth.
Apply the plaster, cloth side down,
on your chest or back and leave it on 15 to 30 minutes. Lift the plaster
frequently to make sure your skin is not burning from the heat of the herbs.
If you feel pain or if your skin is turning bright red, remove the plaster
immediately. It's best to have someone assist you when using a plaster; they're
hard to apply on your own. Do not reuse them; make a fresh herbal plaster
each time.
EXPECTORANT COUGH SYRUP
Any of the herbs described in this chapter can be substituted for the herbs in
this recipe, unless you have an allergy or a condition that precludes you from
taking them.
120 millilitres water
120 millilitres honey
1-2 teaspoons dried mullein leaves
1-2 teaspoons dried horehound herb
1-2 teaspoons dried rosemary leaves
1 -2 teaspoons powdered or chopped cinnamon bark
1-2 teaspoons dried chopped ginger
1 pinch of cayenne
Combine all of the ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil, then lower
the heat. Simmer, uncovered, until the mixture has reduced by about one-half.
Remove from the heat and strain. Cool to room temperature. Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful
as often as every two hours. Store in the refrigerator.
