Hopefully you can get on top of a cough before it turns into something more serious, like pneumonia. But if your lungs are the weak point in your system and you get hit there a lot, you probably deal with this often. This is my pneumonia protocol and the natural things I use to support the lungs.
First: Pneumonia Needs a Doctor
Pneumonia can be serious, especially for babies, young children, older adults and anyone with a weak immune system. These natural remedies are meant to support your body alongside your doctor’s care, not replace it. Please get medical help right away for:
- Fast or hard breathing, wheezing, or the ribs pulling in with each breath
- Blue or gray lips or fingertips
- A high fever, chest pain, or coughing up blood
- Confusion, extreme sleepiness, or not drinking enough
- A cough that is getting worse instead of better
First Things to Do for Lung Conditions
If you are coughing up mucus and it is settling in your lungs, cut out the dairy: cheese, yogurt, cow’s milk, cottage cheese and sour cream. Many people find dairy makes them feel more congested, and you do not want the body making more mucus to cough up.
Mucus is made of dead white blood cells and the germs they are fighting. You do not want it sitting in your lungs, so if you have a cough, it is GOOD to cough it up and blow it out of your nose. With my kids, if they have a cough I always support the lungs too, so it does not settle down deeper.
Check out these posts for other areas of concern:
My Pneumonia Protocol: Support the Lungs Directly
Eucalyptus and Breathe Essential Oils
Eucalyptus oil is amazing for the lungs. I dilute it and rub it on the chest and back during the day and especially at night. Breathe oil also helps open the airways, and it comes in an easy stick to rub on the chest. Use them as often as you need to help you breathe easier.
Safety: Always dilute oils for kids. Eucalyptus and peppermint are not recommended on or near babies and toddlers under 2 to 3 years old. Keep oils away from the face and eyes.
Diffuse at Night
A diffuser is key. I diffuse eucalyptus, cardamom, Breathe and OnGuard by the bed at night and during the day. Use a well ventilated room, take breaks, and keep the diffuser away from babies and pets.
Steam Inhalation
Boil a pot of water, take it off the heat and set it on the counter. Add a few drops of eucalyptus and Breathe, put a towel over your head and breathe in the steam. The steam carries the oils and helps break up congestion. I do this morning and night. Be very careful with hot water, and this is for older kids and adults only, never little ones because obviously it would be hard for them to do this. *Great option for littles is making a “diffuser cake” out of baking soda and sitting in the warm shower or tub with them and adding the oils to that. You can also hang fresh eucalyptus.
A Note on Nebulizers
There are some great small hand held options now days on amazon. Can you for littles and if sickness always seems to hit you or your kids in your lungs this is a must have on hand. A nebulizer can be a great tool for the lungs, and many insurance plans cover them as well. Adding the Nano Silver to this and getting into your lungs is an easy way to treat the infection directly.
Aroma Inhaler
An aroma inhaler is another way to get the benefits of the oils. You put a few drops of oil on the wick and breathe in through it. It is easy for kids and adults and has no chemicals. I use one several times a day when the lungs need support.
Support the Immune System
- Ionic Silver. I use it as a gargle and nasal spray.
- Echinacea and Goldenseal. Echinacea helps power the immune system and goldenseal helps with mucus. Adults take 2 capsules 3 times a day, following the label.
- Vitamin C. Around 1,000 mg a day for adults. If your stools get runny you have had more than your body needs, so back off. Adults should stay under 2,000 mg a day unless their doctor says otherwise. I use a chewable option for kids, even smash the chewable and let the baby suck it off my finger, but there are also good liquid options. Read more in my post on natural vitamin C.
- Elderberry Syrup. Wonderful for supporting the immune system. Adults can take more or make elderberry tea. Kids need at least 1 tsp a day. No honey for babies under one.
- Lung Tonic. An herbal tincture that helps promote a productive cough and clear the airways while supporting the immune system.
Herbal Tea to Strengthen the Lungs
I make this tea every day to help strengthen the lungs while you are sick. I get all my herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs. They are organic, sourced well, and you can buy the amount you want. For 1 cup of tea, steep 1/4 tsp of each herb:
- Peppermint
- Sage
- Chamomile
- Licorice
- Mullein
- Eucalyptus
- Plantain
Licorice root is not recommended if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, and sage and licorice should not be used in large amounts for long term. Check with your provider if you are pregnant, nursing, or take medications.
This post shares my own experience and is not medical advice. Please see a doctor for pneumonia or any breathing trouble, and talk with your provider before using herbs, supplements or essential oils, especially with children or if you are pregnant or nursing. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
