Natural Remedies for Lung Infection: Home Treatments You Can Try Today

The lungs are one of the essential organs of the body, as long as you are breathing they’ll be working hard.

Lungs function by taking in oxygen into the body while expelling carbon dioxide in exchange. 

As humans, we need to get oxygen into our bloodstream to ensure general circulation to other parts of the body. Therefore, our lungs need to function optimally to ensure proper oxygen distribution for perfect systemic functioning. 

A lack of adequate oxygen supply to essential body organs can lead to other complications, and in extreme cases, can prove fatal.

Lung infections as a result can be lethal. 

They often start as mild conditions but become more complicated if proper treatment and preventive steps are not taken promptly. 

Natural remedies are among the most active, efficient, and least cost-intensive methods of treating and preventing lung infection. Aside from the fact that natural remedies boost the immune system, they are also safe with minimal side effects. 

Here are some effective natural remedies for lung infections.

General Tips

If you know that you have a lung infection or you suspect that you do, the first thing you should do is consult your doctor for further information. A medical professional is the best person to speak to if you want to discuss treatment options or a possible diagnosis.

However, there are several natural remedies for lung infections with varying degrees of effectiveness that you could try at home. While we cannot guarantee that any of these natural solutions will rid you of a lung infection, there’s a chance that they could help, which might be enough to convince you.

Before we get into the individual natural ingredients, though, we want to present you with some general tips that doctors recommend to heal a lung infection.

• Stay hydrated

It’s hard to overstate the importance of staying hydrated, regardless of whether you are sick or have a clean bill of health.

Our bodies are mostly made up of water, so how can you expect to be at your best if you deprive yourself of H2O?

To fight off sickness and infections, one of the best things you can do is stay hydrated and flush toxins out of the body. A glass of warm water can do you a world of good, and a slice of lemon will make it much more palatable.

• Rest up

The second thing you need to focus on is resting up.

While you might feel completely fine aside from having a nasty cough or chest pain, doctors recommend that you get plenty of rest regardless.

If you aren’t getting much sleep or are constantly feeling stressed, your body will have a tough time recovering from any sickness, so it will take you a lot longer to get back to feeling 100%.

• Eat a healthy diet

Drinking water and getting rest are important, but so is putting the right kinds of foods in your body.

If your fuel is fast food, fats, and fried goods, your body won’t thank you for it, and your recovery might take a lot longer than necessary.

This is why it’s important to eat a healthy diet full of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, so you can get all the nutrients and minerals your body needs to thrive.

• Drink Tea

This one isn’t as important as the other tips, but drinking tea could be a great thing to do if you are feeling under the weather.

Tea is not only comforting, but depending on what type you drink, can also have health benefits for chest problems, coughs, and even lung infections.

To find out which kind of tea you need to drink to get the health benefits you seek for a lung infection, check out the natural ingredients below and you’ll get a good idea.

Oregano

Oregano is one of the most active natural remedies for lung infections. 

The herb has two compounds that are valuable in improving lung function. The compounds are rosmarinic acid and carvacrol, which are both natural decongestants and antihistamines. 

It helps to improve overall lung function and prevent lung infection. It also has other health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, enhancing weight loss, fighting allergies, and promoting healthy digestion.

There are several ways to consume oregano, including organic oregano oil. 

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a great way to break away from a lung infection and dissolve throat congestion. 

It is available for use in various forms, and it is one of the most functional essential oils. Its effectiveness is due to its antioxidant and slight anti-inflammatory properties. Aside from lung infection, it is also helpful for fighting other body infections.

Some countries legally approve the use of Eucalyptus in various forms. For instance, Eucalyptus is a tea that is primarily useful in fighting throat infections. 

In the United States, Eucalyptus is used as an active ingredient in most decongestants, syrups, and throat lozenges. 

It can either be diluted and taken orally or applied topically on the skin. In fact, mixing 1-3 drops of eucalyptus oil in a container of hot water and inhaling the steam can be especially effective. Breathing in the steam can help clear blocked or stuffy nasal passages, remove excess sticky mucus from the body system and dilate the bronchioles in the lungs to improve your breathing.

Eucalyptus works by minimizing the mucus lining of the lungs. It is also functional in optimal blood circulation throughout the body by allowing the lung to take enough oxygen needed by the body. 

Ginger

Ginger is a common plant with loads of health benefits. 

The spice has been used for medicinal purposes for roughly 2500 years, and it does not seem to be slowing down. Ginger is a healing root that is also viable for treating lung infection and improving the respiratory tract.

Ginger makes it easy for the body to expel and inhale air by breaking down mucus. The plant also has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent inflammation of any part of the upper respiratory tract. Similarly, it improves blood circulation around the lungs. 

One practical way to ingest ginger as a remedy for lung infection is by boiling chopped ginger in water, strain out the ginger, add honey, and drink the mixture as tea.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a reliable source of vital nutritional elements, some of which can help combat respiratory tract infections and the immune system’s proper functioning. 

It contains vitamin A and Vitamin C that significantly helps in the proper functioning of the respiratory tract. It also has other minerals like zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. These minerals help to strengthen the immune system and also help to eliminate toxins.

It is also one of the most active and beneficial essential oils that is useful as a natural remedy to various health challenges.

You can explore the full benefit of Rosemary by taking it as tea.

Osha Root

Osha, also known as the bear root, is particularly common among Hispanic cultures and native Americans in enhancing respiratory health. 

It helps with the overall improvement of the respiratory tract and boosts lung health. This plant can be taken in the form of capsules, sprays, and tinctures.

Osha root has an active compound called Camphor. This compound is functional in promoting blood circulation in the lungs. Proper blood circulation will make it easier for the lungs to trap sufficient oxygen for the body system’s proper functioning. 

Similarly, adequate blood circulation makes it easy for individuals to take deep breathes.

Lungwort

Lungwort is another active natural remedy for lung infections. It is primarily useful in promoting lung health because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mucus clearing (Secretolytic) ability.  

The antioxidant elements of lungwort are vital in supporting overall wellbeing and improving lung health. These antioxidants clear dangerous free radicals or pro-oxidants that might fight their way to the lung through polluted air.

Lungwort also produces impressive respiratory relief because it functions as a respiratory aid to reduce irritations in the airways. It also has soothing effects that can help you feel relaxed.

Peppermint

Peppermint is generally known for its numerous health benefits. 

It is another medicinal plant that can function as a natural remedy for lung infections. It contains methanol, which is its most abundant compound. Methanol produces a soothing effect in the respiratory tract, and it can also act as a decongestant due to its chemical components. Methanol can function as an expectorant by loosening and bringing up mucus from the lung.

Peppermint also assists in shrinking swollen membranes in the nose; thus, making it easier to breathe. 

It also has antioxidant and antihistamine properties that help prevent and fight off microorganisms that can invade the lung airways. 

Peppermint is active in the treatment of other uncomplicated respiratory tract and skin infections.

Elecampane

Elecampane is an ancient medicine that is particularly common among Indians, Chinese, Romans, and Greeks. 

It’s also known as horse-heal, a name that results from its impressive health benefits.

The effectiveness of Elecampane in treating respiratory tract and lung infection is a function of two of its active compounds; insulin and Alantolactone. Insulin soothes the lining of the bronchial tubes and prevents them from getting swollen or red. 

If the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes red or swollen, shortness of breath can become an issue, and it can be both painful and uncomfortable.  Alantolactone, on the other hand, cleanses congestion in the lung and airways to make breathing easier.

Lobelia

Lobelia, otherwise known as Indian tobacco, is a purple-flowered plant with many medicinal benefits. 

This plant has been used as an Appalachian traditional medicine for treating bronchial asthma.

The effectiveness of lobelia is primarily due to the presence of an essential compound called Lobeline, which is an alkaloid. Lobeline helps to ease congestion in the lung and treat bronchitis; thus, promoting deeper and easier breathing.

Disclaimer

This article has not been medically reviewed, and as such you should only try out these natural solutions after consulting with a medical professional such as your local GP. While the tips presented in the guide may indeed help, it’s worth seeking out a professional opinion to minimize any risks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chest Infection Natural Remedies

Lung infections and their remedies are a broad topic that might leave many questions running down one’s mind. Here are some frequently asked questions about natural remedies for lung infections.

How do you stop lung infections?

Although lung infection is common, it can be stopped and prevented. 

You can stop lung infection by ensuring your hands’ cleanliness through regular washing with soap and clean water. Stay away from toxic and polluted air and maintain proper hygiene. 

You can also eat lots of fruits, vegetables and drink a large quantity of water to boost your immune system.

What can I drink to clean my lungs?

Regular cleaning of your lungs will prevent the accumulation of harmful microbes and other toxins. Water is the primary cleansing agent of the body. 

Consider drinking plenty of water, particularly when you are around dust-filled areas. 

You can also take special lung cleansing liquids like honey and hot water, green tea, mulethi tea, cinnamon water, and other proven herbal drinks for the lungs.

How can I detox my lungs?

There are several ways you can detox your lungs without using complicated medications. 

You can consider various methods including, steam therapy or steam inhalation, exercise, green tea, controlled coughing, anti-inflammatory herbs, draining mucus from lungs, etc.

Are bananas good for the lungs? 

Like most other fruits, bananas contain vitamins and minerals that are good for the body’s overall wellbeing. Some of these minerals help to improve the functionality of respiratory tracts. 

So yes, bananas are good for the lungs and improving lung functions.

A Final Word From Wellness Nova

Natural remedies are considered safe and effective for various health challenges. 

The natural remedies above can help to prevent and mitigate the symptoms of lung infections. Some of these natural remedies have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and they also boost the immune system.

However, you should seek professional medical attention in severe cases. 

Aside from these remedies, it would be best to take preventive measures like maintaining proper personal hygiene, avoiding smoking, and keeping a social distance from those with a contagious lung infection.