How to Treat Pneumonia with Natural Remedies

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lung that is typically caused by infection--bacterial, viral or fungal. The most common form of the disease is largely bacterial in nature, although pneumonia is sometimes caused by a virus (viral pneumonia). Symptoms include inflamed and painful lungs and chest, breathing difficulties, severe cold and flu-like symptoms, swollen glands, fever and significant-to-severe mucous build-up. The disease can last for as little as 1 month and progress for as long a year or more. Pneumonia is commonly treated with antibiotics, but in some cases, mainly viral, the disease can fail to respond to antibiotic treatment. There are several natural and herbal remedies available to treat pneumonia. A 3-month treatment program is recommended. Read more for help.

Instructions

Diet and Nutrition

1

Remove excessive amounts of animal protein from your diet. During a bout with pneumonia, it is important to get as much protein from vegetable sources as possible. Excessive amounts of animal protein can be hard on your digestive system, especially if you are sick. When you are ill, it is important to keep yourself regular and allow whole foods to work quickly so your body can absorb their nutrients and fight the infection. A healthy amount of protein can be found in vegetables such as beets, artichokes, spinach, cauliflower, peas, eggplant and potatoes.

2

Mince 4 to 6 garlic gloves and 1/2 onion. Add 8 to 10 oz. of water and 2 tsp. of honey. Blend well and drink 30 minutes before you eat your first meal. This mixture will help open your bronchial passages so you can stay comfortable during the day. Drink this mixture throughout the day if you feel unusually congested.

3

Drink a 12 to 14 oz. glass of cranberry/apple juice with breakfast. This will add antioxidants to your system. Do not eat any solid foods for breakfast, except for a small bowl of yogurt or kefir.

4

Drink a potassium broth with lunch. Making a potassium broth is simple. It can be done by juicing 2 large carrots, 2 stalks of celery, 4 cloves of garlic, 2 radishes and a few pinches of parsley. If you don't have a juicer, drink 10 to 12 oz. of low-sodium vegetable juice. V-8 Juice is among the top brands. It is important to get as much potassium as possible during a bout with pneumonia. Potassium helps repair damaged tissue in the lungs. Do not drink a potassium broth if you have heart disease; potassium helps to regulate your heart function and too much can be dangerous. Consult your health care provider before drinking a potassium broth.

5

Drink a 12-ounce glass of carrot juice with dinner. Add 1 tbsp. of cayenne pepper. Carrot juice will help heal the lungs, and add antioxidants to your damaged tissue. Carrot juice, aside from being a wonderful source of vitamin A, is also rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B complex. Cayenne will increase the effectiveness of the carrot juice. It also helps in repairing tissues in the lungs.

6

Drink 1 or 2 cups of olive leaf extract tea before bed. Olive leaf extract acts as a natural antibiotic and will help your body fight your infection by attacking the pneumonia, while keeping the rest of your immune system healthy. Olive leaf extract is sold in tea form at health food stores. It is also available in capsules, powder and as a liquid elixir, if you wish to take it in a form other than tea.

Body Care

7

Relax in an oxygen bath at least once a day. An oxygen bath consists of adding 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of sea salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda to a hot bath. Sit for at least 15 to 30 minutes. An oxygen bath will help you breathe while it oxidizes the toxins and mucous built up in your lungs so they can be released through your pores, nose and urine.

8

Apply a mustard plaster to your chest twice a week. A mustard plaster is made by mixing 2 tbsp. of mustard powder, 2 eggs, 6 tbsp. of wheat flower and a cup of water into paste. Apply liberally to your chest and let it sit for 20 minutes, or until you skin flushes to a light pink color. This mixture will held bring the toxins in your lungs to the surface so they can escape through your pores. Do not use the mustard plaster if you have any allegies to mustard, egg or wheat.

9

Sit in a hot sauna or steam bath for 20 minutes at least once a week. If a sauna or steam room is not available, simply add 10 to 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to a hot bath. Breathe in the steam slowly and allow the oils to open your pores so toxins may be release through your skin.

10

Perform a nasal/mucous treatment at least once a day or as needed: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus oil. Place a bath towel over your head and breath in the steam from the water. Do this until the water is room temperature or the steam subsides.

How to Get Rid of Blemishes Using Home Remedies

Most teenagers go through difficult years with acne and blemishes on their face, but it is not limited to teenagers. Adults can have acne and blemish problems for many years. Blemishes are typically caused by oil-clogged pores and stress. Blemishes are ugly and those who suffer from them want to get rid of them as fast and as easily as they can. It is not always easy to get rid of blemishes. But, there are different things a person with blemishes can do to get rid of them naturally.

Instructions

1

Rub calamine lotion on your face where the blemish is. Calamine lotion absorbs excess oil in the skin and helps ges rid of the blemish. Use calamine lotion as often as needed.

2

Take one ice cube and wrap it in a washcloth or dish towel. Hold the wrapped ice cube to the blemish for about five minutes and the ice cube will cool the blemish and decrease inflammation. Use an ice cube as soon as you feel or see a blemish coming on to help reduce the redness and swelling.

3

Use a good sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher on your skin whenever you go outside. The sun can make blemishes worse and can interfere with certain acne medications and treatments.

4

Mix together a little bit of honey, lemon and a pinch of turmeric. Apply this mixture to the skin regularly. This combination can be very effective if used properly and regularly.

5

Add sandalwood paste to water and apply it to your skin where the blemishes are. Sandalwood is good for keeping your skin clear and free of acne or blemishes. Sandalwood also soothes a painful pimple or boil on the skin.

6

Put three strawberries in a bowl and smash them with a fork. Pour enough vinegar in the bowl to make a paste with the strawberries. Spread this strawberry and vinegar paste onto the problem area of your skin and keep it on overnight. Use a towel in between your face and your pillow to protect your linens. Wash the paste off in the morning.

Use this paste every night. Make it a habit to use it even after the blemishes are gone, to keep the blemishes away and keep your skin clear.

HCG Diet With MS

In order to make an informed decision about whether or not the the Hcg Diet will have contraindications for people with MS (multiple sclerosis), it is important to know a little about MS, some of the things that cause MS flare ups, and how Hcg works.

What is MS?

Getting around Town

MS (Multiple Sclerosis) is a progressive, debilitating disease caused by lesions on the brain and spinal column. When the lesions heal, they leave behind a scar (the Latin term for which is sclerosis). As the disease progresses, there are more and more scars, thus the term multiple sclerosis. The disease typically strikes people in the prime of their lives--from 20 to 50 years of age according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Organization.

There are many theories about the cause of MS. One prevalent theory is that it is an auto-immune disease. For some unknown reason, the body thinks there is a microscopic growth on the mylin (the sheath that covers each nerve). The body attacks the fictitious growth, leaving a microscopic hole in the mylin--basically causing the body's nervous system to crossfire. (Just like a bunch of wires with a few holes in the plastic coating would misfire.) What makes this anomaly even more peculiar is that it affects everyone in a unique way. Typically, men suffer from a more potent form of the illness than woman. For example, a man who has had MS for ten years may be using a wheelchair, have modifications on his car so he drive, and be on disability. Alternatively, a woman of the same age who has had MS for ten years may just find the illness to be a nuisance, with occasional minor flare-ups like dimmed vision or fatigue. To date, doctors don't really know why some people get MS, and others don't

MS Irritants

Avoid MS Flare-ups

With some types of multiple sclerosis, the disease can be in a remission, and then start to flare-up. Some flare-ups are difficult to pin-point--they seem to come out of no where. However, other flare-ups are more predictable. Here are some things that may irritate MS:

Getting too hot
Getting stressed - physically (hungry, overtired, etc.), emotionally (family issues, romantic breakup, etc.) or mentally (studying, big project at work, etc.)
Getting sick
Not resting when needed (pushing yourself)
Motion sickness (people with MS are very prone to this)
Always saying 'yes' (learn to say 'no' with a full calendar)

What is the Hcg Diet?

The Hcg diet should be reviewed with a doctor before trying it.

(Hcg) Human Chorionic Gonadotropin hormone is produced by pregnant women to nourish the placenta. Dr. Simeons was first to discover the benefits of this glycoprotein based hormone to reduce body weight. During the diet people are limited to 500 calories per day of fat free food and moderate workouts are necessary.

The 'Hcg Diet Dangers' site offers some practical information for all people--regardless of whether they have MS, or not, saying: "If you are looking to lose weight with Hcg, you definitely need to consult with a physician. Like any other hormone or drug, Hcg interacts with other natural substances in the body, as well as prescription drugs and supplements. Hcg can also serve as a marker for disease and tumors, so you should tell any doctor about use of this substance when you are getting a medical test to ensure that you don't experience a false diagnosis of disease or pregnancy." The 500 calorie diet alone should be a red flag for anyone--especially those with multiple sclerosis.

Natural and Herbal Remedies for Stress in Place of Prozac

Antidepressant drugs have generated more than $20 billion in sales, according to Ray Moynihan and Alan Cassels, authors of "Selling Sickness." Prozac belongs to the antidepressant drug group known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are known to cause hallucinations, aggressive behavior, sexual dysfunction, nausea, headaches, insomnia or drowsiness, and diarrhea, according to Phyllis Balch, C.N.C., author of "Prescription for Herbal Healing."

Herbal Remedies

Ginkgo, kava, and St. John's wort are among the most widely-used herbs to treat depression. Ginkgo has been found to relieve depression, especially in older people who take high blood pressure medication. Kava treats depression and anxiety. St. John's wort is helpful for depression, tension, and exhaustion combined.

Nutrition Supplements

Deficiencies in certain nutrients have been linked to depression, according to Suzey Cohen, R.Ph., author of "The 24-Hour Pharmacist." Cohen recommends the following nutritional supplements for treating depression: 500 mg of vitamin C three or four times daily, to help convert amino acids into mood-boosting neurotransmitters; B-complex; 1,000 to 3,000 IU of vitamin D daily to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD); 200 to 400 mg of magnesium per day to relieve anxiety and agitation and assist calcium absorption for stabilization of mood and heart function; 1,000 mg of essential fatty acids three times daily, preferably from a source that provides both DHA and EPA, such as fish oil; and phenylalanine, an essential amino acid that is converted into two powerful mood boosters (use a type that contains both "L" and "D" forms).

Specialty Supplements

SAM-e is an amino acid that has been used successfully in Europe for many years to treat depression. The recommended intake is 200 to 400 mg up to four times daily. Supplements of 5-HTP, a nutrient used in the body to make serotonin, may relieve depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and tension. Taking vitamin B6 along with 25 to 100 mg of 5-HTP is recommended.

Essential Oils

Diffused essential oils of jasmine, grapefruit, bergamot, cinnamon, mandarin, and peppermint have been found helpful in lifting mood for some people.

Exercise

Studies have found that 15 to 30 minutes of exercise three times a week can relieve depression because exercise releases "feel good" chemicals, known as endorphins.

Warning

SSRIs such as Prozac continue to exert effects for four to six weeks after cessation of use. During this time, SSRIs can produce dangerous interactions with MAO inhibitors and some herbs, including St. John's wort. Certain natural remedies may interact with medications. People who take antidepressants should not take supplements of 5-HTP. People who take MAO inhibitors or who have high blood pressure should avoid L-tyrosine supplements. People who take psychoactive drugs or antidepressants or who have bipolar disorder should not take SAM-e.

What Are the Benefits of Apple Pectin & Cholesterol?

Apples, which have been eaten since 6500 B.C., contain pectin, a complex carbohydrate, according to Herbal Extracts Plus. Pectin is a water-soluble fiber that is in the plant tissue. Many fruits contain pectin, such as plums, crab apples and citrus; however, apples have the largest amount. Many healthy benefits are associated with apples and their pectin content, especially on cholesterol.

Binding Cholesterol

Pectin binds with cholesterol and fats before the body absorbs them. They are then eliminated via the intestines, states Herbal Extracts Plus.

Blood Regulation

Pectin helps reduce blood clotting, called platelet aggregation, and it regulates blood circulation, according to Herbal Extracts Plus. Both of these blood issues are associated with arteriosclerosis, stroke and heart ailments.

Blood Pressure

According to Vermont Apples, "There are some indications that fiber may reduce blood pressure levels." The site also states that water-soluble fiber is connected with lower blood glucose and serum lipid levels in diabetics.

Weight Control

Apples contain about 80 calories each, according to Vermont Apples. The calorie content, along with the beneficial carbohydrate of pectin, provides weight-control benefits. Maintaining proper weight is healthy for the heart.

Associated Benefits

Other aspects of apples are that they provide vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. This protects the body from cell damage. Vitamin C also helps create collagen and is beneficial to blood vessels and capillaries, according to Herbal Extracts Plus. Obtaining pectin directly from apples as opposed to a supplement means that you are also getting the vitamin C benefit to combat cholesterol problems.

Medical Uses of Honey Bee Venom

The use of bee venom as a medicine is nothing new. The ancient Egyptians were the first known civilization to try bee venom. The emperor Charlemagne and Ivan the Terrible used bee venom to help alleviate sore joints and stiffness, according to "Medicinal Uses for Bee Venom" at Swedish.org, the website of a medical center based in Seattle. Today the medical uses of bee venom remain slightly clouded with evidence both for and against its medicinal benefits.

Inflammation

According to Swedish.org, two of the major components of bee venom, mellitin and adolapin, are believed to have natural anti-inflammatory effects. Ahealthyme.com quotes a 1988 study at the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki in Greece that found bee venom slowed the symptoms of arthritis in laboratory rats. The site also quotes a similar study at Montreal General Hospital, where bee venom was found to block the production of interlukin-1. This is a compound that helps cause arthritic inflammation and pain.

Lyme Disease

In his article "The Treatment of Lyme Disease with Bee Venom," Dr. Dietricht K. Klinghardt says that bee venom in small doses can help stop Lyme disease from spreading through the human body. The peptide mellitin inhibits Lyme disease and prevents it from multiplying. Lyme disease is then easier to control and can be taken care of through the body's own immune system.

Multiple Sclerosis

The component apamin is prevalent in bee venom and believed to heighten nerve transmission, according to Swedish.org. However, studies of apamin, bee venom and their effectiveness in treating neurological disorders have been less than convincing. Neurology.org cites a specific study conducted in 2005 involving 26 patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. Half were given an 24-week course of bee venom treatment while the other patients received no bee venom. No significant reduction in symptoms was recorded during the course of this study. Nonetheless, bee venom is increasingly being used as a treatment for multiple sclerosis.

Medical Vs. Welding Oxygen

Oxygen makes up approximately 20 percent of our atmosphere and is one of the most important elements found on earth. Oxygen is essential to human, animal and plant life. Its chemical symbol is O and it was discovered in the early 1770's. Under normal conditions, oxygen is colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-combustible.

Medical Oxygen Facts

Medical oxygen is used by a variety of people in order to improve general well-being. The stress of modern life and the exposure to contemporary technologies have shown to deplete the human body of oxygen, according to healthoxygen.com. Low levels of oxygen are responsible for a variety of symptoms including tiredness, poor skin, headaches, mood swings, weak immune system, irregular sleeping patterns, toxin buildup in the blood, poor memory and depleted concentration.

Medical Oxygen Function

Medical oxygen has a variety of uses in many places, including air purifiers, health and beauty spas, gyms, tanning salons, as well as at home and at work. Furthermore, medical oxygen is also found in portable oxygen concentrators and can be carried by an individual at all times. According to healthoxygen.com, medical oxygen has shown to stimulate brain activity, boost concentration, develop alertness, raise energy levels, build endurance, reduce stress, calm anxiety and alleviate tension headaches among many other helpful benefits.

Welding Oxygen Facts

Welding oxygen is also known as oxy-fuel welding, oxyacetylene welding, oxy welding and gas welding. It refers to the process that uses oxygen to weld metals. The oxy-acetylene flame burns at approximately 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit and is the only gas flame that is hot enough to melt all metals used for commercial purposes. Materials suitable for welding oxygen include most steels and brass.

Welding Oxygen Features

Welding oxygen is typically stored under pressure in green, steel cylinders that range in size from less than 20 cubic feet to more than 300 cubic feet. The cylinders come with steel caps that protect the cylinder valves when the oxygen is not in use. This is important because oxygen, under pressure, will burst into flames if it comes in contact with oil or grease.

Considerations

There are four kinds of oxygen that are manufactured for personal use. These include aviation, medical, welding and research. There is an ongoing controversy as to whether there are any differences between the various kinds. Nevertheless, medical and welding oxygen costs about the same and both cost less than aviation oxygen. Furthermore, the purity of welding oxygen is much higher than that of medical oxygen yet particular specifications vary greatly across manufactures.