Pneumonia

(Congestion of the Lungs)

Etiology: 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.

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:

• Ginger
• St. John's wort
• Comfrey
• Cudweed
• Elecampane
• Horehound
• Ivy, ground
• Cayenne
• Plantain
• Lungwort
• Pleurisy root
• Elm, slippery
• Alum, wild root
• Coltsfoot
• Mustard
• Vervain
• Flaxseed

• 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.

  Go to Nutrmedical's Herb Finder Index

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