Pneumonia is one of the most common diseases in India, known by its characteristic symptom of fever. Usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection, it also has several other symptoms like cough, chills, production of sputum, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, etc., making it important to prevent and treat the condition.
In Ayurveda, pneumonia is called Shwasanaka Jwara. The fever associated with pneumonia is said to be Kapha Pradhan (or Kapha dominant. Therefore, Ayurvedic treatment of pneumonia primarily aims at reducing Kapha in the body.
Here we present to you some of the time-tested Ayurvedic herbs to treat and prevent pneumonia naturally.
Best Ayurvedic Herbs To Prevent and Treat Pneumonia
Some of the most promising Ayurvedic herbs that help in protecting against pneumonia are mentioned below.
- Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry)
Renowned for its immunity-enhancing properties, Amla or Amalaki is known for relieving symptoms of lung inflammation associated with pneumonia. Amla is host to numerous antibacterial compounds, which help in clearing out the infectious bacteria responsible for the infection. Furthermore, it is an excellent source of vitamin C and flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants that prevent damage to tissues of the lungs associated with pneumonia.
- Kutaja (Kurchi)
Kutaja possesses antibacterial and astringent properties. Because it is a potent antibacterial herb, it is effective in combatting pneumonia.
- Bhringraj (Bhangra)
The roots and leaves of Bhringraj are used in Ayurvedic formulations for their rejuvenating, antipyretic, and tonic properties. The herb also exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-hepatotoxic properties. Together, these myriad properties are useful when it comes to reducing the microbial activity that is associated with pneumonia.
- Tila (Sesame)
Sesame seeds, oil, and leaves are used in several Ayurvedic medicines because of their therapeutic purposes. Tila helps in protecting against pneumonia by successfully inhibiting the action of microorganisms that are associated with pneumonia.
- Garlic (Lahsun)
Garlic is hot in nature and an effective home remedy for pneumonia. You may either consume it in the morning or apply garlic paste on the chest because it has the properties to fight pneumonia and help in quick recovery.
- Guduchi (Giloy)
Guduchi, too, possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful in combatting pneumonia. In the science of Ayurveda, it is the most widely used immunomodulatory and antipyretic herb.
- Vasa (Malabar Nut)
Vasa is known as a primary respiratory herb, which is known to relieve symptoms of cough, asthma, bronchitis, flu, and Kapha disorders.
- Fenugreek (Methi)
Fenugreek is quite helpful when it comes to combatting symptoms of pneumonia, such as cough, fever, and congestion, among others.
- Turmeric (Haldi)
Turmeric has the efficacious properties to offer relief from pneumonia. You may consume turmeric mixed with cow’s milk every day for optimum results.
- Mulethi (Licorice Root)
Mulethi helps in keeping the respiratory tract in optimum health and aiding the lungs during a pneumonia infection. Moreover, it is an excellent anti-inflammatory ingredient. Incorporating Mulethi in your diet is highly beneficial in protecting yourself from pneumonia.
- Kala Bansa and Banana Leaves
As an Ayurvedic treatment to protect yourself against pneumonia, Kala Bansa and banana leaves are burnt to produce ash, which can be consumed with honey for protection against pneumonia.
The Efficacy of Ayurvedic Herbs in Combatting Pneumonia
A study was conducted to successfully assess the protective benefits of Amalaki against Klebsiella pneumoniae, which is a type of bacteria that causes pneumonia. The study reported a significant reduction in the bacterial colonisation of tissues of the lungs, with an increase in phagocytic activity.
Another study successfully reports the antibacterial activity of the flower extract of Kutaja, demonstrating this herb’s efficacy when it comes to inhibiting the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae.
According to a study that was published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, a polyherbal formulation (with Bhringraj extracts as one of the primary ingredients) is effective in suppressing the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae, thus making Bhringraj an efficacious herb in combatting pneumonia.
On a Final Note:
Pneumonia is one of the primary causes of serious illness and mortality the world over. Besides being a lung infection, it has an inflammatory course of nature. Ayurveda aims at the treatment of Kapha-dominant Jwara (that is associated with pneumonia) as well as accumulated Ama with potent herbs. The antibacterial and antipyretic properties of Ayurvedic herbs are what makes them effective in protection against pneumonia.
