Pneumonia refers to a respiratory disorder that is defined as lung inflammation resulting from viral, fungal or bacterial infection. Although the body prevents these organisms from attacking the lungs, many a times they succeed in overpowering the immune system in spite of being in general good health.

Usually, it occurs in a mild condition that clears up in 2-3 weeks. But, it can take a serious toll and turn fatal, especially for infants, young kids, and adults above 65 years of age. The common symptoms of pneumonia include fever, cough, breathlessness, and shaking chills.

Home Remedies for Pneumonia in Children

Here are some easy and effective home remedies to treat pneumonia in children.

1. Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds contain magnesium that helps in airway spasms occurring during pneumonia further relieving the chest pain. Heat a small amount of sesame seed with 3-4 pinches of camphor added to it. Ask your child to inhale the fumes to clear the congestion. Another way to use it is by heating 2-3 crushed garlic cloves in sesame seed oil and apply it on the chest.

2. Fenugreek Seeds

Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water overnight. Next morning, boil this water and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and ask your child to sip this water through the day. These tan-hued seeds work to sweat out the toxins, thus removing the root cause of this fatal lung infection.

3. Garlic

Garlic is a natural antibiotic that has the power to kill infection triggering germs. Surprisingly, the good bacteria remain untouched by garlic. Crush 2-3 garlic cloves and apply the prepared paste on your child’s chest. Alternatively, roast and crush 3-4 garlic cloves and add them to olive oil and heat it. Inhale the fumes to get rid of congestion.

4. Ginger

Ginger is the most effective and highly sought after home remedy for various types of respiratory diseases, including pneumonia. Loaded with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties, it can be used in dried form or even fresh.  Grate some fresh ginger root and add some freshly extracted lemon juice to it. Flavor the combination with a teaspoon of honey sip this mixture at regular intervals to fight off congestion.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric powder is known to contain anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-oxidative, and antiseptic properties. It is also rich in Curcumin and volatile oils. Mix ½ a teaspoon of turmeric powder to warm milk. Serve two glasses of this milk to your child everyday to fight off pneumonia.

6. Camphor

Camphor contains the properties that help to eliminate the mucus collected in the lungs. Besides, it also eases the cough. Camphor also contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Camphor essential oil contains anesthetic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, and decongestant properties. Use this oil on the chest to clear the airways, ease breathing, and reduce pain.

7. Honey

The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey are simply amazing. Mix a teaspoon of honey in 200 ml lukewarm water. Serve 3-4 glasses of such water to your pneumonic child during the day. For better results, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the water.

8. Holy Basil

Crush a few holy basil leaves and add some eucalyptus oil to it. Ask your child to inhale the fumes to combat congestion. The basil leaves contain the power to eliminate the phlegm and catarrhal matter collected in the bronchial tube. Besides, it also helps in removing the mucus thus making way for decongested lungs.

9. Dandelion

Dandelion contains anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties that make it an effective natural remedy for pneumonia. Besides easing inflammation and pain, it also fights off the germs that cause pneumonia. Add a few dandelion leaves to water and boil it for ten minutes. Strain and use this decoction to combat pneumonia.

10. Apples

As is said, “An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away.” The amazing antioxidant levels in apple along with the flavonoids work to strengthen the lungs. Quercetin, an antioxidant contained in apple juice, enhances and fortifies the immune system thus providing quicker recovery.

11. Beet Juice

Beetroot contains potent antioxidants, fungicides, and anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, beet juice soothes and heals the pain experienced during pneumonia. Giving beet juice to your child helps to clear the phlegm collected in the lungs thus making it easier to breathe.

Whoever said pneumonia cannot be treated with remedies? These simple and effective remedies are all you need to treat pneumonia in kids effectively without any side effects whatsoever.