Relieve Pain & Fight Infections without Pills and Antibiotics
Consider Infections and Allergies as text messages that your body sends to you, stating that something is wrong. Stress and improper diets are often the main reason for an overtaxed immune system.
In this article, we take a look at what you can do to prevent, cure or alleviate chest and throat infections naturally.
Your lungs are one of the most worked organs in your body. Sadly, they are the most abused as well. Meaning, you end up with respiratory tract infections very often. Tonsillitis, sore throat, ear infections, hay fever, runny/stuffy nose, sinusitis, chronic cough, and cold are all signs of a respiratory tract infection.
Thanks to alarming levels of air pollution, poor eating habits, and chronic stress, your lungs are more taxed than ever before. Here are a few natural ways to make your lungs stronger and provide you quick relief from infections.
What to do, when you’re down with a Serious Case of Infection
- Indulge in a mini steam bath
Take a bowl and fill it with boiling water. Add a few drops of camphor or eucalyptus oil to it. Now, bend over the bowl, while holding a towel over your head. Slowly breathe in the steam and let it soothe your tired throat and upper respiratory tract.
- Soak in a Hot Bath to Beat the Cold
Fill a bathtub with hot water. Mix a few drops of lavender, tea-tree, peppermint or other essential oils with a few teaspoons of carrier oils like coconut, almond, avocado, or jojoba. Add this mixture to the hot bath and soak in it for a full twenty minutes or more.
Hydrotherapy is an ancient form of Ayurvedic treatment that works in improving your lung functioning and cures bronchitis, asthma and other infections.
- Take a Deep Breath, Literally
Deep breathing is one of the best ways to improve the strength of your lungs. Learn the ancient art of Pranayama, where you can control your mind and body by engaging in mindful breathing. Anuloma-Viloma (Naadi Shuddhi), Bhastrika, Sitkari, and Khapalbhati are a few Pranayama techniques that are particularly effective in treating lung and throat infections.
- Get Moving
Exercise is a great way to streamline your breathing pattern and to strengthen your respiratory tract. Indulge in your favorite form of exercise, be it running, swimming, trekking. Alternatively, make sure that you practice yoga asanas to strengthen your lungs and keep future infections at bay.
What to Take for Lung and Throat Infections
“Let Food be Thy Medicine”
- Thyme Juice
A powerful expectorant, this herbal concoction moves accumulated mucus out of your lungs, while easing cough and killing bacteria in your lungs.
- Garlic
Garlic is an excellent remedy to reduce the severity of chest infections. You can eat it raw, add to your food or sip it like tea. Add a teaspoon of grated garlic to one cup of boiling water, to make fresh garlic tea.
- Onion, Lemon, and Honey
This combination of superfoods gives you instant relief. Grind half-an-onion to paste and add a teaspoon of lemon and honey to it. Have this mixture three to four times a day for best results.
- Ginger and Honey
Ginger and honey is soothing for the throat and eliminates all chest infections. Mix a teaspoon of honey with freshly grated ginger and consume the paste.
- Milk, Turmeric, Pepper, and Honey
Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, one teaspoon of honey and a pinch of black pepper powder. Consume this drink warm before going to bed.
- Plantain Juice
This herbal remedy not only treats bacterial infections but also expels mucus from the lungs. It’s also effective against a cough.
- Mustard Poultice
You can make the poultice by mixing one part dry mustard with three parts of flour. Add water till you get a paste-like consistency. This eases the symptoms and reduces infections.
The Power of Prevention
- Quit Smoking
To prevent future infections and deadly lung diseases, the one piece of advice is “Quit Smoking.” If you’re a smoker, check out natural programs that help you kick the habit. Don’t forget that secondhand smoke is as dangerous as first-hand smoke. So, make sure to ask your loved ones to put an end to the lung threatening habit.
- Wear a Mask
If your job exposes you to fumes, dust, and other pollutants or if you live in a city with poor air quality, make sure that you wear a proper mask or respirator. This way you prevent toxins and other impurities from entering your respiratory tract.
- Wash your Hands
Washing hands frequently helps to prevent upper respiratory tract infections. Make sure that you wash your hands before eating or touching your fact. Always sneeze while covering your mouth, to reduce the chances of spreading the disease. Use disposable tissues to wipe your hands and mouth, instead of handkerchiefs and always carry a hand sanitizer with you.
- Boost your Vitamin C levels
Vitamin C is the superhero when it comes to warding off respiratory diseases. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, Indian gooseberry (amla) are rich in Vitamin C. To keep your respiratory health in perfect shape, you can take up to 2000 milligrams of this vitamin daily.
With these tips on hand, you can now tackle even the most stubborn lung and throat infections with ease!
Disclaimer: All information, data and material has been sourced from multiple authors and is for general information and educational purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor.
The views and nutritional advice expressed are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
