Pleurisy is a condition which involves an infection of the pleura, an outer coating shell of the lungs. This is a pretty serious condition, as it can cause some serious chest pains and difficulty breathing. If the infection spreads, it might develop into even graver health conditions. That being said, it’s crucial to consult a doctor and ask for a professional opinion in order to follow a treatment that can help you keep this condition under control. However, aside from the medication you will receive, you can also use certain home remedies for pleurisy that are going to aid in fighting off this highly dangerous infection. Keep reading to discover the natural treatments which will make it easier for your body to get out of this sticky situation.
1. Ginger
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory agent with useful analgesic properties that act similarly to those of painkillers. It can help soothe discomfort of your lungs while also keeping under control the pain and discomfort while breathing. Many people have been using ginger internally to treat a number of various respiratory infections and inflammations, making it one of the most reliable home remedies for pleurisy.
Instructions:
- Place a small piece of ginger in about 1 cup of water.
- Boil this mixture for about 5 minutes and then steep for an additional 5 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy this tea while it’s still warm, optionally adding some honey too in order to bring up the flavor.
- Drink 1 cup of the ginger tea per day for however long it takes for the symptoms of pleurisy to dissipate.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. You can use it in a number of ways, although we definitely recommend internal use to really treat this condition from the inside-out. Turmeric is also an analgesic that will bring comfort to the chest aches and the pain of breathing, which are some of the most troublesome symptoms of this affliction.
Instructions:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 cup of milk and then bring to heat.
- When it becomes warm enough to drink, remove from the flame and then add a bit of honey to taste.
- Drink this blend 2-3 times throughout the day for however long it takes to get the relief that you’re looking for.
3. Celery
Celery is one of the best treatments for you when you’re trying to deal with the unpleasant symptoms of pleurisy. It has a bunch of “anti properties,” such as anti-spastic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory ones. Simply drinking some celery juice is going to help you flush out toxins and deal with the bacteria lurking around your lungs. In other words, it’s one of the great home remedies for pleurisy that will deal with the issue from the inside-out.
Instructions:
- Whip out a delicious celery juice by acquiring three carrots and two celery stalks.
- Chop the veggies into smaller pieces for proper processing.
- Next, add to juicer or blender. If you’re using a blender, pour over 1 cup of water.
- Serve the resulting juice right away to get the benefits while they’re still fresh.
4. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains a substance called capsaicin, which is famous for its excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Many people have been using cayenne pepper to treat numerous types of inflammations and infections. It will also allow for a heat treatment from the inside-out thanks to the pepper’s thermogenic properties that release warmth through your body and toward your lungs.
Instructions:
- To a glass of warm water, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder and 1 teaspoon of honey.
- Stir everything thoroughly to prepare this instant cayenne pepper tea.
- Drink up to 3 cups of this remedy every for a week to alleviate your symptoms.
5. Basil
Basil is rich in vitamins and nutrients that give strength to your body in order to fend off the infection. Furthermore, the reason why is one of the best home remedies for pleurisy is the fact that it also has deep soothing properties that will alleviate the pains of pleurisy. It’s definitely something worth trying, especially since the recipe is very simple.
Instructions:
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
- Add 2 teaspoons of basil leaves and cinnamon powder.
- Reduce heat and then let everything simmer for 20 minutes.
- Finally, strain the mixture and enjoy the tea while it’s still warm.
- Drink this solution daily for 1 week.
6. Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry, also commonly known as amla fruit, is a powerhouse of health that will grant you the pain relief you’re looking for. More than that, amla also has the ability to absorb toxins that fuel the infection of the lungs, helping you destroy the inflammation and this condition from the inside-out. Amla can also improve circulation, a key factor to the quick recovery of your body.
Instructions:
- Add 1 teaspoon of Indian gooseberry powder to a glass of warm water and then stir everything thoroughly.
- Have a glass of this solution every morning on an empty stomach to deal with the symptoms of pleurisy.
7. Olive Oil
Olive leaves and olive oil contain a substance called oleuropein, which stands tall as one of the best kind of substances to treat inflammations. It has the ability to provide relief to the pains of pleurisy but, most of all, it’s a powerful compound that fights internal infections and improves your immune system’s functions for a faster and more efficient recovery.
Instructions:
- In the morning, on an empty stomach, digest 1 tablespoon of olive oil combined with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Alternatively, you can brew some olive leaf oil. Drop a handful of leaves in a pot of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, strain, and then enjoy 2-3 cups throughout the day.
8. Dates
Dates have so many minerals and nutrients that it’s no wonder they are some of the best home remedies for pleurisy. Some of the main compounds involve calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. But there are also numerous vitamins, such as C, K, or E. All of these help strengthen your body, boost your immune system, and fend off bacteria that’s causing infections.
Instructions:
- Soak 2 dry dates in a glass of milk and leave them overnight.
- Next morning, eat the dates and drink the milk on an empty stomach.
- Repeat this process 3-4 times a week.
- Tip: you may swap milk for hot water in case you’re lactose intolerant.
9. Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds contain numerous substances that make them fantastic home remedies for pleurisy. By digesting a blend of fenugreek seeds with some honey, you’ll be able to give your body a necessary intake of vitamins and other nutrients that will help it get the better of this pesky condition and fight against the lung infection.
Instructions:
- Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water and leave them to sit overnight.
- In the morning, grind the seeds until you get a pasty consistency.
- Combine with a bit of honey to provide a better taste and then consume while alternating with some water.
10. Hibiscus Flower
Hibiscus flower is a remedy that many people use to treat inflammations and infections due to its excellent soothing and relaxing properties. But it does a lot more than just that. Many professionals recommend hibiscus flower treatments to people suffering from cholesterol as it dilates blood vessels and it gives a boost to your immune system. Both of these aspects are crucial to a fast recovery of your body in the face of pleurisy.
Instructions:
- Take 4-5 hibiscus flowers and then remove the stamen.
- Grind the flowers until you get some sort of paste, strengthening it with 1-2 teaspoons of honey.
- Mix everything and then consume this blend to provide your body with the relief it needs.
- Repeat this remedy several times throughout the next weeks until you get satisfying results.
11. Dried Figs
Dried figs are excellent remedies for a number of afflictions and conditions, including pleurisy. They contain lots of omega-fatty acids, which are crucial to a proper functioning of your immune system and strengthening your body to allow it to fight infections and inflammations. Be careful to not consume too many dried figs, as they can sometimes cause diarrhea or trigger allergic reactions.
Instructions:
- Grab a handful of dried figs and then place them in a container with honey.
- Soak the figs in honey for about 30 minutes and then digest the fruits.
- Repeat this process daily for the next couple of weeks.
12. Heat
The last, but definitely not the least of our recommended home remedies for pleurisy. Heat treatment is an often efficient and highly productive method of dealing with all kinds of chest-level infections and inflammations. It’s the only remedy that takes an external approach, helping by stimulating blood circulation, which in turn alleviates pain and makes breathing easier.
Instructions:
- Fill a plastic bottle with some hot water or take a heating pad.
- Lie down in bed and then place the heating pad or the bottle on your chest, wrapping a hot towel around it.
- Keep it on for 20 minutes or until everything cools down.
- Repeat 2-3 times a day for the next few days or for however long it takes to start seeing some alleviation of your symptoms.
13. Milk
Milk contains lactic acid in high quantities, which a compound that your body needs in order to be able to fend off bacteria and fight infections. Moreover, milk’s other nutrients, such as calcium, will improve your immune system.
Instructions:
- In the morning and before going to bed, have 1 glass of warm milk.
- Alternatively, you can mix things up by adding 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and 2 teaspoons of honey, stirring everything to get a solution. Drink this resulting blend daily for the next few weeks.
Conclusion
In the closing of this article, we’ll once again insist to remind that pleurisy is an incredibly dangerous condition that can very easily develop into something much more unpleasant. Even though you can help keep everything in check using home remedies for pleurisy, it’s mandatory to consult a doctor and to undergo a professional treatment. Using both of these in parallel is definitely going to help you get on the steady road to recovery.
Max Johnson says
Sounds like pleurisy is no joke. Good advice to seek a doctor and excellent list of home remedies for pleurisy. I didn’t know celery was helpful as you describe it. For years, I’ve wondered why people even eat celery (other than getting it with Buffalo wings and blue cheese). I’ll have to look into celery’s healing powers further.
Phil Chauncy says
Is pleurisy what used to be known as dropsy? I saw the 13 home remedies for pleurisy and thought the condition sounded vaguely familiar. I’m a bit embarrassed to ask, but what are dates? Are they a nut? Are they a fruit?
Selina Weaver says
Hello, Phil!
Indeed, dropsy is an old term for the swelling of soft tissues due to the accumulation of excess water, in this case dropsy of the lungs, the modern term being pleurisy. As for your other question, dates are the fruit of a palm tree known as the date palm.