Protocol For Pneumonia & Respiratory Infections

Pneumonia is everywhere this year. At the time of my writing this, I’ve worked with 12 people over the last 3 weeks. That tells me it’s going to be a rough season this year.

Unfortunately, respiratory infections need more attention than a simple tea or tincture. They require a well-rounded approach and a protocol that may need to be tweaked throughout the healing process.

Here is the protocol our family uses when respiratory illness hits us.

Herbs

Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus): Lung tonic, expectorant, demulcent

Plantain (Plantago major): Astringent

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory antioxidant, expectorant, demulcent

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis): Expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, decongestant

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica): Anti-inflammatory, antihistamine

Elecampane (Inula helenium): Expectorant

Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis): Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic

Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa): Anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, and expectorant (not included in the recipes below, but can be added if needed)

Supplements

Magnesium: relaxes the muscles in the lungs and makes it easier to breathe

CoQ10: Improves lung function and oxygen exchange

Zinc: Prevents and treats lung damage, reduces inflammation in the lungs

Nutrition

Of course, eating lots of nutrient-dense food and staying hydrated is super important during an illness.

However, there’s one category of food that should be completely avoided during a respiratory infection. Dairy. Consuming dairy increases mucus production in the body. Have you ever had a big glass of milk and felt like the mucus in your throat was thicker?

That’s the dairy.

When you’re already struggling with mucus production, you definately don’t want to add to the problem.

Combining the correct herbs, supplements, nutrition, and of course rest, will help drastically cut your symptoms and duration of illness. As you move through the healing process, pay attention to your symptoms and how they change. You may need some herbs longer than others, or you may need to substitute some for others.

Pneumonia is nothing to “wait and see” about. If you are not improving, be sure to contact your medical team. A pharmaceutical antibiotic may be necessary. Fortunately, you can continue with this protocol in most cases without interactions or side effects.

To make sure you are choosing the right herbs for your symptoms, familiarize yourself with the herbs you want to use. You can do that by checking out the Herbal Library section, or by referencing good herbal books like ‘The Modern Herbal Dispensatory’.

Be sure to save or print the recipes below to keep in your herbal recipe library.

Breathe easy, friends!