Natural Pleurisy Treatment

Pleurisy (or pleuritis) is an infection, viral or bacterial in origin, caused by an inflammation of the pleura— the sac-like membrane surrounding the lungs. The two layers of the inflamed pleura rub together to cause the characteristic creaking noise in the chest that makes diagnosis so easy. A surplus of pleural fluid may also be produced by the inflammation, causing a pleural effusion which can be detected on physical examination.

In a very few cases, pleurisy may be an indication of more serious diseases such as lung cancer or pulmonary embolism, while chronic pleurisy may be a symptom of tuberculosis. Before the advent of antibiotics, pleurisy was a life-threatening condition and one of the most common causes of death, particularly in children. Today,the condition is usually easily diagnosed and treated in the early stages.

CAUTION
If you do not feel better after a day (taking doses every hour), see your physician.

Symptoms 
• stabbing pain, usually at a particular point in inhalation or on coughing

TREATMENT 

Traditional Home and Folk Remedies 
Apple cider vinegar compresses will reduce inflammation and encourage healing.

Herbalism 
Comfrey root or leaf tea compresses can be applied to the chest to ease inflammation. Wrap a bruised wet plantain leaf across the chest to soothe symptoms. Combine a handful of sage leaves and corn silk to strengthen the kidneys and expel water from the system. 

Aromatherapy
The following anti-inflammatory oils can be used in gentle massage of the chest and back, or in the bath or an inhaler to encourage healing: bergamot, calendula, chamomile, myrrh. Lavender can be sniffed during an attack to calm you and help fight infection.

Homeopathy
During an acute attack, the following remedies may be useful:
• Aconite, for a sudden sharp pain, usually after exposure to cold wind.
• Cantharis, for breathlessness and burning pains with mild fever and a dry cough.
• Belladonna, for sudden pain and a hot flushed face accompanied by thirst.
• Hep. sulf., for slower recovery, with fluid on the lungs.
• Bryonia, for pain that is made worse by movement, and which is accompanied by thirst and general irritability.
• Sulfur, for sharp, cutting pains that are made worse by movement.