Pleurisy occurs when the tissue lining your lungs and chest wall becomes inflamed and painful -- a condition usually made worse by breathing deeply or coughing. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that numerous factors may lead to this condition, including viral lung infections, tuberculosis and asbestos-related disease. Herbal remedies may be a helpful alternative treatment for this condition, but you should always clear the use of herbs with your family doctor first.
Pleurisy Information
Although the most commonly experienced pleurisy-related symptom is sharp chest pain that is made worse with chest movement, you may also feel pain in your shoulder, notes MedlinePlus. Because pleurisy may cause fluid to accumulate in your chest cavity, you may experience several signs and symptoms, including coughing; dyspnea, or shortness of breath; increased breathing rate; and bluish skin color, or cyanosis. If your bacterial lung infection is treated early, this may help prevent pleurisy.
Appropriate Herbs
Appropriate herbs in treating pleurisy possess the ability to support your immune system while soothing and healing irritated or inflamed lung tissues. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," expert herbalist and naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner lists that several herbs may be particularly helpful in achieving these health objectives, including echinacea, usnea, lomatium, pleurisy root, licorice, bloodroot and cayenne. Wild cherry is also commonly used in treating pleurisy.
A Useful Remedy
Wild cherry may be a useful remedy in treating pleurisy and other respiratory system ailments. According to William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician, herbal medicine expert and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," wild cherry is an expectorant, antispasmodic and antitussive, and has historically been used in treating a painful, harsh cough. The bark of the tree contains numerous medicinal ingredients, including a substance called prunasin, which is used in herbal preparations.
Disclaimer
If not treated in a timely and appropriate manner, pleurisy may lead to serious health complications. If you develop the common signs and symptoms associated with this condition, meet with your family physician at your earliest possible convenience to be properly diagnosed and treated. Ask your doctor about the safeness and efficacy of herbal remedies in treating your pleurisy and how herbs might interact with other drugs you might be taking.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Pleurisy
- MedlinePlus: Pleurisy
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
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