I never would have imagined that something as simple and natural as garlic and baking soda could have such a powerful effect on my lungs. But when I was suffering from severe respiratory issues, these two ingredients truly saved me. What I thought was just a bad cold turned out to be pneumonia, and I want to share the remedy that helped me recover quickly and naturally.
Pneumonia, like bronchitis, is an inflammation of the airways located in the chest cavity. However, unlike bronchitis, which affects the larger airways (bronchi), pneumonia goes deeper—impacting the alveoli, the small air sacs in the lungs where oxygen exchange takes place. It is a more serious condition that affects the lower parts of the respiratory system, below the throat.
Causes of Pneumonia
Pneumonia is caused by infections in the lower respiratory tract. These infections can be bacterial, viral, or fungal. In adults, the most common cause of pneumonia is bacterial infection, especially Streptococcus pneumoniae. Among viruses, influenza (flu virus) is the most common cause of pneumonia in adults. In some cases, other pathogens or weakened immunity can make people more susceptible.
How Pneumonia Affects the Body
When the alveoli in the lungs become inflamed due to infection, they start to fill up with fluid and pus. This makes breathing difficult and prevents enough oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. As a result, people with pneumonia often experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and fever. The body reacts to the infection by increasing its internal temperature and triggering chills.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Just like bronchitis, pneumonia symptoms include a dry or wet cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. In more advanced stages, one might also experience fatigue, sweating, and pain when inhaling deeply. If untreated, the infection can spread, causing complications such as abscesses, respiratory failure, or sepsis.
A Simple Yet Effective Inhalation Remedy
Here’s the natural inhalation remedy that helped me recover and breathe freely again. It’s simple to make and incredibly effective for treating colds, coughs, and even pneumonia.
You’ll need:
- 6 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
Start by pouring the cup of water into a small pot. Bring it to a boil. Once the water begins to boil, add the peeled garlic cloves and immediately reduce the heat to very low. Let the mixture simmer gently for no more than 5 minutes. After that, remove the pot from the heat and place it on a sturdy table.
Next, sit down comfortably at the table, cover your head with a towel, and lean over the pot so that the steam is directed towards your face. This will help trap the steam and make the inhalation more effective. Only then should you uncover the pot and add one teaspoon of baking soda.
The mixture is now ready for inhalation.
Don’t start inhaling deeply right away. Begin slowly, allowing your nose and lungs to adjust to the steam. Start with 2–3 slow inhalations through your nose, exhaling through your mouth. Then switch: inhale slowly through your mouth and exhale through your nose. Continue this pattern for as long as the mixture remains warm.
After you’re done, gently wipe off any sweat from your face, wrap your head with a warm scarf, and go straight to bed. Rest is essential to allow your body to heal.
Fast and Noticeable Results
By the next morning, I felt significantly better. My fever had dropped, the cough became more productive, and the abscess in my lungs started to clear. I repeated the inhalation 2–3 times a day. After just 2–3 days, my body temperature returned to normal and I felt more energized. In cases of neglected or more severe pneumonia, this treatment may need to be continued for up to 10 days.
Why This Remedy Works
This natural treatment works due to the disinfecting and cleansing properties of garlic and baking soda. Garlic has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Baking soda helps soothe irritated airways and break down mucus. Together, they create an inhalation blend that relieves symptoms and supports the body’s healing process.
I’ve also used this method to treat my children’s sore throats and fevers. It’s a remedy I always keep in mind during cold and flu season—and one I never would’ve believed in, had I not experienced its effects myself.
