Natural Cures for Fluid in the Lung

By Megan Smith, eHow Contributor
updated: August 14, 2009

Relieve Fluid in the Lungs Naturally
Fluid in the lungs, also known as pulmonary edema or lung water, is an illness that should be treated by a doctor if it cannot be treated at home. In some cases, however, steam inhalation combined with the matchstick remedy along with drinking plenty of water and taking vitamins like Vitamin C and B12, can cure fluid in the lungs, especially if it is in the beginning phase of the disease, when you may be suffering with a rattling cough and difficulty breathing.

Steam Inhalation
Fill the kitchen or bathroom sink with hot water and place two chamomile or peppermint tea bags in the water. If your water heater does not allow for very hot water, fill the sink halfway with hot water from the tap, then fill the rest of the sink with boiling water heated in a pot or kettle on the stove. Place a bath towel over your head and use your hands to seal the corners off where the towel meets the edges of the sink. Lean over and inhale the steam in deep breaths as it rises from the warm water. Continue inhaling the steam until the water has cooled completely. Repeat every three to four hours as desired, until fluid and symptoms have subsided.

The Matchstick Remedy
The matchstick remedy is a way for the body to get sulfur, which improves respiratory infections and symptoms of nausea. Drop two lit matches into a glass of water, so the flame is extinguished right as they hit the water. Pour the water and the matchsticks into a container and seal. Shake the container well for 30 seconds. Drink a tablespoon of the liquid, and repeat three times a day until your cough and fluid in your lungs has subsided.
Forum on Matchstick remedy
"Later on I refined the way to make this remedy which I consider is a One-Composite-Remedy.

1. Hold a matchstick near a cupful of water, burn it with other matchstick and immediately dip the burning head (make sure it is still in the process of being ignited). Repeat this step with another matchstick.

2. Put the water in a one liter plastic bottle but half empty so we can shake it up vigorously. It gets difficult to shake water if bottle is almost full. Add two whole unburned matchsticks in the same water. Close the lid and shake the bottle vigorously for at least 50 times.

3. Medicine is instantly ready. Take a small spoon of water as remedy. Repeat the dose only if needed. You can remove both burned and unburned 4 matchsticks after two days and store the liquid in refrigerator to avoid the fermentation.

This remedy is safe for children but use only one drop in the water. Do not overuse it.

A matchstick contains following things.

1. Sulphur
2. Phosphorous
3. Potassium Chlorate
4. Potassium Carbonate (as flame retardant)
5. Carbo Vegetabelis (burnt heat)
6. Phosphoric Acid (When still ignited matchhead is dipped in the water)"


When to See a Doctor
If you are running a high fever, have difficulty breathing and taking in oxygen, can't sleep at night, are coughing up green or bloody phlegm or you are experiencing swelling in your body or a body rash, contact your doctor immediately. These symptoms, in conjunction with fluid in the lungs, are a sign that the infection has gotten serious. If you cannot make a doctor's appointment that day, go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Your doctor will most likely give you an antibiotic like Zithromax that you should take until the dose is completely finished, even if you are feeling better before that.