Home Remedies for Bronchitis

How to treat bronchitis? These home remedies for bronchitis including herbs for bronchitis may help provide bronchitis relief and reduce inflammation of the bronchial tubes.

What is bronchitis? What are the common symptoms of bronchitis? What causes bronchitis? Is bronchitis contagious? How long does bronchitis last?

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi tubes or air passages that transport air from the trachea to and from the lungs. Acute bronchitis is an infection of the bronchial that doesn't last long. Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. One of the ways to differentiate between acute and chronic bronchitis is that the latter usually lasts longer than 3 months.

The common signs and symptoms of bronchitis include cough, chest discomfort, chills, fatigue, slight fever, thick mucus or sputum, shortness of breath and wheezing. One of acute bronchitis symptoms is nagging cough that lingers even after the other symptoms of bronchitis have cleared. The symptoms of chronic bronchitis besides lasting more than 3 months include coughing that are worse in the morning and also frequent bouts of the cold or flu.

Acute bronchitis happens because of a viral infection and usually it's caused by the common cold or flu virus. Bacterial infection, GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease and exposure to pollutants can also cause acute bronchitis. And since about 90% of acute bronchitis is caused by viral infection, it is contagious.

One of the major causes of chronic bronchitis is injury to the airways caused by cigarette smoking. Other irritants such as air pollution, dust, toxic gases and fumes can also cause chronic bronchitis. Recurrence of acute bronchitis also contributes to the development of chronic bronchitis. This can happen if the body's immune system is weak and can't fight bacterial or viral infections or repeated exposure to pollutants.

Home remedies for bronchitis No. 1 - Herbs for treating bronchitis

Since bronchitis is an inflammation, the herbs that are recommended as natural remedies for bronchitis are those that are anti inflammatory. If it is caused by bacterial infection, natural antibiotics for bronchitis would help treat the symptoms. Other herbs that are beneficial are those that help provide relief from coughing, remove mucus, improve nasal congestion, reduce fever and improve the respiratory system. Herbs that strengthen the immune system are helpful in preventing infection.

1. Echinacea has anti-viral activities. It is helpful in treating respiratory problems. If taken as a dietary supplement, it helps build the body's defense against infections and also shortens the duration of illness.
   
   
   
2. Garlic protects the body against infections and may help in preventing the common cold, flu and acute bronchitis.
   
   
   
3. Goldenseal root has antimicrobial properties. It is also a natural antibiotic. When combined with echinacea, goldenseal is more potent in treating bronchitis and other infections.
   
   
   
4. Ginseng is another herb that may help reduce inflammation and clear the bronchial tubes.
   
   
   
5. Licorice root is an expectorant and demulcent. It helps push out mucus and is helpful in soothing inflamed mucus membranes.
   
   
   
6. Lobelia has been traditionally used as a natural treatment for bronchitis and other respiratory problems. It is an expectorant and is useful for clearing mucus from the lungs.
   
   
   
7. Mullein has antibacterial and astringent activities. It is also a natural expectorant and helps in expelling sputum.
   
   
   
8. Peppermint is a natural decongestant and helps relieve nasal congestion as well as other cold and flu symptoms.
   
   
   
9. Red reishi mushroom or lingzhi has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Taking reishi extract may also boost the immune system.

Other herbs that are used as home remedies for bronchitis are astragalus, eucalyptus, ginkgo biloba, juniper berries onion, marshmallow root and sage.

To relieve nasal congestion, add a few drops of the herbal essential oil in hot water and inhale the steam. The steam and therapeutic properties of the herbs help soothe the lining of the inflamed bronchial tubes and loosen the mucus. Drinking warm herbal tea is one of the ways to suppress unproductive bronchial cough or expel sputum from productive cough.

Home remedies for bronchitis No. 2 - Apple cider vinegar

Mix 2 tablespoons of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon honey in a � glass of warm water. Squeeze some lemon juice, mix well and drink the mixture.

Apple cider vinegar has been used to treat various conditions and illness for centuries. Honey and lemon have the ability to soothe cough and sore throat. Honey also helps in draining mucus from the lungs and lubricates the respiratory tract.

Home remedies for bronchitis No. 3 - Stop smoking

You must quit smoking if you are having chronic bronchitis. All the home remedies for bronchitis mentioned above won't help treat the symptoms if you continue to smoke. Your bronchial tubes are already irritated and if you continue to inhale the cigarettes, the lining of the airways will become more inflamed. If you don't smoke, avoid second-hand smoke and other lung irritants.

Home remedies for bronchitis No. 4 - Drink water

Water loosens mucus and makes it easy to cough them out. You should drink between 6 to 8 glasses of water daily and not only when you are sick. Avoid alcohol, alcoholic beverages and caffeine because they are diuretics and make you lose more fluids.

Home remedies for bronchitis No. 5 - Rest

Taking extra hours to rest or sleep help your body fight the infection and prevent fatigue and stress.

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