|
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the medium sized airways in your lungs. It can last for weeks and often has symptoms of a bad cough, lots of phlegm coming up from the lungs, and shortness of breath and wheezing.
The phlegm is often caused by the airway inflammation, and it can also be the cause of breathing problems.
There are two kinds of bronchitis: acute and chronic.
- Acute bronchitis lasts a few days and affects the bronchial tubes, while chronic bronchitis is an inflammation and infection in the bronchial tree.
- Chronic bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. Chronic bronchitis symptoms can last from days to weeks to even months depending on how slow the bronchial tree is healing
There are several herbs that people have used through the years to help alleviate the symptoms of bronchitis .
Some of the more common ones are Eucalyptus Garlic, Stingin Nettle Horehound and Marsh Mallow.
Eucalyptus oil has been used as an expectorant to help loosen phlegm Eucalyptus has also been used as a vapor treatment for bronchitis and coughs.
Garlic is a good overall herbal treatment for many ailments because it contains antiviral and antibacterial chemical compounds.
Garlic also releases aromatic compounds that may also help lung related disorders.
The juice from the roots and leaves of stinging nettle can be mixed with honey or sugar and taken like a cough syrup. It has been shown to help with asthma as well as bronchitis.
Horehound is used in Germany where herbal remedies are more prevalent than in the United States. There is an old fashioned horehound candy that may be helpful if eaten while you are suffering from bronchitis.
Marsh Mallow has been shown to soothe the respiratory tract, plus it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Signs and Symptoms
Acute bronchitis:
- Cough that produces mucus
- Burning sensation in the chest
- Wheezing
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Fatigue
Chronic bronchitis:
- Chronic cough that produces excessive amounts of mucus
- Wheezing, shortness of breath
- Blue-tinged lips
- Ankle, feet, and leg swelling
Herbs useful for bronchitis include:
Eucalyptus benefits the respiratory system and is a great expectorant for those who are suffering from congestion, pneumonia or the flu. You can enjoy its aroma by diffusing Eucalyptus into the air. Eucalyptus is cooling, stimulating and penetrating.
Garlic's healing properties make it an ideal agent for fighting colds and flu, bacteria and fungi. Garlic has also been used for lowering cholesterol, reducing high blood pressure and treating respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and asthma.
Stinging Nettle nourishes the kidneys and the urinary tract. It contains high amounts of iodine, which makes it beneficial for the thyroid gland - your body's "internal thermostat." Nettle is also rich in vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and chlorophyll.
Horehound, is a valuable plant in the treatment of bronchitis where there is a non-productive cough. It combines the action of relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchus while promoting mucus production, and thus expectoration. It is also beneficial in the treatment of whooping cough.
Ginger
This is an excellent herb to use in the bathtub because it helps promote perspiration, relieve congestion, and bring down fevers. It's often used in cough syrups and when used with cayenne it's an effective way to relieve sinus cavity congestion.
Fenugreek
This is known as a "lung herb" because it does a great job of expelling mucus and phlegm from the bronchial tubes.
Marshmallow
This root herb soothes and coats inflammed areas in the body, including afflictions in the respiratory system.
Mullein
This herb is often used for respiratory problems and diseases. It loosens mucus and helps expel it out of the body. It also calms spasms, helps ease pain, and helps reduce swelling in the glands.
Yarrow
This herb helps the body open it's pores and perspire more, which does a great job of lowering fevers. It's healing and soothing to the glandular system and mucous membranes. It's also helpful for most respiratory problem
Back to Homepage
|
