Natural remedies for bronchitis?

[Guest guest]

Hello,

 

If any of you know about natural remedes for bronchitis (preferably

herbal), thanks for letting me know! I get sick with it between 2-5

times a year, basically whenever I get a cold/flu.

 

Best,

 

Nik

[Guest guest]

One thing you can do is drink onion tea for the cold.

To make the tea, take a cup of hot water dip one slice

of a white or yellow onion into it and sip this. Takes

care of a cold in a day or two. As for the bronchitis,

we use tea tree oil in boiling water and tent over it

with a blanket, breathe deeply and hold. You will need

to come out from under and then go back several times.

This took care of my bronchy in one night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

--- Nik <ryotboi wrote:

 

> Hello,

>

> If any of you know about natural remedes for

> bronchitis

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much for your suggestions! Much appreciated

[Guest guest]

, " Nik "

<ryotboi wrote:

>

> Hello,

>

> If any of you know about natural remedes for bronchitis

(preferably

> herbal), thanks for letting me know! I get sick with it between 2-5

> times a year, basically whenever I get a cold/flu.

>

> Best,

>

> Nik

Hi There Nik,

Hope you and other's here find this information useful.

 

Lynn

 

 

If you have chronic bronchitis, you might want to experiment with

different food choices to see if changes to your diet make any

difference in your symptoms. As you do this, keep a careful record of

how you are feeling (that is, any changes in your symptoms). For

example, try reducing your intake of dairy which may increase mucus

production. Also, try eliminating eggs, milk, nuts, food coloring,

preservatives, and additives. Try adding onions and garlic.

 

N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)

 

A review of scientific studies found that NAC may help dissolve mucus

and improve symptoms associated with chronic bronchitis.

 

Zinc

 

Zinc supplementation enhances immune system activity and protects

against a range of infections including colds and upper respiratory

infections (such as bronchitis).

 

Other supplements to consider may help prevent you from catching an

infection or may help relieve symptoms from bronchitis:

 

Bromelain

Lactobacillus

Quercetin

Vitamin C

 

 

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Herbs

 

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body

and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that

can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements,

or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care

and only under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the

field of herbal medicine.

 

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)

 

This herb contains substances that help fight infection and improve

immune function. For this reason, herbalists commonly include

barberry in the treatment of respiratory infections like bronchitis.

 

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globules)

 

Eucalyptus is commonly used in remedies to treat coughs and the

common cold. Eucalyptus oil helps loosen phlegm, so many herbal

practitioners recommend inhaling eucalyptus vapors to help treat

bronchitis, coughs, and the flu.

 

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

 

Peppermint and its main active agent, menthol, are effective

decongestants. Because menthol thins mucus, it is also a good

expectorant, meaning that it helps loosen and breaks up coughs with

phlegm. It is soothing and calming for sore throats (pharyngitis) and

dry coughs as well.

 

Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva)

 

Slippery elm has received recognition from the U.S. Food and Drug

Administration (FDA) as a safe and effective option for sore throat

(pharyngitis) and respiratory symptoms including cough.

 

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

 

Active compounds in stinging nettle may act as an expectorant

(meaning that it can loosen and break up a cough) and may have anti-

viral properties.

 

Other

 

Additional remedies that an herbalist might consider as part of the

treatment for bronchitis or its symptoms include:

 

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia/Echinacea pallida/Echinacea

purpurea)

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ivy leaves (Hedera helix L.)

Jamaica dogwood (Piscidia erythrina/Piscidia piscipula) – Note: there

has been little to no scientific research on Jamaica dogwood, so the

safety and effectiveness of this herb is relatively unknown. Jamaica

dogwood is a potent herb and should be used only under the guidance

of a qualified healthcare professional.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – Note: this herb should NOT be used if

you have high blood pressure

Linden (Tilia cordata and Tilia platypus)

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), also known as Indian tobacco – Note: this

herb, which is potentially toxic, should NOT be used without specific

instruction from a trained and qualified herbal specialist.

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)

Red clover (Trifolium pratense)

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens/Sabal serrulata)

 

 

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Homeopathy

 

Although very few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific

homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the

following remedies for the treatment of bronchitis in addition to

standard medical care. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take

into account a person's constitutional type. A constitutional type is

defined as a person's physical, emotional, and psychological makeup.

An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when

determining the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

 

Aconitum -- for early stages of bronchitis or other respiratory

disorders; this remedy is most appropriate for people with a hoarse,

dry cough who complain of dry mouth, thirst, restlessness, and being

awakened by their own coughing; symptoms tend to worsen in cold air

or when when lying on one's side

Antimonium tartaricum -- for wet, rattling cough (although the cough

is usually too weak to bring up mucus material from the lungs) that

is accompanied by extreme fatigue and difficulty breathing; symptoms

usually worsen when lying on one's back; this remedy is particularly

good for children and the elderly and is generally used during the

later stages of bronchitis

Bryonia -- for dry, painful cough that tends to worsen with movement

and deep inhalation; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals

who are generally thirsty, chilly, and irritable

Hepar sulphuricum -- for later stages of bronchitis, accompanied by

wheezing, scant mucus production, and coughing that occurs when any

part of the body gets cold

Ipecacuanha -- for the earliest stages of bronchitis accompanied by a

deep, wet cough, nausea and vomiting; this remedy is commonly

prescribed for infants

Phosphorus -- for several different types of cough but usually a dry,

harsh cough accompanied by a persistent tickle in the chest and

significant chest pain; this remedy is most appropriate for

individuals who are often worn out and exhausted, tend to be anxious

and fear death, and require a lot of reassurance

 

 

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Massage and Physical Therapy

 

Aromatherapy

 

Running a humidifier with an essential oil such as cedarwoord,

bergamot, eucalyptus, myrrh, sweet fennel, jasmine, lavender, tea

tree, or marjoram at night may help thin mucus and ease cough.

Consult an experienced aromatherapist to learn which oil, alone or in

combination, is best for you.

 

 

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Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture can help relieve symptoms of acute bronchitis and,

possibly, help improve quality of life for those with chronic

bronchitis.

 

Acupuncturists treat people with bronchitis based on an

individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of qi

located in various meridians. Needling treatment for bronchitis tends

to focus on the lung and spleen meridians. Acupuncturists usually

perform other treatments as well to clear the blockage of qi in the

chest area. These treatments may include specialized massage,

moxibustion (a technique in which the herb mugwort is burned over

specific acupuncture points), breathing exercises, lifestyle

counseling, and herbal remedies.

 

Prognosis and Complications

 

For acute bronchtitis, symptoms usually resolve within 7 to 10 days

if you do not have an underlying lung disorder. However, a dry,

hacking cough can linger for a number of months.

 

The chance for recovery is poor for advanced chronic bronchitis.

Early recognition and treatment, combined with smoking cessation,

significantly improve the chance of a good outcome.