Bronchitis is an inflammation or swelling that occurs in the bronchial tubes. It can be due to a harmful infection caused by bacteria, virus or several other particles that annoys the bronchi. It causes difficulty to pass on the air to the lungs. Bronchitis can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term).
Inflammation of the bronchi, coughing, Wheezing, fatigue, chest pain or fever are some of the common symptoms that show up in patients suffering from bronchitis. There is no permanent cure for this problem but you can take precautions to prevent this. Here is a list of a few herbs that may help to treat the bronchitis and problems caused by it.
8 Effective Herbal Remedies For Bronchitis
Basil
Basil , also known as holy basil, is like a panacea of the household as it possesses antibacterial properties. Basil is considered a sacred plant in Hindu culture and its uses are strewn all over their holy books. The herb consists of various medicinal properties which makes it special. It has antioxidant properties that help to increase the ability of the body to prevent harmful effects of free radicals and boost the immune system.
It works effectively to mobilize mucus in patients suffering from bronchitis and help to maintain the healthy functioning of the chest and lungs. Basil is available in different forms such as tea, tincture or capsule. Prepare a cup of tea by adding 1 teaspoon of dried tulsi leaves in 2 cups of hot water. Boil for 10 minutes and filter before drinking it. Drink this tea 2-3 times on a daily basis.
Turmeric
Turmeric is another great herbal remedy to cure bronchitis. It contains the anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve the congestion associated with bronchitis problem. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of hot milk. Drink it 2-3 times a day for better result and you will see the results just in one day. You can also add ghee and a pinch of turmeric in hot milk to cure bronchitis problem.
Garlic
Garlic is an excellent herbal remedy to prevent bronchitis. It has antiviral properties that may help to fight against the viral infection caused in the lungs due to severe bronchitis. It also contains antioxidant and antibiotic properties that contribute while treating the patient with this disease.
You can chop 1-2 cloves of raw garlic and consume it. Take this remedy 2-3 times a day on a regular basis. Add garlic to your daily diet for fast effect, it is also good for the overall health.
Licorice Root
Licorice is a perennial herb that is native to Asia and South Europe. Due to its medicinal properties, it is often used to treat different health conditions and bronchitis is one of them. The root of Licorice herb contains an active ingredient called as glycyrrhizin, it has antiviral, anti-rheumatic, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties that work miraculously while treating the bronchitis condition.
The herb provides a soothing effect to the mucous membranes of human lungs or throat. It also helps to expel the phlegm that causes irritation in the lungs and bronchial tubes. It is available in various forms which include tinctures, capsule, tablet, liquid extract or dried leaves. Take 2-5 ml of licorice in tinctures form 2-3 times in a day to cure bronchitis. You can also consume licorice tea for a sore throat caused by bronchitis. Take 1 teaspoon of dried licorice herb and mix in a cup of hot water. Boil for 5-10 minutes and then strain before drinking it.
Ginger
Ginger is an Indian spice that is commonly used while cooking. Apart from flavoring the Asian dishes, Ginger is often used for medicinal purpose to cure health issues. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to prevent bronchial irritation and also enhance the immune system of the body.
Ginger has the potential to inhibit the inflammation and allergic reaction. The herb may also help to mobilize the macrophages, which is a type of white blood cell that may activate the process of immune system. Ginger tea is the most effective way to treat irritation or pain in throat due to bronchitis. It is also available in capsule, tincture, extract or oil form.
Fennel
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a culinary herb to cure various respiratory problems including bronchitis. The herb is native to the Mediterranean region and has proved to be beneficial to ease the congestion caused by bronchitis in patients. This herb is well known as Ayurvedic medicine for calming dry cough that may cause due to pulmonary ailments or bronchitis. Fennel contains mucus-dissolving properties that contribute to aid the bronchitis, whooping cough, and respiratory infection.
Prepare a cup of tea made up of crushed seeds of fennel that also act as an expectorant. Take 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, mullein flowers, and dandelion leaves and add a cup of boiling water to steep the herbs for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture and add 1 teaspoon of honey to add a sweet flavor, it also increases the expectorant effect that helps to prevent coughing problem.
Mullein
Mullein is considered an excellent herbal remedy to eliminate several health issues such as bronchitis, hacking cough or congestion. It also acts as an expectorant to remove congestion and mucus in the lungs and also prevent excessive secretions linked to bronchitis. Mullein contains saponins that make it more effective while treating this health condition.
It has several constituents including mucilage that helps to soothe the irritated layer blocking the bronchial tubes. It further acts as a demulcent that prevent the itching or irritation, which may lead to coughing. You can drink mullein herbal tea by adding 56 g mullein herb in 2 cups of boiled water and let it steep for 10-12 minutes. Stain before storing it in the refrigerator. Drink this mixture 2-3 cups a day on a daily basis to get rid of congestion associated with bronchitis.
Ginseng
Ginseng is an ancient herb often used in Chinese medicine. It has antibacterial properties that help the body to fight against the harmful effects caused by chronic bronchitis. It also has the potential to enhance the immune system of the patient. The herb is easily available in food stores. Patients suffering from bronchitis are recommended to take 400 mg dosage of ginseng herb for effective results.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.