Bronchitis is characterized by shortness of breath and a cough that can wake up the neighborhood, but the good news is, it can be treated with natural remedies.
When inflammation occurs in the lining of the bronchial tubes, it can lead to bronchitis. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic, and can have the patient coughing up a thick mucus. Acute bronchitis is treatable, but chronic bronchitis means it will most likely return. Whether you have the acute or chronic bronchitis, we’re here to shed some light on a few natural home remedies for bronchitis.
Natural home remedies for bronchitis
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Typical treatments involve medications to suppress the cough so that you are able to rest at night, an inhaler, or antibiotics if your doctor suspects you have a bacterial infection. If you’re weary of using medication, there are natural home remedies that can help improve symptoms of bronchitis.
Honey: Honey is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Consuming honey, whether in a hot beverage or mixed with other ingredients such as black pepper or onions, can help relieve chest congestion and break up mucus.
Oregano oil: Oregano oil can help relieve a cough associated with bronchitis. Try a few drops on the tongue daily.
Salt water: Salt water can break through mucus, but don’t drink it – simply gargling salt water is enough to offer relief.
Orange juice: Not only does orange juice contain the vitamins your body needs to boost its immune system, but it can help ease an inflamed throat as well.
Onion: By ingesting raw onion juice daily or incorporating raw onion into your diet, you can ease throat inflammation caused by bronchitis.
Lemon: Lemon, similar to orange juice, contains the necessary vitamins to boost the immune system. Additionally, it can help treat a sore throat. Simply heat up some water and add a few lemon slices.
Water: With any illness, hydration is key to flush out the infection. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
Spinach: Combine spinach with honey in water and drink it.
Garlic: Garlic has antibiotic and antiviral properties, making it a good natural remedy for bronchitis.
Eucalyptus oil: Add drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water and breathe in the steam.
Epsom salt: Add Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak in it for at least 30 minutes.
Sesame seeds: Mix sesame seeds, flaxseed, and honey and consume it prior to bed.
Mustard: Add dry mustard and flour into water to make a paste. Apply olive oil onto your chest, then spread the paste with a cloth onto the olive oil.
Bay leaf: Steep bay leaves in hot water and drink it as a tea.
Thyme: Prepare thyme as a tea by steeping it in hot water so it can be consumed.
Holy basil: Chew on holy basil leaves for bronchitis relief.
Preventing bronchitis naturally
Your best defense against bronchitis is prevention. Here are some ways you can lower your risk of developing bronchitis.
- Don’t smoke
- Stay hydrated
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
- Avoid air pollutants when possible
- Wear protective gear to avoid pollutants at work
- Always practice proper hygiene to minimize cold and flu germs
- Get the flu shot.
Related: Is Bronchitis Contagious?
Causes and symptoms of bronchitis
Bronchitis may often follow a cold or a respiratory infection. It is also caused by a virus. Viruses do not respond to antibiotics, so medications are not an effective treatment get rid of bronchitis.
Other environmental factors that can lead to bronchitis include smoking, air pollution, and toxic gases.
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Symptoms of bronchitis include:
- Cough
- Mucus – often discolored, but can be clear
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Slight chills and fever
- Chest discomfort
There are other factors that can put people at a higher risk for bronchitis. They include being a smoker, having a weak immune system – this is why bronchitis is common in seniors – being exposed to toxins in a work environment, and having a gastric reflux.
Infographic: DIY Bronchitis Home Remedies
