According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, bronchitis and bronchial congestion is almost always caused by viruses. However bacteria and environmental irritants, like cigarette smoke, can also cause congestion. Most cases of acute bronchitis will go away on their own, but there are ways to ease the congestion and coughing associated with this condition.
Homemade Cough Syrup
For a dry cough with congestion, mix 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and 2 drops of lemon essential oil in 2 tbsp. of honey. Dilute 1 tsp. of this mixture in 8 oz. warm water and sip it slowly. The eucalyptus acts as a decongestant. The lemon and honey both soothe the throat.
For a wet cough, with congestion, blend together two drops eucalyptus essential oil, one drop thyme essential oil and one drop tea tree essential oil. Put on drop of the oil mix in one tbsp of honey and melt one tsp of the honey mixture in 8oz of warm water.
Essential Oil Chest Rub & Steam
Blend 3 drops of eucalyptus and 2 drops of thyme in 1 tsp. of grape seed oil. Massage your back and chest with this mixture.
Put 3 drops of eucalyptus, 3 drops of lavender and 2 drops of thyme in the bottom of a heat-safe bowl. Pour 2 cups of hot water over the oil, cover your head with a towel, lean over the bowl and inhale the steam.
Licorice Root Tea
Per Dr. Linda White, author of "The Herbal Drug Store," licorice root is a natural expectorant. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add 1/4 cup of licorice root and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink 4 cups of licorice root tea, per day, until your condition clears. Do not drink licorice root tea for more than six weeks. Avoid licorice root if you are pregnant or nursing or if you have kidney disease, heart disease or high blood pressure. People on diuretics should also avoid licorice.
Ginger Root Tea
Dr. White also recommends ginger as an expectorant. You can add 1/2 tsp. of powdered ginger root to your food, once a day. Alternatively, you can simmer 1 tsp. of fresh, grated ginger in 8 oz. of water for 10 minutes and drink 3 cups of tea per day.
References
- The Herbal Drug Store; Linda B. White, MD & Steven Foster; 2000
- The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
- Acute Bronchitis
