Bronchitis is a disease that may be chronic and severe, whereby the mucous membranes in the lungs' bronchial tubes are inflamed. Fever, coughing, hoarseness and difficulty breathing can result. Bronchitis can be inherited or caused by external irritants such as severe weather changes or smoking, but there are some natural, homemade remedies that can treat the disease and relieve the symptoms.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an Indian spice used in Ayurvedic and herbal medicine as an anti-inflammatory and treatment for cough and colds. Stir half a teaspoon of turmeric spice powder into half a glass of milk, and drink it two or three times a day between meals.
Ginger, Pepper and Cloves
Combine half a teaspoon each of ginger, black pepper and cloves, and stir it into a glass of water or tea, sweetening it with honey if desired. The spices in this recipe each help to strengthen the metabolism, and reduce fever by causing the body to sweat. Ginger also helps to expel phlegm from the lungs.
Onion or Cabbage Juice
Juice a raw onion with a juicer or by crushing it, and drink a teaspoon of the juice when you wake up. Onions help to get rid of phlegm and stop it from returning. If you prefer, you can juice fresh cabbage and drink it every day, or mix the onion and cabbage juice together.
Chicory
Stir half a teaspoon of powdered chicory into a teaspoon of honey, and take it three times a day. Chicory is an expectorant, like onions, and helps get rid of phlegm.
Sesame Seeds or Almonds
Mix half a teaspoon of powdered sesame seeds with 2 tablespoons of water, or crush seven almonds, and mix it with a cup of orange juice or lemon juice. Drink either one every day, or mix them together. The high calcium, magnesium and potassium content in these nuts and seeds helps heal respiratory problems.
Spinach
Blend 50 grams of fresh spinach leaves with ¼ liter of water, and add a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of ammonium chloride. This beverage is a classic bronchitis home remedy that you can drink daily.
Fruit Cleanse
Cleanse the body by consuming nothing but freshly-squeezed orange juice mixed with water for a day or two, and then eat an all-fruit diet for two or three days. Eat as much fruit as you like during this time, drinking just lemon juice or water, and then add raw vegetables, seeds, nut and grains.
Warm Fluids
Drink six to eight cups of warm fluids daily, such as herbal tea or hot water with lemon and honey. Consuming plenty of fluids helps to liquefy mucous in the lungs. Mullein or peppermint tea may further soothe the symptoms of bronchitis.
Linseed or Mustard Powder
Mix one cup of linseeds with enough hot water to make a paste, and apply it externally to the chest and upper back. As an alternative, you can mix mustard powder with an equal part flour and water, and spread the paste on the chest. The warmth from these pastes eases the respiratory system. If you have sensitive skin, the mustard may sting, so it's best to test it on a small area first.
Hot and Cold Compresses
Make three hot towel compresses by soaking them in hot water, one at a time, and placing the compresses on the upper chest for two minutes each. Then replace the hot compress with a cold compress, made by wetting a towel in cold water. Cover the cold compress with a flannel cloth and leave it on the chest for an hour; if the bronchitis is severe, do this several times a day.
Fresh Air
Since smoke or stuffy air often causes bronchitis, breathing in fresh air helps alleviate the symptoms. Take a brisk walk or do some exercise outdoors every day.
