Natural Herbs For Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways in your lungs causing coughing and breathing problems. Acute bronchitis can be caused by a viral infection or a cold that starts elsewhere in the body and ends up in your lungs. Chronic bronchitis occurs mostly in smokers or people with long-term lung diseases like emphysema. In both cases, bronchitis produces a cough that may form scar tissue in the lungs and inhibit breathing. Certain herbs may help reduce symptoms of bronchitis; however, may also produce side effects. Consult your health practitioner before staring any new herbal treatments.

Ginseng

This ancient herb used in Chinese medicine may help prevent colds, flu and lessening the severity of symptoms if you are already sick, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Ginseng is also considered a whole body tonic that may strengthen the immune system. Use ginseng as a preventative to avoid becoming ill and developing acute bronchitis. The recommended dose is 400 mg daily. Ginseng is available in health food stores and Chinese herbal pharmacies.

Mullein

Mullein is a well-known herbal treatment often prescribed for coughing, according to the "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Mullein is used on its own or mixed in herbal cough tonics and acts as an expectorant to help clear the lungs of mucus and congestion. Although this is no scientific data pertaining to the efficacy of mullein for bronchitis, anecdotal evidence and years of use in Eastern and Western herbal medicine point to its value as a cough treatment. Mullen is available at health food stores. Consult an herbal practitioner or the herbal specialist at the store for directions for dosing.

Licorice Root

Licorice root produces a thin film called mucilage, which coats the throat and esophagus; soothing a dry, itchy hacking cough, according to the UMMC. Make a tea by combining 1 tbs. dried licorice root in a cup of boiling water and allowing it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink as needed. Licorice root may also help if coughing has upset your stomach. Licorice root can produce side effects by raising the blood pressure. Consult your health practitioner if you take medicine for high blood pressure.

Fennel

Another licorice flavored herb, fennel is used in Ayurvedic medicine for several health conditions, including to relieve coughing from bronchitis and pulmonary ailments, according to the Multilingual Archive World Lingo website. Ayurvedic practitioners make this culinary herb into a syrup or tea to treat acute or chronic coughs. Consult with your health practitioner or an Ayurvedic doctor for directions and dosing instructions.