Herbal Medicine For Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the tubes that bring air into and out of your lungs. There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis usually resolves quickly, whereas chronic bronchitis often lasts for prolonged periods before resolving. Smoking can cause your bronchitis to worsen. Certain health care practitioners may prescribe herbal medicines to help treat your bronchitis and improve your quality of life.

Bronchitis Information

If you have bronchitis, the mucous membranes lining your bronchial tubes -- the tubes that connect your windpipe to your lungs -- are irritated and inflamed. In most cases, acute bronchitis occurs after a viral respiratory infection and chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that is usually caused by long-term smoking. In both cases, you may experience fatigue, fever, chest pain or discomfort as well as a mucous-producing cough and difficulty breathing.

Helpful Herbal Medicines

In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic doctor and master herbalist Sharol Tilgner notes that certain herbal medicines may be particularly helpful in treating your bronchitis. Usnea possesses antibacterial and anti-fungal action. Elecampane helps clear your airways and reduces inflammation in your respiratory tract. Licorice is soothing to your irritated mucous membranes, while colt's foot helps get debris up and out of your lungs. Queen's root may also be helpful, as it helps treat spasmodic coughs.

A Potent Remedy

Usnea is a potent remedy in the treatment of bronchitis. Expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that usnea has many actions and uses. Usnea helps treat respiratory, urinary and fungal infections, and it may be particularly effective in treating coughs, notes the University of Michigan Health System. The high mucilage content of usnea is believed to account for its ability to ease your bronchial irritation. Usnea is a lichen that grows in the forests of Europe and North America.

Warning

Bronchitis is a significant health problem that if left untreated may lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, emphysema, pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale, or right-sided heart failure. If you have bronchitis, ask your doctor about the safest and most effective treatment methods for your health problem. If you are considering using herbs, do so in conjunction with the other therapies recommended by your physician and only after discussing the merits and drawbacks of herbal medicines.