The bronchi, which are part of your respiratory tract, are the tubes that carry air from your nose into your lungs. If they become irritated by viruses or pollutants, you could develop acute or chronic bronchitis --- an inflammatory infection of the mucous membranes that line the bronchi. The main symptom is a hacking cough that can last for several months. Bronchial herbs may help relieve bronchitis. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal therapy.
Herbal Actions
Bronchial herbs include anti-inflammatories to relieve inflamed mucous membranes, expectorants to help expel wastes trapped in inflamed membranes, anti-spasmodics if your cough is especially strong and demulcents to soothe irritated membranes. Some herbs may also have anti-viral action. Consult a knowledgeable practitioner for instructions about proper dosage and preparation of these herbs.
Coltsfoot
Coltsfoot, or Tussilago farfara, is a small perennial with bright yellow flowers, native to Asia, Europe and Africa. The leaves are a traditional remedy for coughs, bronchitis, asthma and throat inflammations. Coltsfoot contains mucilage, a slimy substance that coats and protects irritated mucous membranes. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, states that coltsfoot acts as an expectorant and antispasmodic and may be helpful for both chronic and acute bronchitis. Do not use this herb for long periods or if you have liver problems.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow, or Althea officinalis, is a tall plant with delicate lavender flowers. The roots, leaves and flowers are rich in mucilage, and marshmallow has a long history of treating coughs, ulcers and inflammatory mouth conditions. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster note that marshmallow also stimulates the immune system, so it may help fight any viral cause of your bronchitis. Do not use marshmallow if you have an autoimmune disease.
Anise
Anise, or Pimpinella anisum, is a cooking and medicinal spice native to the eastern Mediterranean. Traditional healers use the essential oil from the seeds to treat coughs, colds, flu and bronchitis. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink state that anethole, a compound in the oil, stimulates the movement of bronchial cells, explaining the plant's expectorant action. They also note that anise oil has antiseptic and anti-spasmodic actions at high doses. Do not combine anise oil with anticoagulant medicine.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
Member Comments