Peppermint and ginger are two medicinal herbs commonly used to alleviate the symptoms associated with colds and respiratory infections. Unlike chronic bronchitis, acute bronchitis is a relatively common condition that develops as a result of a cold or other respiratory ailment. While most symptoms improve on their own within a few days, ginger and mint tea may be helpful in loosening phlegm and reducing the inflammation associated with acute bronchitis.
Definition
Acute bronchitis is a type of inflammation that occurs on the lining of the bronchial tubes. Since these tubes are responsible for carrying air to and from your lungs, the most common symptoms are coughing and congestion. According to MayoClinic.com, most treatment methods combine cough medicine and antibiotics with self-care treatments such as additional rest, drinking more fluids and breathing in warm, moist air.
The Menthol Effect
Ginger and mint tea receives its decongestant properties from a chemical found in the peppermint plant. The primary active ingredient in peppermint is menthol. Like other expectorants, menthol thins mucus and helps loosen the phlegm that causes coughing and irritation. Because of its soothing and calming properties, it can also help reduce the symptoms of sore throat and pharyngitis that may occur as a result of repeated coughing. When determining your dosage of ginger and mint tea, keep your intake limited to the daily recommended dosage of 4 to 5 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves a day.
Ginger’s Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Ginger has been used traditionally as a both a medicinal herb and culinary ingredient in Asia and the Middle East. Ginger is typically used in alternative medicine for its benefits in treating gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, indigestion and upset stomach. However, according to MedlinePlus, ginger also contains chemicals that create an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. Since acute bronchitis occurs as a result of inflammation on the bronchial tubes, it is possible that the ginger in ginger and mint tea may help reduce some of your symptoms. For best results, keep your dosage limited to 4 grams of ginger a day.
Safety Concern
Talk to your doctor if your symptoms last longer than a week or appear to be recurring. If this happens, it may be indicative of chronic bronchitis, a serious condition that is often caused by smoking. Aside from its own worrying symptoms of inflammation and frequent coughing, chronic bronchitis can develop into serious respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Member Comments