The Mayo Clinic describes bronchitis as "an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs." Chronic bronchitis requires medical attention and prescription medicine. Although some natural treatments an relieve the symptoms of chronic bronchitis, you should ask your doctor before trying them. Acute bronchitis is triggered by a bacteria or virus, such as a cold, and usually lasts less than 10 days. According to the Mayo Clinic, acute bronchitis usually runs its course without medical attention, and the focus of treatment is on "relieving your symptoms and easing your breathing." Therefore, if you have acute bronchitis, consider trying some of the natural treatments listed below.
Stop Smoking
Long-time smokers are very well-acquainted with chronic bronchitis. In fact, the Mayo Clinic states that cigarette smoking is the most common cause of bronchitis. Therefore, the best way to avoid bronchitis is to not smoke. A study of Taiwanese women published in the January 2010 issue of "BMC Public Health" found that women who smoked were 24.81 times as likely to suffer from chronic bronchitis, and women who were exposed to a lifetime of second-hand smoke were 3.65 times more likely. Unfortunately, according to a review published in the March 2004 issue of the "European Respiratory Journal," the effect of the cessation of smoking on chronic bronchitis has not been well studied. However, the authors believe there was enough evidence in the few studies performed to suggest that "smoking cessation reduces bronchitis of the large airways, resulting in a reduction of cough."
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, has long been used to prevent illness. As such, several studies have shown that it has some ability to treat bronchitis effectively. For example, a study published in the September issue of the "International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease" found that while vitamin C was effective in preventing respiratory infection in subjects whose consumption of vitamin C was low, "therapeutic effects may occur in wider population groups."
Steam and Aromatherapy
The Mayo Clinic says that using a humidifier can relieve bronchitis symptoms at home, citing that "warm, moist air helps relieve coughs and loosens mucus in your airways." Try combining the soothing relief of steam with the therapeutic effect of essential oils. In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," naturopathy expert Dr. Geovanni Espinosa suggests you "add eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and thyme essential oils to a bath or a steam inhalation to drain congestion."
Herbal Remedies
There are a number of traditional herbal treatments for bronchitis. In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," herbalism expert Dr. David Kiefer names primrose, thyme, English ivy, Icelandic moss, chamomile, and garlic as having therapeutic effects. Primrose contains linoleic acid, which soothes the symptoms of bronchitis. The suggested dose is 1 ml to 2 ml of oil three times a day. According to the "PDR for Herbal Medicine," thyme is a bronchial antispasmodic and an expectorant, as is English ivy. Both dried herbs can be made into a tea. Icelandic moss has been proven in a number of studies to aid in the treatment of bronchitis. Take 4 g to 6 g daily in capsule form or tea. Chamomille is an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine. Consider combining several herbs in a tea that is soothing both for its warmth and its healing properties.
References
- The Mayo Clinic: Bronchitis
- "BMC Public Health"; Second-Hand Smoke and Chronic Bronchitis in Taiwanese Women: A Health-Care Based Study; C.F. Wu; January 2010
- "International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease"; Vitamin C and Acute Respiratory Infections; H. Hemila; September 1999
- "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments"; Editor Dr. Victor Sierpina; 2007
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines 4th Ed."; Thomson Healthcare Inc.; 2007
