How to Treat Bronchitis with Herbal Remedies

Bronchitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the bronchi. It is usually categorized as acute or chronic and is sometimes viral. In certain cases, bronchitis can be quite serious and can lead to long-term health problems if left untreated. Symptoms include fever, deep congestion, nausea, lung pain, mucous buildup, chronic cough, and shortness of breath. Bronchitis has been directly related to prolonged exposure to pollutants in the air such as smoke, chemicals, dust and airborne toxins. Treating bronchitis is usually done with antibiotics, which for some is very effective, however, the condition can also be treated and in many cases prevented with herbal and other natural remedies. A 2- to 4-week therapeutic regimen is recommended. Read more for help.

Things You'll Need

• Herb guide
• Ingredients for dietary changes
• Essential oils

Show More

Instructions

Diet and Remedies

• 1

  Do a nasal / mucus vapor treatment upon rising and one hour before bed. To perform a nasal treatment, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus oil. Place a bath towel over your head and breath in the steam. Do this until the water is room temperature or the steam subsides.

• 2

  Squeeze half a lemon into a 12-ounce glass of water. Add 10 to 15 drops of lobelia extract and drink with breakfast. Lobelia is an herb that has been used since the 1600s to treat many health conditions. It is powerful in the fight against congestion and bronchial infections. Lobelia extract is easily obtained at most health food stores. It can also be bought in capsules, though its liquid form is most effective during bouts with bronchitis.

• 3

  Drink two cups of marshmallow root tea with lunch. Add 1 tsp. of honey to each cup. Marshmallow (Althea, Sweet Weed, Hock Herb) is rich in vitamin A, calcium, zinc, iron and B-complex. It is powerful in the fight against respiratory problems. It is commonly sold in loose and powder form, but some makers package it in tea bags. It is best to use loose or powder form to fight bronchitis.

• 4

  Squeeze half a lemon into a 12 to 16-ounce glass of tomato juice. Add 1 tsp. of cayenne pepper and drink with dinner. This mixture will act as a powerful antioxidant that promotes healthy breathing and blood flow.

Body Care and Exercise

• 5

  Sit in a hot sauna or steam bath for at least 20 to 30 minutes each day for two weeks. If a sauna or steam room is not available, mix 15 to 20 drops of eucalyptus oil into a hot bath. The steam from the essential oils will help loosen mucus, helping you breathe. The mixture will also help clean your pores, so your body can release toxins through your skin.

• 6

  Have someone rub the area between your shoulder blades with their palms and thumbs before going to bed and upon rising each day for 2 weeks. This will help your lungs release unwanted mucus.

• 7

  Do a hot / cold chest treatment at least once a day. This can be done by adding 15 to 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to a hot water-soaked wash rag and applying it to your chest. Let sit until room temperature. Remove and replace with a cold rag. Rub tea tree oil onto your chest when finished, allowing it to soak into your skin.

• 8

  Perform deep breathing exercises at least once a day. Inhale deeply and hold your breath for 3 seconds. Exhale slowly. If you are able, take 10-minute walk while doing your breathing exercises.