How to Use Chamomile to Treat Bronchitis

Chamomile has been used for thousands of years to treat symptoms as varied as sunburns and insomnia to hair loss. Because chamomile is so fragrant, it's often used to ease the symptoms of bronchitis or other respiratory illnesses.

Things You'll Need

• Dried chamomile
• Dried calendula
• Airtight container
• Grated lemon peel
• Dried peppermint
• Cloves
• Honey (optional)
• Lemon (optional)
• Sugar (optional)
• Ginger root
• Muslin or cheesecloth
• Powdered milk
• Oatmeal

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Instructions

Ease Bronchitis Symptoms With Chamomile Tea

• 1

  Combine 1/2 cup of dehydrated chamomile flowers with 1/2 cup dried calendula petals.

• 2

  Add 2 tbsp. of fresh lemon zest. Use a lemon zester or knife to shave thin strips of lemon peel.

• 3

  Add 1/4 cup of dried peppermint and 1 tbsp. of cloves.

• 4

  Mix the herbs thoroughly and store in an airtight container. You'll use this mixture to brew the tea.

• 5

  Bring 1 cup of water to a rapid boil.

• 6

  Remove the water from the heat and add 1 1/2 tsp. of your chamomile herbal mixture.

• 7

  Allow it to soak as the water cools.

• 8

  Pour the mixture through a strainer to remove pieces of flower and herbs.

• 9

  Pour yourself a mug of tea and sweeten as needed.

Treat Bronchitis With a Chamomile Bath

• 10

  Mix chamomile flowers with powdered milk or ground oatmeal. Specific measurements aren't necessary, as you'll only be using the mixture in your bathwater. Experiment with different amounts to find a mixture that's soothing.

• 11

  Wrap your mixture in a piece of muslin or cheesecloth. This will keep it contained while still allowing water to flow through and release the herbal remedies into your warm bath water.

• 12

  Soak your muslin or cheesecloth pouch in hot water for 15 minutes. While you're waiting, draw a bath.

• 13

  Drop your chamomile bath pouch into your tub as you climb in. The chamomile will produce a strong, relaxing scent.

• 14

  Take slow, deep breaths. Let the chamomile reach deeply into your lungs, healing your sore throat and loosening any phlegm that's accumulated.

• 15

  Go straight to bed. Take advantage of chamomile's natural qualities as a sleeping aid to let your body heal and recover overnight.