How to Clear Bronchial Passages

If bronchitis has you coughing and wheezing, don't despair. Relief may be just a bowl of hot water away. Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes that connect the trachea to the lungs become inflamed and filled with sticky mucus. While this mucus is meant to protect the air passages from the infection or other irritant that caused the inflammation, it can also make breathing difficult. Eucalyptus vapors inhaled via steam is traditionally thought to soothe inflamed airways, loosen phlegm and help you breathe easily again.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups water
• Sauce pan
• Bowl
• Eucalyptus oil
• Towel

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Instructions

• 1

  Pour two cups of water into a medium-sized sauce pan and bring to a boil on the stove.

• 2

  Remove the sauce pan from the heat and immediately pour the water into a medium-sized bowl.

• 3

  Add five to 10 drops of eucalyptus oil to the hot water.

• 4

  Place a towel over your head and lean over the bowl with your eyes closed. The towel should create a tent over your head and down to the bowl.

• 5

  Inhale steam for approximately 15 minutes or until you feel your bronchial passages clear.