Natural Cures for Bronchitis
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Many maladies aren’t obvious to an observer. You may have a headache, but unless you grasp you forehead and shriek in agony, no one knows. Perhaps you have athlete’s foot, but as long as you keep you shoes on, who can tell? But develop a cough and just watch– you’re an instant outcast.
Bronchitis is different from run-of-the-mill coughs. In bronchitis, the bronchi–the main, branching passageways of the lungs–are inflamed. Bronchitis comes in two main varieties: acute (sudden) and chronic (continuing). Acute bronchitis is usually a complication of a viral infection such as a cold or the flu. The bronchitis cough typically starts off dry and hacking. Then it becomes rattling and produces gray or yellow mucus, possibly with wheezing or mild shortness of breath. For half of those with acute bronchitis, the cough lingers three weeks or longer. In most cases, it eventually goes away without any conventional treatment.
In chronic bronchitis, persistent inflammation results in a mucus-producing cough that lasts at least three months. Coughing is worse in the morning. Symptoms often intensify over time, with breathlessness and wheezing. The best treatments for chronic bronchitis are quitting smoking and avoiding air pollutants. No herbal or conventional treatments can substitute for these two crucial steps.
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Herbal Remedies
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
This root is a one-stop herb shop for bronchitis. It soothes mucous membranes and is expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and directly antiviral. It also stimulates cells to produce interferon, the body’s own antiviral compound. Typical dosage: six 400- to 500-milligrams capsules per day; or 20 to 30 drops of tincture up to three times per day; or 3 to 4 cups of tea per day ( simmer 1/4 cup of root in 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes). Caution: Do not take longer than six weeks. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing or if you have severe liver, kidney, or heart disease or high blood pressure. Do not use with diuretics that cause potassium loss.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
If your cough is wet, mullein helps you expel mucus; if your cough is dry, it helps ease that rasping pain. Typical dosage: 25 to 40 drops of tincture every three hours; or up to 6 cups of tea per day (steep 2 teaspoons of dried leaves and flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes).
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
An excellent mucous-membrane soother, marshmallow is a good choice for the dry coughs. It also has a mild stimulating effect on the immune system. Typical dosage: up to six 400- to 500-milligrams capsules per day; or 20 to 40 drops of tincture up to five times per day; or 3 to 4 cups of tea per day (simmer 1 teaspoon of dried root in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes). Or use marshmallow blended with other tea herbs (some people find its taste off-putting when used alone).
English Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
This herb has a strong reputation as a gentle cough suppressant, demulcent and antibacterial agent. The German Commission E, that country’s counterpart to the American Food and Drug Administration, endorses it as safe and effective for bronchial conditions. Typical dosage: up to 6,000 milligrams in capsules per day; or up to 4 cups of tea per day (steep 2 teaspoons of dried leaf in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes).
Garlic (allium sativum)
This expectorant fights many bacteria and some of the viruses that cause flus and colds. Its aromatic oils excreted through the lungs (which is why eating the bulb produces garlic breath). In the process, those oils act directly to kill microorganisms and to help you cough up mucus. Typical dosage: up to three 500- to 600- milligram capsules per day (look for products that deliver 4,000 micrograms and allicin daily); or 1 to 3 fresh cloves per day (mince and eat raw, or crush and add to cooked foods just before serving).
Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina)
The bark of this tree inhibits the cough reflex. Although herbal cough suppressants tend to have a more subtle action than dextromethorphan and codeine, you should nevertheless use these natural alternatives only for dry, hacking coughs. You’ll find wild cherry bark most often and syrups; follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on dosage. Caution: While cherry bark is safe when used for short term ailments at recommended dosages, it is not recommended for long-term use.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Expectorant, antispasmodic, and antibacterial, thyme is endorsed by Commission E for treating bronchitis. It turns up in cough syrups and other blended liquid extracts. In addition to drinking thyme tea, you can make a thyme steam to inhale. Typical dosage: up to 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in 1 cup of just boiled water for 10 minutes).
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
You’ll see horehound in both lozenge and syrup products on the shelves of health food stores; these products soothe sore throats and promote expectoration. Typical dosage: up to 3 cups per day of tea (steep 2 teaspoons of dried leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes); or take lozenges or syrup as manufacturer recommends.
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
The menthol in peppermint relaxes the airways and fights bacteria and viruses. To do an herbal steam with peppermint, add 3 to 5 drops of the essential oil to 4 cups of just-boiled hot water. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea as needed (steep 2 teaspoons of dried leaves in 2 cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes); or 10 to 20 drops of tincture three or four times per day.
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
This bee-attracting herb is antiviral and expectorant; you can find it in syrups and liquid extracts. Typical dosage: 10 to 40 drops of tincture up to four times per day; or 1 cup of tea as needed (steep 1 teaspoon of dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes).
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
Both the leaves and the seed of this potent expectorant and antispasmodic and used. Typical dosage: 20 to 30 drops of tincture three times per day. But note that the other common name for this plant is puke weed–and for good reason: even small doses can cause nausea or vomiting. For this reason, it may be best ot purchase a blended product containing this herb and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, or consult a quailfied practitioner for instructions on using it. Caution: Do not use if you are pregnant or have heart conditions.
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida)
This herb stimulates white blood cell activity, increases the body’s production of antiviral substances such as interferon, and helps immune cells engulf and destroy invading microbes. It combats some of the viruses that commonly cause bronchitis. Typical dosage: up to nine 300- to 400- milligram capsules per day (taken in several doses); or up to 60 drops of tincture three times per day. Most herbalists agree that you should take echinacea for no more than two weeks, then discontinue it for one week. Caution: Not recommended for people with multiple sclerosis, HIV infection, or other autoimmune disease. Rarely, people with allergies to other members of the daisy family may also be allergic to echinacea.
DON’T TREAT THIS CONDITION AT HOME
Bronchitis is a matter for prompt medical attention if the following symptoms occur.
* You feel breathless or have difficulty breathing
* You have severe chest pain
* You develop a fever over 102 degrees F
* You cough up blood
* Your symptoms persist longer than four weeks
* Your symptoms worsen
Two Easy Lung-Easers
Here are two old-fashioned strategies for loosening bronchitis.
* Drink a lot of liquids, especially water, teas, broths. This helps thin respiratory secretions and makes them easier to cough up. Warm liquids also helps relax the airways.
* Steam inhalation also thins respiratory mucus and promotes expectoration (a fancy word for getting rid of that gunk in your chest). You can use a commercial steamer, steam room, or the old-fashioned pot of boiling water. Foe the latter, simply boil water, pour it carefully in a heat-resistant bowl and place it on a sturdy table. Cover your head with a towel and hold your face at least 12 inches from the steam so that it feels warm but not unpleasantly hot. Herbal steams can be doubly helpful. Many herbs contain volatile oils that rise with the steam and have antiseptic, expectorant, and airway-relaxing properties. Good choices include eucalyptus, thyme,peppermint, and rosemary; use about a total of 1/4 cup of herbs for every 4 cups of water. You can also add 3 to 5 drops of the essential oil of these herbs.