Natural treatments for Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic.

Often developing from a cold or other respiratory infection, acute bronchitis is very common. Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking.

Please note that if you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, you may have a chronic condition which requires medical attention.

For either acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis, signs and symptoms may include; cough; production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-grey or green in color; fatigue; slight fever and chills; chest discomfort.

Treating bronchitis

In most cases, bronchitis will clear up by itself within a few weeks without the need for treatment. This type of bronchitis is known as "acute bronchitis". While you are waiting for it to pass, you should drink lots of fluid and get plenty of rest.

In some cases, the symptoms of bronchitis can last much longer. If symptoms last for at least three months, it is known as "chronic bronchitis". There is no cure for chronic bronchitis, but there are several medications to help relieve symptoms.

Natural treatments

Pineapple (Ananas comosus)

Slice a pineapple and cover the slices in honey, then boil them to make a syrup. Take 2 or 3 spoonfuls a day. Caution: Pregnant women should not use the tea of the leaves or the unripe fruit.

Date Palm (Phoenix dactylitera)

Eat a handful of dates every day.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Make an infusion of the whole plant, using 10 grams for 1 liter of water. Consume 2 to 3 cups a day.

Lentil (Cajanus cajan)

Make a decoction of the green or dry pods along with the seeds.

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum)

Make a decoction of the whole plant.

Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris)

Eat the ripe fruit.

Turmeric (Curcuma domestica)

Make a decoction of the dried rhizome. Use 2-5 grams for 1 liter of water, 4-5 cups a day.

Eucalyptus

Make an infusion of the leaves.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Prepare the flower and the dried or fresh leaves as tea.

Teak (Tectona grandis)

Make an infusion of the flowers.