Bronchitis is a bronchial tube inflammation, the airways that bring air into your lungs. It creates a cough which raises mucus frequently. It may also trigger breath shortage, cough, wheezing, fever, and tightness of the chest. A persistent cough, however, may also be a sign of another disease like asthma or pneumonia. Two types of Bronchitis that exist are – acute and chronic.
A cough that extends for many weeks is among the primary symptoms of Acute Bronchitis. Sometimes it can prolong for many months. It is prevalent for chronic bronchitis symptoms to get much worse for two or maybe more times a year and frequently get worse in the winters(1).
More than 8.9 million Americans were reported to have suffered from chronic Bronchitis in the year 2016, with almost 75% of instances involving individuals over 45 years of age(2).
Try These Effective Home Remedies for Bronchitis
1. Ginger
Ginger is anti-inflammatory and acts as an immunity-booster, which may aid the irritation caused by Bronchitis inflammation.
You can consume ginger in several ways. Some of them are –
- Chewing crystallized and dried ginger.
- Preparing tea with fresh ginger.
- Consuming it raw or add it to your meal.
- Taking supplements.
Having ginger in its natural form is the safest, and not really in the form of supplements or capsules. If you are not used to it, have it in small quantities. Though ginger is highly useful and provides excellent benefits. However, some people might get a few adverse reactions after consuming it. You should not take ginger as a medicine or supplement, if-
- You are breastfeeding or pregnant
- You have diabetes
- You are suffering from heart problems
- You have any blood disorder
[Also Read: How to Treat Bronchitis Naturally? ]
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is a famous spice that is frequently used in the cuisines of East India. A 2011 study discovered that it had more anti-inflammatory impacts than ginger. Turmeric also enhances the activities of antioxidants in our body. That implies that it can help to decrease irritation and increase immunity.
Taking turmeric is simple. Some of the ways include
- Adding some turmeric to salads or pickles.
- Creating an effective paste with mix half a teaspoon of powdered turmeric along with one teaspoon of honey for Bronchitis inflammation. Consume it for around one to three times a day, while symptoms of Bronchitis last.
- Consuming turmeric supplements as guided by a physician.
- Making tea for Bronchitis- you can use powder or a fresh piece of turmeric.
As turmeric has a strong color and flavor, you should add turmeric in smaller amounts.
3. Garlic
Garlic is said to have many healing properties. Results of a 2016 study from a trusted source indicate that the development of contagious bronchitis virus was efficiently inhibited by garlic. This study suggests that garlic can be useful for Bronchitis as a natural remedy.
It’s best to have fresh garlic for Bronchitis, but if you dislike the flavor, you can opt for garlic supplements.
If you have a blood-related ailment, have smaller quantities of garlic.
[Also Read: Health Benefits of Black Garlic]
4. Steam
How to take?
Steam helps in removing the mucus by making it easier to expel it. Have a hot shower, and then deeply breathe through your mouth and nose.
Warm water often helps to relax the strained muscles caused due to coughing. You can also opt for a steamy room in a spa or gym.
Alternatively, you can also put warm water in a container, cover your head by using a towel, and inhale the steam coming out of it.
If you feel sick or lightheaded, it is best not to drench in a warm shower.
5. Saltwater
Gargling with some saltwater can assist in breaking your mucus layer and decrease the pain in your throat.
Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water — sip minute amounts of saltwater, feeling it through your throat. However, the water should not be swallowed. You must spit it out instead.
Repeat as frequently as you’d like. Rinse your mouth with water once done.
6. Mustard Oil
Mustard oil is considered warm and can prove to be beneficial for all age groups.
Gently apply the mustard oil throughout the chest, back and neck. Do massage yourself. Let the oil stay for a couple of minutes.
Take two tablespoons of mustard oil (approximately 30 ml). Warm it up. Add around 2 grams of camphor pieces in the oil.
[Also Read: Essential Oils for Bronchitis]
7. Spogel Seeds
Ayurveda believes that constipation precipitates the bouts of breathlessness. Make sure you have regular bowel movements to stop them or regulate the intensity of breathlessness.
You can frequently use Spogel seeds for the treatment of Bronchitis. Psyllium is the other name for this unique medicinal herb.
Spogel seeds are warm. Hence, you should always take smaller quantities initially. You can make smoothies or other beverages with Spogel seeds.
8. Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds have a lot of medicinal benefits that can heal Bronchitis and help alleviate the related chest congestion. Apart from Bronchitis, it can assist in clearing all other chest related problems associated with it.
Take some quantity of sesame seeds and grind them to make sesame seed powder. You can add around half a teaspoon of this powder in approximately two tablespoons of warm water.
Take the quantity mentioned above regularly to get rid of Bronchitis.
[Also Read: Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Bronchitis]
9. Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is a very excellent source of vitamin C; it helps reduce excessive mucus formation during Bronchitis.
You can add tomatoes to various dishes and salads. The best way to grab all the benefits of tomatoes is to prepare a delightful tomato soup.
Consume tomato soup at least two times a day to get rid of a bronchitis cough.
Lifestyle Changes
An enjoyable lifestyle goes well with the avoidance of diseases. It can also assist you in recovering more quickly when you’re ill. Even a minor illness can be an indication that you need to take certain precautions. For a healthy lifestyle, try these
- Avoid smoking/passive smoking.
- Stay away from polluted areas.
- Wear a surgical mask if you are subjected to pollution.
- Maintain a healthy diet to boost your immunity.
- Exercise for at least 20 minutes every time for about three times a week.
- Wash your hands to avoid infection from spreading.
- Use humidifier.
Acute bronchitis symptoms generally resolve within one to two weeks by using home therapy. After a couple of days, you will feel noticeably better. However, a dry cough can stay for a month. One must consume plenty of water, hot liquids, and eat a balanced diet. Rest as much as you can until you feel comfortable.
FAQs
1. What are the causes of Bronchitis?
Acute Bronchitis usually triggers by particular viruses, typically those causing colds and flu. Bacterial infection and exposure to substances that cause lung irritation such as cigarette smoke can also cause it. Repeated irritation and harm to the lungs and tissue of the respective tubes of bronchi causes chronic Bronchitis.
2. What are the traditional treatments for Bronchitis?
Some of the conventional medicines for an acute Bronchitis treatment include –
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Expectorant cough syrup
- Acetaminophen
However, while opting for these, do consult a physician.
