Herbs that Could Alleviate the Symptoms of Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes. It can cause persistent cough, chest congestion and an over-production of phlegm. There are two kinds of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis lasts a few days and affects the bronchial tubes, while chronic bronchitis is an inflammation and infection in the bronchial tree. Chronic bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. Chronic bronchitis symptoms can last from days to weeks to even months depending on how slow the bronchial tree is healing.

There are several herbs that people have used through the years to help alleviate the symptoms of bronchitis. Some of the more common ones are Eucalyptus, Garlic, Stinging Nettle, Horehound, Marsh Mallow and Primrose.

Eucalyptus oil has been used as an expectorant to help loosen phlegm. Eucalyptus has also been used as a vapor treatment for bronchitis and coughs.

Garlic is a good overall herbal treatment for many ailments because it contains antiviral and antibacterial chemical compounds. Garlic also releases aromatic compounds that may also help lung related disorders.

The juice from the roots and leaves of stinging nettle can be mixed with honey or sugar and taken like a cough syrup. It has been shown to help with asthma as well as bronchitis.

Horehound is used in Germany where herbal remedies are more prevalent than in the United States. There is an old fashioned horehound candy that may be helpful if eaten while you are suffering from bronchitis.

Marsh Mallow has been shown to soothe the respiratory tract, plus it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Primrose has been used as an expectorant for bronchitis, colds, and as a cough treatment.

It is generally recommended that you use herbal treatments in conjunction with other herbs instead of single herbs. Many times they work very well together and often compliment one another in treatments.

Some lesser known herbs that I ran across are Ivy, Knotgrass, Soapwort, Mullein, Couchgrass and English Plantain.

Mullein was a very interesting herb as it has been used for thousands of years in some areas of the world. It has expectorant properties, soothes a sore throat, and helps stop muscle spasms. It might be worth finding mullein if you suffer from any respiratory ailments.

Familydoctor.org also gave suggestions that you should use a humidifier in your home if you’re suffering from bronchitis to increase the humidity a bit.