Natural remedies can provide effective bronchitis relief. Some such remedies include cinnamon, thyme and raw honey – these will also strengthen your immune system to keep future episodes at bay.
Take a vitamin C supplement to strengthen your immune system and reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, while improving oxygen levels in your lungs. Vitamin C also provides oxygen support during times when oxygen levels decrease in the airways.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon boasts antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Additionally, its benefits extend to strengthening immunity as it helps relieve inflammation and pain caused by arthritis, menstrual cramps or allergic reactions. Furthermore, cinnamon helps lower cholesterol levels, triglycerides levels and blood pressure to protect against heart disease and stroke.
Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, two naturally-occurring compounds found in cinnamon, have both been proven effective antibacterial agents. Methanolic bark extract of cinnamon was shown to effectively suppress bacteria growth with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 64-1024 mg/mL.
Thyme can reduce coughing and mucus formation in the lungs, while carvacrol found in oregano oil can target chest congestion. Eucalyptus oil helps reduce inflammation while improving respiratory function. Garlic is another natural antibiotic which may help in combatting bronchitis; try adding fresh garlic to meals or taking capsules of garlic extract.
Thyme
Thyme is an herb that attacks microbes directly, making it one of the best natural treatments for bronchitis. It features antispasmodic, mucus-expelling and cough-preventing properties as well as alleviating gas and an upset stomach symptoms.
Thyme is packed with vitamin A, an essential ingredient for maintaining healthy gums and eyes. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness; thus consuming thyme can help ward off this issue.
Thyme can be purchased at any grocery store as either dried leaves or tincture and stored at room temperature for two years, until needed for tea use or pairing with Eucalyptus oil for additional benefits. Eucalyptus oil may also be added into steam inhalers or applied directly onto chests to open airways further.
Onion
Onions contain quercetin, an effective antioxidant. This compound fights free radicals while protecting vitamin E stores, inhibiting n-nitrosamine oxidation and strengthening capillary walls.
An onion poultice can help improve circulation, loosen and thicken mucus, and promote healing. You can create your own homemade poultice by slicing and steaming onions before placing the slices onto a clean, damp dish towel and tying off their ends to complete your homemade remedy.
Natural remedies may help people living with chronic bronchitis; however, before undertaking any alternative treatment it is always advisable to consult a physician as they will be best placed to recommend suitable therapies based on your medical history and any prescription drugs you are currently taking.
Raw Honey
Honey is an exceptionally nutritious natural sweetener packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes. Honey can help relieve sore throat pain while strengthening immunity to help fight off bronchitis. Plus it tastes great and is often included in home remedies!
Garlic contains antiviral and antibacterial properties that may help treat bronchitis. A 2016 study demonstrated allicin, an active component of garlic, can inhibit viral infection of infectious bronchitis viruses. Add garlic to meals or take capsule form for maximum efficacy.
Drink plenty of water to thin mucus and help clear your lungs, use a humidifier to add humidity into the air and soothe throat pain, making breathing easier. In addition, take cough suppressant medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease symptoms.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is an all-natural mucolytic, which works to loosen coughs and reduce mucus production – an ideal treatment for relieving symptoms of bronchitis. Furthermore, its antiseptic and disinfectant properties help fight off infection; additionally it’s an ideal natural alternative to chemical-based household cleaners such as commercial cleaning sprays; homemade cleaning sprays may incorporate Eucalyptus into them to clean surfaces throughout your home and also act as effective insect repellents!
Studies conducted previously have demonstrated the benefits of cineole, one of the main components of eucalyptus oil, can increase phagocytosis – an action by the immune system to destroy foreign particles – in rats. Furthermore, its scent stimulates nasal olfactory receptors to help alleviate nasal congestion. To experience its benefits yourself, inhale several drops of diluted eucalyptus oil with warm water in order to reap its full effect.