Home Remedies for Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes which carry air to your lungs, ended up with a nagging cough and mucus. In Bronchitis peoples feel swelling and inflammation in their bronchial tubes.

Symptoms of bronchitis include coughing up sputum, wheezing, and shortness of breath and chest pain. People may also have trouble clearing heavy mucus or phlegm from their airways.

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis usually clears up, but chronic bronchitis is persistent and never completely goes away. Quitting or avoiding smoking can help prevent bronchitis.

Home Remedies for Bronchitis

Ginger:

Ginger is rich in bioactive compounds that exhibit bronchorelaxant properties. These properties can help clear the bronchial tubes, thereby soothing the symptoms of bronchitis.

1.   Crush ginger to extract a tablespoon of its juice.
2.   Add this to a cup of boiling water.
3.   You may add a teaspoon of honey if you want.
4.   Consume this mixture while it is warm.
5.   You may also take ginger supplements after consulting your doctor.

Turmeric:

The bioactive compound in turmeric, called curcumin, was found to be effective and safe as an add-on therapy for treating bronchial asthma (5). Its anti- inflammatory effects can help reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes and ease congestion.

1.   Boil a cup of almond milk and add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to it.
2.   Consume while it is warm.

Echinacea:

Echinacea is an herb that is being increasingly used to treat respiratory disorders. It has bioactive compounds that exhibit antiviral properties that can combat the viral infection that causes bronchial and chest congestion.

1.   Add a tablespoon of echinacea leaves to a cup of boiling water.
2.   Steep the leaves for about 5 minutes and strain the decoction.
3.   Consume while it is warm.

Onion:

Quercetin is a flavonol found in onion. This bioactive compound can induce relaxation of the tracheal muscles, thereby reducing the symptoms associated with bronchitis

1.   Chop the onions and add the chopped pieces to a bowl of boiling water.
2.   Strain the water and place the onion in a washcloth.
3.   Place the washcloth on your chest for about 10 minutes.

Useful Tips

•   Do light exercises that do not exert you too much and make you short of breath. They can help in increasing the intake of fresh air.
•   Get adequate rest.
•   Do not consume milk products that can increase the risk of aggravating the infection.
•   Staying hydrated is the key to keeping infections at bay.
•   Quit smoking as it leads to increased congestion in your lungs.