Bronchitis
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial passages in the lungs and is generally known as an upper respiratory tract infection. It can be a chronic problem for some people and acute for others. Chronic bronchial illness is usually defined as when the infection is present for more than 3 months a year.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include coughing, chest and nasal congestion and fever. The bronchial passages become inflamed and produce large amounts of mucous that are excreted as phlegm. The phlegm is particularly sticky and semi-fluid. There will be difficulty breathing. Some people will be hoarse, feel pain in the chest and experience a loss of appetite. Dry hacking cough may persist for several weeks after other symptoms have resolved.
Causes
Bronchial inflammation can be caused by viral infections like the common cold and the flu as well as by bacterial infections. If your bronchial passages are already irritated by chemical fumes, smoke, dust or air pollution, it increases the risk that bronchitis will develop. Acute attacks are more frequent in the presence of smoking, asthma, cold weather, poor nutrition, congestive heart failure or chronic pulmonary troubles.
Cautions
Be sure to seek medical treatment if your cough lasts for more than one week, if you cough up blood at any time, or if you run a fever over 101 degrees F or that lasts for more than three days.
Herbal Treatments
Herbal medicine can be taken to relieve chest symptoms and support immune system. These should not overlook professional advice as bronchitis is a serious condition.
Internal Applications
For chest relief:
- Mullein – is a good expectorant, it soothes the throat and helps stops the muscle spasms that cause coughs. Take Mullein as an infusion 3 times a day - infuse 1.5grams of dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink.
- Thyme - for treatment of cough - infuse 2 grams of dried thyme is 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain and drink 3 cups a day. Hyssop and Marshmallow are also useful herbs.
- White horehound - take 3 times a day.
- Elderberry – elderflower can reduce fever and control nasal congestion.
- Elecampane – use this herb to help clear mucous from the lungs. Elecampane is a good expectorant.
- Ephedra – this stimulating herb can help relieve spasms in the bronchial passages and get rid of nasal congestion.
As a boost to the immune system:
- Astragalus – a natural antibiotic, astragalus can strengthen the immune system and help you fight off the bronchitis.
- Echinacea – this herb will not only stimulate the immune system, it will shorten the duration of the bronchitis.
- Ginger – mix half a teaspoon of ginger powder, pepper and cloves and take three times a day. This mixture can be added to tea or honey. This mixture will also reduce fever and helps the metabolism.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils that may ease bronchial irritation can be used as in the bath, inhalation and burner. Oils that may be useful include; eucalyptus, cypress, frankincense, lavender and tea tree.
To use Eucalyptus, Tea Tree or Cypress – make a steam with 2-3 drops of essential oil in bowl of boiling water. Cover head and inhale deeply for 10 minutes. This will relieve nasal congestion.
Other suggested blends are; lavender 4 drops and eucalyptus 5 drops.