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In this time of year and especially during transitional swings in outside temperature, many people tend to be more susceptible to bronchial inflammations.
It is a condition when bacteria or viruses attach to the lining of the tubes leading from the lungs, multiply there and subsequently cause inflammation. This narrows the bronchi, makes breathing difficult and can also trigger coughing fits.
Acute bronchitis can be mild, but also quite severe, in which case it can be life-threatening and professional medical assistance is necessary.
Today we will reveal 8 home remedies that will help you relieve bronchial inflammation, ease breathing and speed up the healing process.
1. Water
It may sound too simple, but plain water can make a big difference in bronchial inflammations.
Drink 1 glass (2 dcl) of still water every 2 hours. Water helps thin the mucus and open constricted bronchi.
2. Home compresses
To start you’ll need olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax in approximately the same proportion (about 0.5 dcl each).
Put all the ingredients into a sealed glass container. Then immerse it for 10 minutes in boiling water so the beeswax melts.
Next add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Shake everything well and let it cool.
Then apply this mixture to your chest in the bronchial area and place a cotton cloth over it. Leave the wrap on for several dozen minutes.
3. Steam inhalation
Simply boil water in a pot, add a few drops of eucalyptus or pine essential oil and, using a towel draped over your head, perform steam inhalation.
Be careful that the steam does not burn you. It’s better to maintain a sufficient distance between the pot and your head.
Steam works well because eucalyptus oil has antibacterial properties and also softens mucus in narrowed bronchi. Pine essential oil, meanwhile, is excellent for promoting mucus removal.
4. Hot red pepper or chili spice
Consuming hot chili spice — whether in food or diluted in a glass of plain water — thins mucus in the lungs and bronchi.
It also facilitates coughing up mucus so it can be expelled from the airways.
5. Oregano oil
Oregano is not only good as a pizza seasoning.
According to well-known American doctor Dr. Axe 1 it is appropriate to use its extremely powerful anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiviral effects even for bronchitis.
Oregano oil is very concentrated and therefore is always taken only by drops, or diluted with another so-called carrier oil (sunflower, olive or coconut).
6. Mixture of clove and ginger
Ginger is known for its effects in fighting flu and colds. If combined with another powerful herb like cloves, an unbeatable combination is created.
Proceed as follows: Boil about 0.5 liters of water. After it comes to a boil, add a grated 3 cm piece of ginger and 6 to 7 cloves. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then strain the tea, let it cool a bit and you can start drinking it in small sips.
If you want, flavor the tea with a bit of honey.
7. Garlic
The main advantage of garlic is that it acts on both viruses and bacteria, so you don’t have to worry whether your illness is caused by one or the other pathogens.
Garlic is most effective when consumed fresh, crushed and mixed with honey. You can, for example, spread this mixture on bread with butter.
If the sharp taste of garlic bothers you, an alternative is to make garlic milk. Put 3 to 4 crushed garlic cloves into 2.5 dcl of milk, add 1 dcl of water, bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute.
Then let the milk cool, strain it, and you can begin to drink it slowly.
8. Honey
Honey was mentioned as part of the previous remedies, but you can also use it alone for bronchitis.
It is suitable not only because of its antibacterial effects, but also because it soothes irritated mucous membranes in the throat.
Simply add a teaspoon of honey to your favorite tea or to lukewarm water with lemon juice.
