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In this time of year, and especially during transitional fluctuations in external temperature, many people tend to be more prone to bronchial inflammation.
It is a condition where 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 more difficult and can also trigger coughing fits.
Acute bronchitis can be mild, but it can also be quite severe — to the point of being life-threatening and requiring professional medical assistance.
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 sounds too simple, but plain water can make a big difference in cases of bronchial inflammation.
Drink 1 glass (200 ml) of still water every 2 hours. Water helps thin the mucus and open constricted bronchi.
2. Home compresses
To start you will need olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax in roughly the same proportion (about 0.5 dl each).
Place all the ingredients into a glass, sealable container. Then immerse it for 10 minutes in boiling water so the beeswax melts.
Then add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Shake everything well and let it cool.
Apply this mixture to your chest over the bronchial area and place a cotton cloth on top. Leave the compress on for several tens of 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 not to let the steam burn you. It’s better to keep a safe distance between the pot and your head.
Steam inhalation works well because eucalyptus oil acts antibacterial and also softens mucus in narrowed bronchi. Pine essential oil, on the other hand, is excellent for promoting decongestion.
4. Hot red pepper or chili spice
Consuming hot chili spice, whether in food or diluted in a glass of plain water, thins the 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 seasoning for pizza.
According to the well-known American physician Dr. Axe1, it is advisable to use its extremely powerful anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiviral effects even for bronchial inflammation.
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. A mixture of cloves and ginger
Ginger is known for its effects in fighting the flu and colds. If combined with another powerful herb like cloves, it creates an unbeatable combination.
Proceed as follows: Bring about 0.5 liters of water to a boil. After it boils, 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 slightly and you can begin to consume it in small sips.
If you like, sweeten the tea with a little honey.
7. Garlic
The main advantage of garlic is that it acts against both viruses and bacteria, so you don’t have to worry whether your illness is caused by one or the other pathogenic organisms.
Garlic is most effective when consumed fresh, crushed and mixed with honey. You can, for example, spread this mixture on buttered bread.
If the sharp taste of garlic bothers you, an alternative is to make garlic milk. Put 3 to 4 crushed cloves of garlic into 2.5 dl of milk, add 1 dl of water, bring it to a boil and simmer on low heat for 1 minute.
Then let the milk cool, strain it and you can begin to slowly drink it.
8. Honey
Honey is mentioned as part of previous remedies, but you can use it on its own for bronchial inflammation.
It is suitable not only for 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.
