Home Remedies for Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an infection, swelling or inflammation of the air passages and the bronchial tubes between the lungs and the nose. This condition is normally caused by bacteria or viruses, but it can also be triggered by various particles irritating the tubes. Some of the most common symptoms are fever, cough with mucus, muscle aches, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, nasal congestion and chest pain. You could try to cure your bronchitis with over-the-counter medicines, but you could also search for relief in the simpler and more effective home remedies.

Turmeric

This plant has anti-inflammatory properties and can treat bronchitis and the cough that usually comes along with it. Turmeric will help you get relief by helping you expectorate the excess mucus. So, mix a glass of milk with turmeric powder (1 teaspoon) and then boil the mixture. Drink this beverage up to 3 times daily and try to consume it on an empty stomach for immediate results.

Ginger

Colds are often treated with ginger, thus this remedy can also be effective for bronchitis. Ginger comes with immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve the swollen, inflamed and irritated nasal passages. You can make a tea with cloves, cinnamon and ginger (one teaspoon of each) and boil them with hot water. Stick to this treatment for 3 to 4 days until you see the symptoms disappear.

Another powerful tea contains black pepper and ginger powder, one teaspoon each, and boiling water. You can add honey to get rid of its pungent taste. Consume this tea two times per day.

Salt Water

You can effectively treat bronchitis by using salt water to gargle a couple of times per day. This remedy is extremely simple. Mix one cup of warm water with salt (1 teaspoon) and use it to gargle. Be careful not to add too much salt because it can burn and irritate your throat. Salt water will offer you relief for the inflammation and will help you get rid of the mucus.

Garlic

It is not a secret that garlic has anti-viral and antibiotic properties, thus it is a powerful remedy for acute bronchitis. Use 3 garlic cloves chopped and peeled and boil them together with a cup of milk. Drink this mixture before going to sleep and in the morning you will feel better.

Eucalyptus Oil

Bronchitis can be effectively treated with steam therapy. So as to make this remedy more effective, you can add eucalyptus oil. This can speed up the healing process thanks to its antibacterial properties and can also soften the mucus. Boil a bowl of water and add a couple of drops of this soothing oil and inhale the steam with a towel covering your head. Tea tree oil and pine oil are also efficient. Rubbing eucalyptus oil on your chest can also help you in expelling the mucus.

Honey

Bronchitis is often accompanied by cough and the best treatment against cough is honey. This sweet bee product has antibacterial and antiviral properties and will immediately soothe your throat. A simple cup of tea with a teaspoon of honey can do wonders for this condition. Add lemon and your throat inflammation will soon disappear.