Bronchitis: Symptoms And Natural Remedies

Bronchitis is a respiratory disease caused by bacteria, viruses, irritants such as smoke, and other particles that inflamed the bronchial tubes, which bring air from the nose and mouth to the lungs.

This condition causes you to cough up a storm, thus making it hard to sleep, talk, and eat.

Fortunately, there are natural remedies that would help you with this disease.

Symptoms Of Bronchitis

Bronchitis causes increased phlegm and tightening of airways which make it difficult for a person to breathe and cause a persistent cough.

Here are its symptoms:

Fever
Chills
Muscle aches
Nasal congestion
Shortness of breath
White or colored mucus
Tightness in the chest
Tiredness

Natural Remedies For Bronchitis

Inhale Steam

Steam helps break up mucus. Simply boil water, keep it at safe distance, cover your head with towel and breath in the steam. Make it soothing by adding a few drops of peppermint of eucalyptus oil. The hot water will help relax muscles that may be tense from coughing. Do not stay over the hot water for more than a minute or two at a time.

Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory effects against respiratory infection. It’s better to use ginger in a natural form. Just chew dried, crystallized ginger or use fresh ginger to make tea. You can also eat it raw or add it to food.

Eat Spicy Foods

Spicy foods like salsa and cayenne pepper will encourage coughing in a good way. They also help thin out the mucus in order for it to get out easier.

Garlic

Experts found that garlic can effectively prevent the growth f infectious bronchitis virus. Simply take small amounts of fresh garlic.

Take Echinacea

Echinacea tea with honey and lemon will boost your immune system and help your body fight off diseases.

Drink Water

Drinking lots of water will soothe your throat and hydrate your system, thus speeding up your recovery.

Honey And Lemon

Lemons are rich in antioxidants while honey will coat your throat. You can add these two to your tea or to plain warm water.

Gargle With Salt Water

This may help reduce pain in your throat and break up mucus. To make a mouthwash, dissolve one teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water. Gargle the solution at the back of your throat and pit out. Repeat as often as you like.

Apply A Hot Compress

Try to place a hot water bottle on your chest. It will lighten up that heavy feeling. If you can’t find a bottle, you can just soak a small towel in warm water and lay it on your chest. Just make sure that the water is not hot enough to burn you.

Turmeric

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects and also increases antioxidant activity, thus helping reduce irritation and boost your immunity.

Use fresh or powdered turmeric in making your tea. You can also add some fresh turmeric when you make salads or make a paste by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of powdered turmeric and 1 teaspoon of honey. Consume the paste 1 to 3 times per day while symptoms last.

Aside from these remedies, you should get enough rest and avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol since these habits will only worsen the condition.