Home remedies for bronchitis

The term bronchitis refers to the soreness and irritation in the mucous membrane coating the bronchial tubes in the lungs. It can be sharp or constant, but in constant cases, the illness is more intense and goes on for a long period.
 

 

The basic symptom of bronchitis is a continual and constant cough that results in the production of huge quantity of phlegm. Other symptoms include coughing up extra mucus, breathlessness and breathing difficulty, hoarseness, chest pain and loss of appetite. Bronchitis is usually classified into two types - acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. 

 

Causes
 

Bronchitis is mainly caused by an infection. Other causes include allergies and chemical irritations, like atmospheric pollution and smoking, etc. Weather changes are another big cause of this disease.

 

Home remedies for bronchitis 
 

There are a lot of home remedies available to cure a person suffering from bronchitis. Some of the simplest and most effective remedies are described hereunder:

• Consumption of turmeric powder is the best remedy for bronchitis. Mix one teaspoonful of turmeric powder in half a glass of warm milk. Have it 2-3 times a day. It is more beneficial if taken empty stomach. 

• Take half a teaspoon each of ginger powder, pepper powder and clove powder and prepare a mixture. You can have this mixture with a tablespoon of honey or with a cup of tea. 

• Onion is another effective remedy for bronchitis as it has expectorant properties. It not only liquefies phlegm, but also helps to control it. Take raw onion juice in the early morning. 

• Prepare a mixture of 50 grams of fresh spinach leaves, 250 ml of water, a pinch of ammonium chloride and a tablespoonful of honey. Grate it till it converts into a paste. Consume it regularly for 10-12 days. It would surely relieve you from bronchitis problem. 

• Sesame seeds are another cure for bronchitis. Mix a tablespoonful of linseed, a pinch of common salt and a tablespoonful of honey. Take it at night before sleeping.

• Prepare the powder of seven almond kernels. Mix it in a cup of orange or lemon juice. Having it on a regular basis daily before sleeping would be very effective in curing bronchitis.

• Chicory is a herb that has medicinal properties to cure bronchitis. Grind the dry root of chicory and have half a teaspoon of this powder with one teaspoonful of honey. Take it thrice in a day for quick results.

• Take a cup of linseed. Mix it in hot water till it gets converted into a moist mealy mass. Take a thin cloth and rap this moist mass in it. Apply this on the front and back of the chest and then cover them with a bandage. It would relieve you from the irritation and uneasiness due to bronchitis.

• Apply turpentine oil on the chest every night. 

• Castor oil has also been a proven remedy for bronchitis. Warm some castor oil leaves in a pan. Let them cool down. Then keep them on the chest overnight. 

• Consume fresh cabbage juice daily to cure the problem of bronchitis. 

• Soak half a teaspoon of licorice root tea in a cup of hot water. Wait for ten minutes and then strain the liquid and drink it. Taking this liquid thrice a day will show positive results to cure bronchitis. 
 

Along with the above home remedies for bronchitis, following tips would also prove extremely beneficial to cure or control this illness. In case of acute bronchitis, the patient should fast on orange juice and water till the serious symptoms vanish. Then he should follow an all-fruit diet for at least 2-3 days. A bronchitis patient should have a well-balanced diet, including seeds, nuts, grains, raw vegetables, and fresh fruits. Beverages like unsweetened lemon water or cold/hot simple water should be preferred. 
 

Squeeze out a hot towel and keep it over the upper chest. It is beneficial in curing both chronic and acute bronchitis. Daily routine of fresh air walks and outdoor exercises is very essential for treating bronchitis. Prefer a morning walk every day. 
 

Note: Avoid resorting to any of the above remedies in case you are allergic to them. Consult your doctor in such a case.