Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. Bronchial tubes carry air to and from the lungs. Symptoms of bronchitis include coughing, fatigue, discomfort in the chest, fever and chills, shortness of breath, and the production of mucus, which can be clear, white, green, or yellowish-gray in color. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is often the result of a cold or another respiratory illness, according to Mayo Clinic. While acute bronchitis may be mild in nature, it can become severe and life-threatening. Here are some home remedies for bronchitis that you can try.

Bronchitis Remedies

1.) Water

Dr. Axe recommends drinking one glass of water every two hours to help thin mucus.

2.) Garlic

According to Top 10 Home Remedies, garlic is great for acute bronchitis because it contains antiviral and antibacterial properties. Peel and chop three garlic cloves, and boil them in a glass of water or milk. Drink the mixture at night before going to sleep.

3.) Steam

Best Health Magazine recommends breathing in steam to help bronchitis by either taking a hot shower or leaning over a bowl containing steaming hot water with a towel over your head. Breathing in steam helps loosen the secretions in your chest. You can make the steam treatment more effective by adding a few drops of pine or eucalyptus essential oil to the bowl of hot water. Pine oil is an expectorant, helping you cough up the phlegm trapped in the bronchial tubes. Eucalyptus oil softens mucus in obstructed airways and contains antibacterial properties. If you’d like to use eucalyptus leaves, boil them in a pot of water. Remove the pot from the stove before breathing in its steam.

4.) Honey

Top 10 Home Remedies asserts that honey’s antiviral and antibacterial properties are soothing to the throat. Honey also boosts the immune system. You can add honey to warm lemon water to help ease congestion and throat inflammation, two symptoms that are often present in bronchitis. You can also add one teaspoon of honey to a cup of tea.

5.) Oil of Oregano

According to Dr. Axe, oil of oregano supports bronchial health and contains natural antibacterial properties. Dr. Axe recommends taking 500 milligrams of oil of oregano four times each day for bronchitis.

6.) Cayenne Pepper

According to Best Health Magazine, spicy foods thin the mucus in your chest, helping you cough more productively. Try eating hot, spicy salsa, chili peppers, or foods prepared with cayenne pepper.

7.) Homemade Vapor Rub

A vapor rub can help you breathe easier and open up your airways. Dr. Axe recommends making your own homemade vapor rub to help with the symptoms of bronchitis. To make this vapor rub, you’ll need ¼ cup olive oil, ½ cup coconut oil, ¼ cup grated bees wax (which you can purchase at a local health food store), 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 20 drops peppermint essential oil, and water. Pour the bees wax, olive oil, and coconut oil into a jar. Place two inches of water into a saucepan, and heat over medium-low heat. Place the jar into the saucepan. When the oils melt, stir to combine them. Take the jar out of the saucepan, and allow it to cool. Add the essential oils. Pour the mixture into containers, and allow it to set before using.

8.) Ginger, Cinnamon & Clove

According to Top 10 Home Remedies, ginger is often utilized in the treatment of the common cold, and it can be helpful when treating bronchitis as well. The anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties in ginger can help alleviate inflamed, irritated, or swollen bronchial tubes. You can add one-half teaspoon each of ginger, clove, and cinnamon to a cup of hot water. Stir well before drinking. Drink the mixture for a few days to get some relief from bronchitis.

Bronchitis can make you feel pretty miserable. Fortunately, by using these bronchitis home remedies, you’ll be able to get symptom relief in no time.

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