Did you know, today we live in a world steeped with the pollution that is continuing to rise day by day. We can witness an increase in the number of people afflicted with upper respiratory diseases and infections. People tend to depend more on over-the-counter medications, and not many are aware that it is easy to try to cure bronchitis fast naturally with home remedies and alleviate symptoms within the comfort of their homes.
- What Is Bronchitis?
- Causes Of Bronchitis
- Symptoms Of Bronchitis
- Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Bronchitis
- When To Consult Doctor
- FAQs
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is one of the common conditions that one has to deal with among the various problems of the throat and the respiratory system. When the airways in the lungs called bronchial tubes get inflamed and cause coughing and mucus, then this condition is called bronchitis. People afflicted with bronchitis cough up thickened yellow or greenish mucus accompanied by wheezing, chest tightness, bronchitis with shortness of breath, and low fever.
There are two types of bronchitis, and they are acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.
Causes of Bronchitis:
1. Viral Infection:
Studies show that viruses cause 85 to 95 (1) percent of acute bronchitis in adults. The same viruses that cause the flu or the common cold can cause bronchitis.
2. Bacterial Infection:
Bacterial bronchitis can develop after a viral infection of bronchitis in rare cases. This can result from infections by bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis (causes whooping cough).
3. Other Lung Conditions:
People suffering from chronic bronchitis or asthma may develop acute bronchitis. In these cases, acute bronchitis is not likely to be contagious, as it is not caused by an infection.
Symptoms of Bronchitis:
One of the early symptoms of bronchitis is a dry cough. A cough caused by bronchitis is often accompanied by mucus that may or may not come up with a cough. When it does, it is called a productive cough. The dry cough after bronchitis can make the throat feel sore and irritated. This is one of the reasons why it creates a sensation of rattling deep within the chest walls as you breathe in, or when you cough. The color of the mucus is clear to yellow or green, depending on the infection or virus. Some of the signs and symptoms of bronchitis are,
- Cough
- Mucus production (sputum), which can be clear, white, green or yellowish-grey
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Fever and chills
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- Sore Throat
- Chest tightness
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Sinus
See More: Symptoms Of Causes Of Bronchitis
Natural Ways to Get Rid Of Bronchitis:
Wondering how to treat bronchitis at home? Let us see the top 25 home remedies to treat bronchitis and alleviate symptoms of bronchitis.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar:
It is believed that a bronchitis home remedy with apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help thin mucus and reduce congestion. It works as a wonderful natural expectorant. Apple Cider Vinegar helps to reduce congestion. Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar helps reduce congestion and enables easy breathing while having chest cold. This is one of the best herbal remedies for bronchitis. The natural anti-inflammatory property of organic honey helps to reduce the inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
Required Ingredients:
- Apple cider vinegar-2 tablespoons.
- Ground ginger root-1 teaspoon.
- Honey according to taste.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Take a bowl and add the above ingredients.
How It Is Helpful:
- Drink this for relief, twice a day
2. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil treats coughs, and associated respiratory illnesses like pharyngitis, sinusitis, and cures bronchitis without antibiotics. It can calm a cough and helps to remove mucus from the chest. The oil can be used either topically or for inhalation purposes. (2)
Required Ingredients:
- Eucalyptus oil.
- Carrier oil.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Apply on the chest.
How It Is Helpful:
- Inhalation loosens the mucus and expels it during coughing.
Who Should Avoid: It is likely to be unsafe for children and should not be inhaled, consumed orally, or applied topically.
See Also: How To Get Rid Of Shortness Of Breath
3. Ginger:
Ginger has a natural anti-inflammatory effect against respiratory infection, and ginger tea may help bronchitis symptoms. While making tea, ginger can be added to it.
Required Ingredients:
- Ginger.
- Pepper.
- Cloves.
- Honey.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Steep all the above ingredients in hot water and drink.
How It Is Helpful:
- The anti-inflammatory property of ginger eases symptoms of bronchitis.
Who Should Avoid: Some people may be sensitive to ginger, so it is safer to exercise caution and take it in smaller quantities. Do not take ginger as a supplement if one is pregnant or breastfeeding, have a heart problem, diabetes, or any type of blood disorder.
4. Garlic:
Garlic for bronchitis cough has many healing properties. People who are not able to consume fresh garlic can use it in the form of medicines.
Required Ingredients:
- Raw garlic.
- Milk.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Roughly crush 3 cloves of garlic pod.
- Add crushed garlic to a cup of warm milk.
- Consume it before bedtime to give you quick relief.
How It Is Helpful:
- Garlic has antiviral and antibiotic properties.
Who Should Avoid: Those who have a bleeding disorder, must exercise caution while consuming garlic and take it in small amounts.
5. Humidifier:
The best way to seek relief from bronchitis is to keep the air in the workplace or home moist with a humidifier for bronchitis cough. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend a cool-mist humidifier or steam vaporizer to do this. The humidifier forces moisture into the room in the form of an invisible mist.
Required Ingredients:
- Humidifier
How To Prepare and Use:
- Change the water regularly.
- Clean the filters regularly.
- Make use of distilled water.
How It Is Helpful:
- Reduces coughing.
Who Should Avoid: Keep it away from children.
6. Jaggery:
Jaggery can help prevent respiratory problems like bronchitis, asthma, etc. It can treat cough and cold effectively. Jaggery benefits the respiratory system by soothing the soft tissues of the throat. It has a warming effect that controls the temperature of the body and helps during winter. It is recommended to eat jaggery with sesame seeds (3).
Required Ingredients:
- Jaggery
- Water or Tea
How To Prepare and Use:
- Jaggery can be added to warm water.
- (OR) it can be added to tea.
How It Is Helpful:
- Jaggery keeps allergens away with its anti-allergic properties.
Who Should Avoid: Those who have diabetes must monitor the consumption of jaggery.
7. Juniper Berries:
Juniper berry is used as a condiment and a flavouring ingredient. It has a pine-like flavour. It offers several health benefits. Juniper berry can be inhaled to help treat bronchitis either by direct palm inhalation where one can add a drop to the palm of hands and rub and inhale. It has a calming effect too or use it in a cool-mist humidifier.
Required Ingredients:
- Juniper Oil.
- Humidifier.
How To Prepare and Use:
- The humidity level must be kept track of.
- Regularly change the water in the humidifier.
- Clean and replace any filters as instructed.
- Add a few drops of Juniper berry oil in the water tank of the humidifier.
- Exercise caution while using the humidifier with children around.
Who Should Avoid: Juniper oil must be used with caution as it can interact with certain medicines and some illnesses. They are not good for children and should be avoided by pregnant women.
8. Onion Syrup:
Onions are super high on flavonoids and antioxidants. It is a useful remedy for bronchitis, asthma, and other infections (4). They have wonderful absorbing properties. Cough, asthma, and cold can be treated as it can decrease bronchial spasms and influenza.
Required Ingredients:
- Onions.
- Raw Honey.
- Lemon.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Peel and chop a whole onion.
- Place in a bowl.
- Cover with raw honey.
- Cover and let it remain for 10 hours or even overnight.
- Next boil for 5 minutes a whole lemon.
- Cut and remove pits; squeeze all the pulp and juice into the mixture.
- Remove onions and use this liquid as cough syrup.
How It Is Helpful:
- Use 1 tablespoon for adults 2-3 times a day or as needed.
- Use 1 teaspoon for a child older than 2 years old twice a day or as needed.
- Store the excess syrup in the fridge.
Who Should Avoid: Don’t use this remedy for the babies below 2.
9. Herbal Tea:
Drinking warm drinks like tea helps to make coughing easier. Doctors recommend it because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Keeping the air at home and workplace moist helps to loosen mucus and phlegm, keeps airways clear, and reduces coughing.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried peppermint.
- 2 teaspoons of dried thyme.
- Cayenne.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Take a vessel and add peppermint, thyme, and cayenne.
- Boil water and as soon as it begins to boil, pour 2 cups into the vessel.
- Cover and steep 5 minutes.
- Strain and sweeten this with honey for bronchitis cough.
- Sip slowly.
How It Is Helpful:
- This helps to relieve congestion.
Who Should Avoid: Pregnant women should avoid herbal tea and should consult with their doctor.
See Also: Effective Ways To Treat Cough & Cold At Home
10. Black Pepper:
Black pepper is very useful in getting rid of nasal congestion. The anti-inflammatory properties ease the irritation. The mucus is thinned.
Required Ingredients:
- Black pepper.
- Ginger.
- Jaggery.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Add powdered black pepper to herbal tea and consume several times a day. (OR).
- Mix jaggery and black pepper powder, make small balls. One can chew on them for obtaining relief from cough and throat irritations. (OR)
- A hot concoction can be made consisting of black pepper, ginger, jaggery, and basil leaves and drink at bedtime.
How It Is Helpful:
- This is a holistic approach that helps to thin the mucus and makes the cough more productive.
Who Should Avoid: Avoid black pepper during pregnancy as it can lead to miscarriage.
11. Giloy Juice:
Giloy is otherwise known as TinosporaCordifolia. It is a creeper plant. The leaves and stem of this plant are used for overall health. Giloy has a very soothing effect on the lining of the throat. It provides relief to the inflamed bronchial lining. Giloy boosts immunity, treats fever, improves digestion, combats respiratory problems. It has anti-inflammatory benefits and works against asthma, chest tightness, bronchitis, cold, cough, and tonsils (5).
Required Ingredients:
- Leaves of 1-foot long branch.
- Honey.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Boil water (400 mL).
- Allow the water to be reduced to half the quantity with the leaves in it.
- Add 2-3 pinches of long pepper.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Strain the juice.
How It Is Helpful:
- Drink this juice before bed.
Who Should Avoid: Avoid Giloy during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
12. Drink plenty of Water:
One must drink plenty of warm liquids like coffee, tea, soup, or hot water to get immediate relief from bronchitis. Drinking warm liquids not only helps to soothe a sore throat but also helps to loosen mucus secretions. Consuming warm liquids at regular intervals gives excellent relief from the hacking cough, which can lead to gagging and vomiting. It also prevents dehydration. (6)
Required Ingredients:
- Water.
- Lemon.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Boil water.
- Lemon juice can be added to make the taste better.
How It Is Helpful:
- It thins the mucus, makes coughing easy, and loosens phlegm.
- This provides sustained relief from coughing and improves appetite, bronchitis runny nose, bronchitis sore throat, nausea, dizziness, sweats, and chills.
13. Honey:
Honey is used as a natural remedy for cough and relief from bronchitis symptoms. It has both antiviral and antibacterial properties. Research shows effectiveness for respiratory tract infections and makes honey an effective home treatment. Honey soothes irritated mucous membranes and can be added to warm lemon water or tea.
Required Ingredients:
- Cinnamon powder
- Honey
How To Prepare and Use:
- Mix a sufficient quantity of honey and cinnamon powder and consume this several times a day until the infection clears up.
- Honey can also be added to herbal tea and taken several times a day.
How It Is Helpful:
- It is packed with enzymes and minerals that help to clear out infections from the body and reduced inflammations.
Who Should Avoid: Honey should not be given to children below 12 months of age.
14. Holy Basil:
Holy basil helps in the reduction of inflammation in the lungs. Chewing raw basil leaves or preparing basil tea goes a long way to help as a remedy for bronchitis. It helps to boost immunity and treat microbial infections. It is antitussive and helps to reduce cough. (7)
How To Use?:
- Boil water.
- Add a handful of basil leaves to a cup of boiling water.
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink.
- Drink this tea regularly to get relief from bronchitis.
Who Should Avoid?: Those who take blood pressure-lowering medication should exercise caution while using basil. Basil must be avoided by those who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
15. Almond:
Almonds are not only easy to use but are incredibly useful. They are one of the most effective home remedies for bronchitis cough and sickness. Almonds are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants. They contain numerous minerals and vitamins to cure respiratory infections. (8)
Required Ingredients:
- Almonds.
- Orange juice/Lemon juice.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Grind a few almonds to a powder.
- Mix the powder in a cup of orange or lemon juice.
- Drink this mixture every night.
(OR)
- Soak a handful of almonds overnight in a bowl of warm water.
- Remove outer skin in the morning.
- Grind to a fine paste.
- Mix the paste with a teaspoon of organic honey.
- Have this a couple of times a day to get relief from symptoms associated with bronchitis.
How It Is Helpful:
- This popular herbal cure helps in bronchitis.
Who Should Avoid: Those with a sensitive stomach should avoid it.
16. Lemon:
Lemons are packed not only with flavour, but it is also a superfood that helps fight numerous infections. It is an ideal source of vitamin C. Drinking vitamin C rich fluids can cure respiratory infections like bronchitis quicker. The acidity level of lemon juice is high and can kill bacteria and viruses, which are responsible for causing bronchitis. It acts as a natural expectorant. This brings out the thick mucus that builds up in the upper respiratory tract. (9)
Required Ingredients:
- Lemon.
- Cayenne pepper.
- Organic Honey.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Extract the juice of half a lemon.
- Dilute the lemon juice in warm water.
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper and sweeten the drink with a teaspoon of organic honey.
- Drink this every two to three hours.
How It Is Helpful:
- This helps to thin out the phlegm, which accumulates inside the bronchial tubes.
Who Should Avoid: Lemon tends to erode the enamel of teeth, so it should be consumed in moderation.
17. Steam Inhalation:
Increased steam inhalation helps to reduce the thick mucus build up in the upper respiratory tract and relieves wheezing (10). It is the most widely used home remedy for getting relief from bronchitis.
Required Ingredients:
- Eucalyptus oil.
- Bowl of hot water.
- Thick towel.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Add 1-2 drops of pure eucalyptus oil to hot water.
- Now put your head over the bowl containing the hot water and cover head and bowl with a thick towel.
- Inhale deeply.
- Repeat this home remedy at least two or three times a day.
How It Is Helpful:
- Steam inhalation gives effective respite from bronchitis.
18. Turmeric:
Turmeric is a spice often used in Indian cuisine and medicine. It has more anti-inflammatory effects compared to ginger. Turmeric increases antioxidant activity, so it helps to reduce irritation and boost immunity. One can either take turmeric in capsule form as directed or use powdered or fresh turmeric to make tea. (11)
Required Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon.
- 1 teaspoon of honey.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Combine 1/2 teaspoon of powdered turmeric with 1 teaspoon of honey.
- Make a thick paste.
- Consume this paste 1 to 3 times per day until symptoms improve.
How It Is Helpful:
- Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory properties that help to lessen the inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
Who Should Avoid: Avoid turmeric if you have stomach issues, gallbladder issues, iron deficiency, and when you are pregnant.
19. Vitamin D:
Vitamin D helps in reducing respiratory infections. It plays a vital role in its effects on structure, lung development, respiratory muscle strength, immune response, and inflammation. Vitamin D is found in fatty fish, foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, soy milk, orange juice, and cereals. It is also found in cheese and egg yolks. (12)
Abnormal levels of vitamin D have been associated with reduced lung function and respiratory illness. Research shows that low levels of vitamin D are associated with respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis symptoms, chest tightness, sneezing, and bronchitis wheezing.
There is emerging evidence that vitamin D levels must be increased via lifestyle or supplementation, as this can reduce asthma symptoms among individuals with inadequate levels of vitamin D.
20. Thyme:
Thyme is one of the herbs good for bronchitis. Natural thyme extract is found in herbal cough syrups. For bronchitis, plain thyme herb can be bought and make tea with it. Even combining thyme and peppermint helps to soothe bronchitis cough. (13)
Required Ingredients:
- Dried thyme.
- Raw honey.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Boil a cup of water.
- Add half teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Remove from heat.
- Steep for 10 minutes.
- Add raw honey to sweeten it.
How It Is Helpful:
- Drink this regularly to get relief from respiratory issues.
Who Should Avoid: Thyme may slow blood clotting, so stop using it at least two weeks before surgery
21. Flaxseeds:
These seeds are quite effective against bronchial tract and throat discomfort. Linseed referred to as flax or flaxseed, is commonly recommended for its anti-inflammatory properties. (14)
Required Ingredients:
- Flax seeds.
- Honey.
- Lemon juice.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Boil 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds in 1 cup of water until it becomes thick.
- Strain and add 3 tablespoons of honey and lemon juice.
How It Is Helpful:
- This gel will help in suppressing cough.
Who Should Avoid: Those with bowel disorder must avoid flax seeds.
22. Mustard oil:
Mustard oil extracted from mustard seeds (black, brown, and white) used in Indian cuisine and comes with a bevvy of health benefits. It is an age-old ingredient used for the remedy of cold and bronchitis cough. The heating property helps to clear congestion in the respiratory tract. (15)
Required Ingredients:
- Mustard seeds.
- Flour.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Grind mustard seeds into a fine powder.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of this powder with 4 tablespoons of flour.
- Add water to make a paste.
- Apply it on the chest and cover with a cotton cloth.
- Leave it overnight.
How It Is Helpful:
- It is a powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent.
Who Should Avoid: Watch out for allergies while using mustard oil, especially if you have sensitive skin.
23. Tomato Soup:
Apart from being a winter warmer, tomato soup is extremely rich in vitamin C. It helps to reduce the excessive formation of mucus when suffering from bronchitis. It is easy to prepare at home and use as a remedy for bronchitis. Drink tomato soup at least two times a day and to make it sumptuous add freshly ground pepper on top and so that it is a wholesome meal. (16)
Required Ingredients:
- 4 cups of chopped tomato.
- 4 cloves.
- 2 tablespoons butter.
- 1 onion, medium sliced.
- 2 cups of vegetable stock.
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Rinse tomatoes and vegetables.
- Chop veggies.
- In a pot over medium heat, combine fresh chopped tomatoes, sliced onion, 4 cloves, and 2 cups vegetable stock.
- Boil the tomatoes for 20 minutes with vegetable stock.
- Bring to a boil and simmer it for about 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and blend it using a blender.
- Once you get the smooth paste, keep aside.
- In a frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- Cook until medium brown.
- Whisk until all lumps are gone
- Season it with sugar and salt and adjust the taste. Serve the tomato soup hot
- Garnish it with paprika, croutons, and crushed basil
How It Is Helpful:
- This soup makes it a perfect soup with its warming properties during winter.
Who Should Avoid: It is best avoided by people with inflammatory diseases.
24. Sesame Seeds:
Sesame seeds are an excellent form of remedy for bronchitis. It is a natural pain reliever. It eases chest pain and congestion caused by both chronic bronchitis symptoms and acute bronchitis symptoms. Sesame seeds contain medicinal properties that help alleviate chest pain related to bronchitis. (17)
Required Ingredients:
- Sesame seeds.
- Honey.
- Salt.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, 2 pinches of salt, and 1 teaspoon of honey.
- Add 1 tablespoon of warm water and let it remain for 10 minutes.
- Eat this mixture daily to get rid of symptoms associated with inflammation of bronchial tubes.
- Alternatively, you can add sesame seeds to any herbal tea while steeping.
Who Should Avoid: Sesame seeds are not a suitable treatment for bronchitis while pregnant. Pregnant women should not consider this remedy.
25. Epsom Salt Bath:
Epsom salt is a popular bronchitis home treatment that is widely used as a pain reliever. The Epsom salt bath helps to get rid of bronchitis chest pain caused by repeated coughing. An Epsom salt bath can give relief from acute bronchitis symptoms. (18)
Required Ingredients:
- 500 grams of Epsom salt.
How To Prepare and Use:
- Fill a bathtub with warm water.
- Add Epsom salt and stir well.
- Soak the upper body until the neck in the bathtub.
- Sit inside for 15 minutes
- Take a shower.
- Drink some herbal tea like ginger tea.
- Do this 3 times a week for quick healing.
How It Is Helpful:
- Epsom salt helps to remove toxins from the body and if you have acute bronchitis, take Epsom salt bath every night or every other night.
Who Should Avoid: Diabetics must not use Epsom salt.
See More: Benefits Of Epsom Salt
When To Consult Doctor
It is better to take the advice of a doctor or a health care professional if the below-mentioned symptoms are there:
- It is advisable to see a doctor if the cough does not improve in 10 days.
- Cough affects the quality of your sleep.
- There is chest pain with coughing or difficulty breathing.
- There is an unexplained weight loss with the cough.
- Fever above 100.4°F.
- There is difficulty in breathing
- When coughing up, there is blood in the mucus.
It is a well-known fact that pollution can aggravate the level of severity of respiratory illness, and conditions like COPD are extremely vulnerable. We hope that these natural remedies for acute bronchitis are helpful and help to relieve the severity of bronchitis symptoms. Bronchitis must never be neglected, and if symptoms do not improve with home remedies, it is vital that we must seek the assistance of a doctor. Sometimes combining traditional methods with modern medicine can work wonders on your health!
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are personal opinions with the intention of creating awareness about the home remedies available for bronchitis symptoms. If the symptoms become severe, it is always safer that you seek the help of professional healthcare professional for further treatment. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
FAQs:
1. Are Bronchitis Symptoms Contagious?
Bronchitis consists of a group of symptoms, including airway inflammation, overproduction of mucus, and cough, which can have various causes. If it is due to viral or bacterial, then it can be contagious. If the cause of the bronchitis is chiefly due to air pollution, dust, smoking, or other inhaled irritants, it is not contagious.
2. What Are The Precautions To Take Not To Contract Bronchitis?
Avoid smoking, do not allow others to smoke in your home, eat a healthy diet, maintain personal hygiene by washing hands several times. Avoid sharing common utensils, glasses, or cups. Stay updated on recommended immunizations. Stay away from inhalants that irritate your nose and throat. Ensure that you consume a healthy and balanced diet.
3. When Does Pneumonia Occur?
Pneumonia is the most common complication of bronchitis. This occurs if the infection spreads further into the lungs. When one is afflicted with pneumonia, the air sacs within the lungs fill up with fluid. Pneumonia is more likely to occur in smokers, older adults, those with other medical conditions, and those with a weakened immune system.
