Bronchitis is an ailment that frequently follows a cold or flu, it may be caused by either viruses or bacteria. Often this infection may be accompanied by coughing, pain in the lungs and fever. Often it makes breathing and much needed rest difficult.
One type, called acute bronchitis, will subside in a matter of weeks. But if bronchitis is the result of irritated mucous membranes, which are frequently caused by inhaling caustic substances, such as cigarette smoke or exhaust gases, can lead to chronic bronchitis.
People suffering from chronic bronchitis experience a swelling of the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes and a narrowing or inflammation of the airways. Not only does naturopathic medicine offer numerous techniques for treating the body's reaction to substances causing chronic bronchitis, it also has been successful in treating acute bronchitis.
Click on this link to read more about chest congestion and Grandma's Hot Toddy Recipe . It's even a natural home remedy to relieve that nagging cough for babies.
Your Lungs Structure:
Larynx
Right lung
Right bronchial tube covered by mucous membrane
Left lung
Alveoli (air cells)
Blood vessels
The bronchial tubes branch into the right and left lobes of the lungs, just like the branches of a tree. Their task is to distribute inhaled air in the lung tissue to the tiny alveoli, or air sacks. Each air sack is surrounded by fine blood vessels, where oxygen is taken up by the living red cells, or corpuscles. Bronchitis is the condition in which the mucous membrane covering the bronchial tubes becomes infected.
Natural Bronchitis Relief
You can use inhalations and liniments containing essential oils to reduce the urge to cough and drink cough-remedy teas to dissolve mucus. Chest compresses and appropriate homeopathic agents can also be helpful. Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to avoid cigarette smoke, as it irritates the bronchial tubes.
Allow your body to rest:
In order to fight bronchitis, your body needs to be rested. Eliminate solid food for 1 or 2 days so your body can focus on fighting the infection instead of digestion. Also avoid dairy products, as they promote mucus formation.
Humidify inside air:
To relieve chronic bronchitis, bring moisture into the dry indoors with a humidifier. If you don't have a humidifier use a vaporizer. Only put water in your vaporizer and a pinch of sea salt, never use products advertised to relieve cough, they only clog and put a sticky substance on the fine hairs of your bronchial tubes. You can also simply put a pot of water on the stove with a pinch of sea salt or hang wet cloths near your heat source during the winter months. During warmer months, you can open the windows.
For inhalation:
Combine equal parts of fir, pine, sage and peppermint essential oils. Add three to five drops of the blend to a glass or stainless-steel bowl of hot water. Lean over the bowl with a towel over your head, making a sort of tent, and inhale. Don't breathe too deeply at first; the scent is stronger than you may imagine. When you are finished place a bowl near your bed to allow the vapors to continue helping you through the night.
CAUTION!
Never use salves containing menthol or oil mixtures, such as tiger balm, on children who are under 1 year of age. Menthol is too strong for a child's body and can even cause respiratory spasms. There is no such risk for adults.
Old-Fashioned Home Remedies for Bronchitis Relief
Radish Juice
Cut black radish into thin slices, mix with 2-3 tablespoons of honey and allow to stand for about 4 hours. This will produce a juice, 1 tablespoon of which should be taken 4-5 times daily. The mustard glycosides contained in the radish will kill germs.
Mustard Plaster
Combine 1/3 pound of freshly ground mustard with warm water to form a paste. Place a thin wool cloth on the chest, brush the paste on the cloth and wrap in a towel. Remover in 10-15 minutes. The paste promotes circulation in the chest and reduces throat irritation and the urge to cough. Caution: This remedy may cause skin irritation.
Horseradish Necklace
Cut horseradish into pieces, thread the pieces onto a string and wear as a necklace overnight. While sleeping, you will breathe in the strong essential oils of the horseradish, which includes mustard oil.
Onion Syrup
Cook 1 pound of chopped onion and 2 cups of honey until it forms a think syrup. Take up to 1 tablespoon every hour.
Cough-Remedy Tea
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of the following herb mixture and steep for 15 minutes:
2/3 ounce of marshmallow root
2/3 ounce coltsfoot leaves
1/2 ounce linden flowers
1/3 ounce licorice
1/2 ounce Iceland moss
2/3 ounce fennel seed
Drink 3-4 cups daily and sweeten with honey if desired. This herbal tea dissolves mucus and relieves the urge to cough.
DISCLAIMER:
The statement's made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
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