Natural Remedies for Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a disease that is characterized by the inflammation of the air passageways or the bronchi. Due to this inflammation, large amount of mucus is secreted by the bronchial lining. This mucus congests the chest and subsequently you can experience difficulty in breathing and a lot of phlegm is expelled when you cough.

There could also be fever, accompanied by chills, hoarseness and chest pains. A lot of people suffering from bronchitis also experience a loss in appetite. One of the main causes of bronchitis is smoking. The lungs of long term smokers become soaked with tar that interferes in the killing off of the bacteria and viruses that might enter the lungs. The bronchi get irritated because of the excessive smoke and hence the phlegm. Environment pollutants and heredity are also two causes of bronchitis. It has been observed that people who work in damp and stuffy places are more susceptible to this condition.
Some people also suffer from acute bronchitis which could be attributed to sudden increase or decrease in pressure and temperature.

Though chronic bronchitis has to be treated medically, for acute bronchitis, relief can be sought from home remedies. Some home remedies are excellent for relieving the symptoms and the pain associated with bronchitis. The use of turmeric powder is foremost in these home remedies. Every night, before going to bed, take a glassful of warm milk and add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to it. To increase the benefits of turmeric, drink the milk with turmeric on an empty stomach.

A mixture of ginger, pepper and ground cloves is also a good remedy for bronchitis. Dry the ginger in the sun and crush it so that it becomes a coarse powder. Add ground pepper and cloves to it and add to honey. This natural mix soothes your airways and has a cooling effect. You can also use this mix to brew a tea. Sip the tea slowly and feel it taking effect. The antipyretic quality of the mixture will help reduce the fever too. Get some fresh spinach and separate the leaves. Tear the leaves to shreds and add it to a glass of water. Add a small pinch of ammonium chloride and some honey for taste. Steep this liquid for some time and then strain before drinking it. A lot of people swear by onion juice and feel that drinking a glass of raw onion juice every morning is an excellent cure for bronchitis. Mix some sesame seeds, linseed, honey and a pinch of salt and have this mixture before you go to bed. This decoction has benefited a lot of people with bronchitis.