Bronchitis

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes that lead into the lungs.

It is usually caused by viruses, less often by bacteria. It can also develop after exposure to irritating chemicals or air pollution.

The symptoms include cough, wheezing, breathlessness, chest pains, fever, headaches and loss of appetite. It is more common during the Winter months and frequently follows a viral illness such as flu.

Bronchitis usually develops suddenly and can last for about 2 weeks. Healthy people usually recover spontaneously. However if you are susceptible – it is most common in smokers, the elderly, people with other respiratory problem or people with heart disease – please seek treatment to prevent it from getting worse.

Tip: to help Bronchitis, stop smoking or avoid smoky atmospheres and lose any excess weight. Avoid polluted atmospheres and use a humidifier to keep the air moist.

Complementary Medicine

Herbal Therapy

• Eucalyptus. This is especially good for respiratory problems such as bronchitis, sinusitis And chest congestion. Dosage: rub into chest , or add 1 teaspoon to boiling water and breathe over the steam for 10 minutes x 2 daily to clear congestion.
• Mullein. Useful for coughs, chest congestion and catarrh. Dosage: take 5 drops of tincture in water every 4 hours.
• Ginger. Good for reducing temperature by inducing sweating, also and chest congestion. Dosage: peel and grate a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger root. Steep for 5 minutes in boiling water and drink with fresh lemon juice and honey to taste.
• Rub the following essential oils gently on the chest: Lavender, Eucalyptus, Thyme, or Tea Tree. Always dilute in a carrier oil such as olive oil.

  If it is more serious, use one or all three of the following in a steam inhalation:

• Friar’s Balsam – this has a warming and relaxing effect on the Bronchi
• Frankincense – an expectorant, that slows and deepens the breathing
• Myrrh – an anti-infective, helps to loosen and shift sticky mucus

Homeopathy

For acute stages (if more serious seek professional help):

• Aconite: for early stages, dry cough and slight fever
• Bryonia: for dry, hacking cough made worse by changing temperatures
• Ipecacuanha: for spasmodic cough, “rattly” mucus and vomiting
• Phosphorus: dry, tickly cough, with tight feeling around chest, loss of voice.

To buy any of the supplements mentioned go to the CHC Shop

Also See:

• Natural Treatments for Colds and ‘Flu
• Easing into Winter
• Super Immune Boosters
• Natural Alternatives to the ‘Flu Jab
• Top 5 Superfoods
• Winter Herbal Medicine Chest
• Winter Warmers – Essential Oil Special

These treatments are used for Bronchitis:

Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Reflexology.