Acute Bronchitis

What you need to know:

Most people get the occasional heavy cough at some time, but acute bronchitis is caused by viral or bacterial infections. It’s often possible to avoid the use of antibiotics - no help for viral infections anyway - by the use of natural remedies and complementary therapies.

For asthmatics and anyone suffering chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a chest infection on top of their existing illness can be extremely serious. As with any illness caused by infection, boosting the immune system is a key to quick recovery and natural medicine can help.

The most useful Herbs:

The most effective herbal remedies for improving breathing are as follows - use them in teas (one tspn per cup and sweetened with honey) are:

Thyme
Elecampane
Mullein
Cowslip
White horehound
Iceland moss

You can also make a syrup of onion and turnip, sliced thinly and layered with honey and left overnight.

Garlic can be taken raw or in tablet form, however a mega-dose is best. 500-100,000mg is should be taken for 1-2 weeks to really fight any infection and break up congestion on the lungs.

Echinacea - 500mg 3 times a day will boost immunity

The most useful Supplements:

Bromelain - 2000- 3,000 G.D.U a day
NAC - to break up mucous - 500mg twice a day
Vitamin A - 30,000 iu a day for up to 3 months to fight infection and strengthen the lungs
Vitamin C with Bioflavanoids - 1-3grams per day
Zinc - 30mg with Copper 2mg a day

Homoeopathy

The homoeopathic remedies Rumex, Stannum and Byronia may also be effective and Reflexology and Yoga will also help.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy cures include Sandalwood, Benzoin, Eucalyptus, Frankincense and Tea Tree - use them as steam inhalations or mix with an appropriate carrier oil and massage into the throat and chest.

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

Diet is extremely important. Take plenty of fluids - especially hot drinks of honey, water and lemon juice, hot water and pineapple or pear juice, hot water and rosehip syrup.

In France and East Anglia, thick onion soup is a traditional remedy for bronchitis.

Other useful advice:

Naturopathy - hot packs and postural drainage would be advised. Apply a hot heating pad, well wrapped hot water bottle to the chest for 20 minutes, then lay face down on the bed with your head and chest over the side and your weight supported on your forearms. This encourages the infected mucous to drain out of the lungs, so have a small bowl and a packet of tissues handy.

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The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.