9 home remedies for bronchitis

Although there is clear evidence that antibiotics are not effective in treating acute bronchitis, a 2014 study showed that the rate of prescription for antibiotics was still 71%.

9 home remedies for bronchitis

Fortunately, there are some home remedies that can help alleviate acute and chronic bronchitis.

1. Using a humidifier

Keeping the air in your home or workplace moist helps to relieve mucus in the airways and reduce coughing. At the National Heart, the Lung and Blood Institute recommends a cool mist humidifier or steam evaporator to do this.

A 2014 study showed that long-term humidification therapy is a cost-effective treatment for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or bronchiectasis. However, the researchers cautioned that more investigations are necessary.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a general term for many lung diseases, including bronchitis and bronchiectasis, which are cases where the airway becomes abnormally wide.

If a person with one of these conditions uses a humidifier, it should be cleaned regularly according to the manufacturer's guidelines to kill bacteria and other pathogens that worsen the symptoms.


2. Drink warm liquid

Warm water, tea and other hot drinks help to dilute the mucus and make coughing easier.

A 2008 study showed that hot drinks can runny nose, cough, sneeze, persistent sore throat, cold and fatigue.

Ginger tea may also contribute to the symptoms of bronchitis because ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory drug.


3. Wearing a mask in cold weather

Sudden exposure to cold air can increase coughing. Covering your mouth and nose before going out in cold weather can help reduce coughing and shortness of breath. A mask can be used, or the mouth can be covered with a scarf or other clothing.

4. Honey

Honey is commonly used as a natural medicine for cough and is said to have antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Studying the effectiveness of honey in respiratory infections suggests that it may be an effective family treatment.

In 2007, relevant organizations have studied how honey affects children with bronchitis. Although children taking honey have a greater relief of symptoms than children taking placebo, the clinical benefit is small. In addition, honey should not be given to children under 1 year of age.

5. Lip breathing technology

Respiratory techniques known as lip breathing may benefit patients with bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The Foundation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease reminds that this technique can help people breathe more easily:

• Keep the airway open for longer
• Slow down breathing
• Help the lungs eliminate stale air
• Lmprove the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
• Lncrease the time available for certain activities

Lip breathing involves inhaling through the nose for 2 seconds, then licking your lips and slowly exhaling through the mouth for 4 to 6 seconds.

6. Essential oils

Many people with bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease use essential oils to relieve symptoms, especially inflammation and difficulty breathing.

Some studies have shown that by using myrtle, eucalyptus oil or orange oil can reduce airway inflammation, while myrtle oil shows an additional benefit against inflammation.

An animal study also found that some essential oils also effectively reduce inflammation in guinea pigs with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Other essential oils that may help relieve bronchitis-related dyspnea include: basil, eucalyptus, mint, rosemary, tea tree, thyme, oregano.

Essential oils can be inhaled directly or used in diffusers. Never use essential oils on the inside or apply directly to the skin. To use on the skin, mix it with a carrier oil such as mineral oil or sweet almond oil. Usually, 3-5 drops of carrier oil are required per 30 ml of essential oil.

7. Ginseng extract

Ginseng is a popular herb that is extracted from the fleshy roots of various slow-growing perennials.

In some studies, ginseng extracts have been found to reduce the number of lung bacteria in patients with chronic bronchitis who have an episode of acute bronchitis.

Ginseng also has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm the inflammation in the bronchi.

8. N-acetylcysteine ​​(NAC)

This supplement is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine. It may help reduce the frequency and severity of coughing. NAC also reduces mucus in the bronchi, making it easier to excrete from the body.

Analysis of 13 studies of NAC in the treatment of chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease showed that people with chronic bronchitis and airway obstruction received 1,200 mg per day. Patients with bronchitis without airway obstruction can get a regular dose of 600 mg daily.

9. Vitamin D

According to the Vitamin D Committee, many studies have shown that people with low vitamin levels are more likely to develop respiratory infections, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Other studies have shown that those with higher levels of vitamin D experience shorter respiratory infections or milder symptoms.

However, there is mixed evidence when taking vitamin D to treat respiratory infections. Despite this, vitamin D is important for overall health, and multiple supplements are a low-risk method for bronchitis treatment.

If you choose to use essential oils or herbs, please note that the National Food and Drug Administration does not monitor safety, quality, purity or packaging. Choose to buy from a trusted company.