My body is on such a tight
schedule that I could set my calendar by it. Every year, a week before
Thanksgiving, everyone in my family-- including me-- gets hit with a yucky case
of bronchitis. I have spent many a November afternoon huddled in my room with
boxes of tissues and hand sanitizer, pampering my daughter while coughing
relentlessly.
One would
think that I had learned my lesson by now. As soon as I pull out my
"magic" cocktail of herbal remedies, the bronchitis remits for me and
everyone else who takes it. I've depended on the same set of medicinal herbs to
chase away the bronchial blues year after year. My doctor fully supports this
set of remedies and encourages me to use them as adjuncts to conventional
treatments-- but, of course, it's up to you to talk to your own doctor before trying any medicinal herb. Now my only challenge is outgrowing my stubbornness and taking
these herbs before-- not after-- the infection becomes severe.
Oil of Oregano
I use oil of oregano both orally and in a nasal spray when I get bronchial infection. Oregano oil has potent antibacterial properties and is widely recommended as a natural antibiotic. Although no well-designed studies have investigated oregano oil's specific efficacy as a treatment for bronchitis, it may help to prevent the secondary bacterial infections that can occur in the wake of viral respiratory infections.
Ephedra
Oil of Oregano
I use oil of oregano both orally and in a nasal spray when I get bronchial infection. Oregano oil has potent antibacterial properties and is widely recommended as a natural antibiotic. Although no well-designed studies have investigated oregano oil's specific efficacy as a treatment for bronchitis, it may help to prevent the secondary bacterial infections that can occur in the wake of viral respiratory infections.
Ephedra
Thanks to
irresponsible supplement manufacturers selling ephedra as an unapproved weight
loss aid, this herb is now almost entirely unavailable in the United States.
However, if you happen to grow it yourself or know small-scale herbalists who
do grow it, ephedra can be a very safe and effective treatment for bronchitis.
Ephedra contains low, bioavailable doses of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, two
compounds sold over-the-counter as decongestants. Of course, avoid ephedra if
you have any form of heart disease or if your doctor
advises you to avoid stimulant medications.
Eucalyptus
There's
nothing in the world quite as satisfying as the chilling, soothing sensation
provided by eucalyptus. Drink it in a tea to set it straight to work in easing
bronchial spasms and soothing an irritated throat. Alternatively, add it to a
humidifier or a hot bath and inhale the gentle, healing steam. Eucalyptus can
also be used topically in a salve or massage oil-- try placing it on your temples,
throat and chest. Be sure to check with a doctor before using eucalyptus oil if
you have a history of asthma or allergies.
Elderberry
Elderberry
gets first-place on my list of my all-time favorite botanical medicines.
Elderberry syrups have no side effects whatsoever and are completely nontoxic,
even for the youngest children. Compounds in elderberry help to directly fight
infectious viruses and can reduce the durations of colds, flu, and viral
bronchitis by several days. Elderberry is also anti-inflammatory and may help
to reduce fevers and inflammation.
Of
course, while botanical medicines can be safe and powerfully effective, no
medicine outweighs common sense. If your bronchitis symptoms are severe or
persistent, always contact a qualified health care provider. Your physician may
recommend a combination of both conventional and holistic remedies to treat
your condition and its symptoms.
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