Bronchitis Natural Treatment
Bronchitis is usually described as a respiratory condition which irritates and inflames the bronchi, which are the airways and passages within the lungs.
An attack of bronchitis is normally so devastating that people will feel really down in the dumps due to the lack of oxygen, the extra effort to breathe, and fatigue. It is critically important for people with bronchitis to learn how to slow down and look after themselves.
Conventional medical practitioners will usually tell you that there is no cure or relief and the only thing you can do is to tough it out for the 7 to 10 days which is the typical case of acute bronchitis. They might prescribe some over-the-counter medications to mask your symptoms and make you a bit more comfortable.
But alternative practitioners do not agree with this viewpoint. They believe that you can shorten an episode of acute bronchitis without drugs and also not have to suffer for 7-10 days. There are home remedies that help to thin the mucus so that you can cough it up easily and at the same time helps your body fight the viral infection.
Here are some bronchitis natural treatment options which might be very helpful:
Bronchitis Natural Treatment Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations
Improve Your Breathing Technique
The Buteyko Breathing method is a well-known remedy and can teach people with chronic recurring bronchitis to breathe correctly. This will help to reduce phlegm and bronchial tightness. Try to find a practitioner in your area.
Aromatherapy
Useful oils are Menthol, Pine, Eucalyptus, Basil, Wintergreen, Chamomile, Thyme, Lavender and Rosemary if used in oil burners or in steam inhalers.
Reflexology
You can apply aroma therapy oils (rubbing it very gently for about 5 minutes) onto the base and top of the foot, concentrating on the areas that are sensitive or tender.
Exercise
Exercise is usually recommended for all people but with bronchitis it is critical, not to exercise too vigorously as it may lead to further complications where the viruses and bacteria can damage the heart.
Diet
Remember that what you eat and drink during an attack of bronchitis might work either for you or against you. Here are some important things to consider:
- Avoid milk or other dairy products because it produces extra mucus.
- Drink lots of water. You must have heard about the 8 x 8-ounce glasses or more a day. That will help thin the mucus.
- Avoid refined sugar at all cost because that weakens the immune system.
- Try to increase your consumption of spicy foods such as horseradish, garlic, onions, and hot peppers.
- Drink lots of fluids which should include weak vegetable and fruit juices such as carrot, beetroot, silverbeet and apple, vegetable soups and herbal tea preparations.
- Avoid all refined carbohydrates, sugar, dairy products and egg whites – this will help reduce the body’s ability to produce mucus. You can substitute with soy or rice milk, soy cheeses, stevia (a natural sweetener) and egg substitute.
- Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee.
