If you have bronchiectasis and are looking for an herbal treatment that will help you breathe easier, you’ve probably already found some options like herbal supplements and herbal teas. While these treatments can be quite effective on their own, many people like to combine them with other methods to get the best results possible, and the truth is that there are actually many different ways to treat bronchiectasis using herbs. But what are the options? And how do they compare?
Most Important Diet
Eating healthy foods is critical to maintaining a proper diet. To prevent or reverse bronchitis, eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans on a daily basis. Herbal Supplement for Bronchiectasis Also, add two servings of herbal tea—especially thyme tea—each day. Thyme has been used to treat bronchitis since ancient times. Herbal Treatment for Bronchiectasis for best results, swallow teas whole instead of chewing them.
Use Herbal Tea with Honey
If you’re suffering from cough, you can consume herbal tea with honey. Herbal teas like licorice, mullein, passion flower, chamomile and thyme are natural expectorants that reduce bronchial spasms. The added benefit of honey is it soothes your throat by coating it while also loosening phlegm in your lungs to make them easier to expel. You can either brew your own tea or buy some at a local health food store; however, we recommend buying organic if possible because herbs may be chemically treated before being sold commercially.
Chest Compressions with Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil can help ease inflammation associated with bronchitis, coughs, sore throats, colic, colds, and asthma. To use lavender to treat bronchitis at home, rub several drops of pure organic lavender essential oil onto your chest or inhale from a diffuser. You may also drink a tea of two teaspoons of dried lavender flowers steeped in one cup of hot water. (Source) Chlorophyll: Our body needs oxygen to function properly so when we are sick, we try to get more oxygen into our system. Taking chlorophyll is an excellent way to fight infections such as bronchitis. Start taking 2-3 capsules every day with food during treatment.
Hot Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage is a perfect treatment to relieve chest congestion. Add 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, 1 drop of tea tree oil, 1 drop of peppermint oil to your favorite carrier oil (such as almond or olive). Mix well with a glass-stirring rod. Massage into chest muscles in circular motions using firm pressure; continue for about 5 minutes. This herbal massage pack may be used either hot or cold, depending on your comfort level. For an extra boost of anti-inflammatory action, add 1/2 cup fresh chamomile flowers and steep in hot water until needed; strain well before use. Let cool completely before massaging with olive or almond oil.
Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation is an old-fashioned Herbal Treatment for Bronchiectasis that actually has some scientific evidence to back it up. In one study, published in Thorax, 50 patients with bronchitis used a vaporizer twice a day while another 50 patients used a placebo vaporizer. Over four weeks, participants who used actual steam had significantly less severe symptoms, according to co-author Andrew Miah of St. George’s Hospital in London. To use a vaporizer or eucalyptus steam treatment at home, pour boiling water into a bowl, add 2 drops of eucalyptus oil and cover your head with a towel as you lean over and breathe deeply.
Garlic Juice Can Help
Garlic juice is a great herbal treatment for bronchiectasis. It is said to act on lungs’ cells that are subject to infection of bacteria, viruses, germs or fungi. Garlic juice can treat and manage bronchitis in people of all ages when it is taken daily. Or you can mix 4-5 ml of garlic juice with 60 ml of apple cider vinegar and 30 ml of honey. Drink three times a day for better results. You can add 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder to these drinks too which helps reduce wheezing symptoms from asthma or bronchitis.
Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt baths are one of the most common home remedies for bronchitis, according to WebMD. Simply dissolve a half cup of Epsom salt in warm water, fill your bathtub with enough warm water to cover yourself (or use a rubber tub as pictured above), then add your Epsom salt mixture. Soak in it for at least 15 minutes and you’ll be feeling much better in no time! And if an Epsom salt bath isn’t your style, try adding 1 tablespoon each of peppermint essential oil or eucalyptus essential oil to your bathwater instead. Although neither is proven effective at treating bronchitis, they both have anti-inflammatory properties that may help open up airways and reduce pain.
Apple Cider Vinegar Compress
Apple cider vinegar has long been known to have health benefits. It can help regulate blood sugar, balance cholesterol levels, reduce acne and more. Now research shows that it can also be used as a natural antibiotic. Many people are using apple cider vinegar topically to kill bacteria on their skin, including antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). In addition to improving acne, many people say apple cider vinegar has helped them get rid of cellulite. Add one cup of apple cider vinegar to one cup of warm water in a basin or bucket. Soak in it for five minutes twice a day, once in your morning shower and once before bed at night.
Evening Primrose Oil Can Help as Well
Taking a Herbal Supplement for Bronchiectasis like evening primrose oil can help as well. Studies show that it can reduce symptoms by around a third, but you need to be taking it regularly to make sure you don’t have a flare-up. If you have recurring bouts of bronchitis, ask your doctor if your diet is one of your triggers—you may need to make some changes in order to keep them at bay. To determine whether or not diet plays a role in your bronchitis, take an allergy test, which will tell you if allergies are part of what’s triggering your symptoms. If they are, eliminating allergens from your diet may help keep flare-ups at bay.
Organic Garlic Capsules Can Provide Relief
Garlic has been used for years to help treat colds, flu and other infections. Researchers believe that garlic may work by boosting immunity and reducing inflammation. In a study from Japan, eight patients with bronchiectasis took garlic capsules three times a day for two months. After two months, their FEV1 had increased from 47% to 55% of predicted values. Treating bronchitis with Herbal Supplement for Bronchiectasis is one way to increase your airway health without resorting to conventional medicines that often come with potentially harmful side effects. If you would like more information on how herbal treatment can help you or a loved one living with bronchiectasis, call or email us today!
