Simple home remedies to deal with bronchitis this season

A respiratory disease caused due to an inflammation of the mucus membrane present in the bronchial passage of the lungs, bronchitiscan lead to other respiratory problems, if left untreated. Characterised by persistent cough, this clinical condition can be effectively treated at home with natural remedies. So try these quick and simple home-care aids to relieve symptoms of bronchitis, before you fetch those pills!

Turmeric milk

The antiseptic and astringent properties of turmeric combined with the soothing effect of milk are responsible for providing quick relief from bronchitis. Just add a pinch of turmeric powder and sugar to a glass of milk and boil for around 10 – 15 minutes. Cool it and drink when warm daily to get rid of this respiratory problem. Here are more reasons to start drinking haldi doodh.

Mulethi lozenge

Also known as yashtimadhu, mulethi can reduce the symptoms of bronchitis as it possesses strong anti-inflammatory activity. The presence of glycyrrhizin in this root blocks the microbial growth thereby combating bronchial inflammation. For relief all you have to do is chew a small piece of yastimadhu just like a lozenge. Alternatively, you could also peel off the outer bark and boil it in some water. Sip on this solution for relief.

Steam inhalation

Steam inhalation is a method of introducing warm, moist air into the lungs via the nose and throat for therapeutic benefit. The hot steam moistens the nasal passages, thus, clearing your blocked nose and opening up congested sinuses, allowing you to breathe more easily. All you need to do is add basil leaves, cloves, eucalyptus oil and rosemary oil to the water and inhale the steam. Do this two times a day to get relief from bronchitis naturally.

Dill seed decoction

Dill seeds are packed with flavonoids and monoterpenes that act as potent anti-inflammatory agents, aiding in improving your immune reaction against the inflammation. These seeds are effective against a wide range of respiratory illnesses, such as influenza and cold. To reap its medicinal benefits, mix equal quantities of dill seed decoction with honey and consume this mixture 3 times a day. Read more about health benefits of dill or sowa seeds.

Clove, honey and garlic

Cloves act as an effective natural aid against a wide range of respiratory problems, namely bronchitis. To three to five drops of clove oil, add few drops of honey and a clove of garlic. Consume this mixture before going to bed. This mixture helps to alleviate the painful spasmodic cough common in people suffering from bronchitis.

Fenugreek tea

This remedy is particularly effective during the initial stages of bronchitis and other respiratory infections. You can drink around 4 cups of this tea in a day and reduce the quantity once the condition start to improve. This tea aids the body to perspire, lower body temperature, reduce inflammation and dispel toxicity from the body. Here’s how to use methi or fenugreek for 20 health problems.

Basil leaves decoction

Basil leaves or tulsi is well-known for its far-reaching medicinal properties that range from antiviral and anti-inflammatory. This is the reason, why a decoction of these leaves with honey and ginger (or common salt and cloves) acts as a perfect natural remedy to treat bronchitis. However, make sure that you boil the water till its half the original volume and then consume the solution.

Onion juice

Onions have been used as an effective natural aid to treat bronchitis for centuries. Being packed with expectorant properties, onions liquefy phlegm and also prevent its formation. For effective results, consume one teaspoon of raw onion juice early in the morning for few days.

Alsi paste

The presence of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) in flaxseeds is known to block the release of inflammatory agents, thereby aiding in the treatment of bronchitis. Prepare alsi paste by mixing one cup of flaxseeds with sufficient quantity of water (to make a thin paste). Apply this paste over the front and back of the chest when slightly hot to relieve symptoms of bronchitis. Read about11 ways to include flaxseeds in your diet.

Apart from these, hot epsom salt baths, staying hydrated, taking morning walks daily and performing yoga asanas play a key role in providing better relief.

Manu