Home Remedies for Bronchial Congestion
Home remedies for bronchial congestion include herbs such as angelica, anise, parsley, myrrh, hyssop, chamomile apart from certain spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ginger etc. Tea and coffee have also been proven to be effective against bronchial congestion. Bronchial congestion is the result of inflammation of the mucous lining of the airways in lungs due to various factors such as infection, cold, or inhalation of respiratory irritants and pollutants. It is compounded in individuals who smoke due to the constant irritant effect of cigarette on the lungs. Severity of congestion is seen in asthma patients due to reduced immunity and leads to breathlessness. Home remedies for bronchial congestion not only act by combating the inflammation but also aids in soothing the symptoms and gives the immune system a boost.
Home remedies for bronchial congestion have been around since ages. Bronchial congestion is caused as a result of common cold due to the inflammation of air passages (bronchi) in the lungs and the trachea. Inflammation can be caused by infection due to bacteria and viruses (common cold and flu) or due to constant inhalation of irritants such as fumes, dust, or other pollutants. Also, bronchial congestion is worsened in patients who smoke, suffer from asthma or are malnourished.
Bronchial congestion occurs due to the inflammation of the mucous lining of the airways and this leads to secretion of fluid in response to the inflammation. The coughing reflex caused due to bronchial congestion aids in expelling the secretion which is observed as phlegm. Bronchial congestion is characterized by cold, cough and associated difficulty in breathing.
• Tea: FDA elaborates the manifold advantages of tea as remedy for cold and bronchial congestion. Tea can be infused with other herbs which relieve congestion and are turned into a healthy herbal tonic.
• Angelica: This herb is warm and stimulating for the lungs. It is effective in treating flu and colds and eases congestion.
• Anise: Anise is an herb used to treat influenza, sinusitis and other respiratory ailments. Anise essential oil contains creosol which aids to loosen bronchial secretions. Anise oil can be diffused to aid breathing in case of cold or can be massaged to ease chest congestion. Anise is an expectorant with antiseptic properties. Thus, anise helps to kill germs and to clear the lungs from congestion. It is generally used in manufacturing cough syrups and lozenges for soothing throat.
• Cardamom: Cardamom is an expectorant and decongestant. It can be taken as a steam inhalant for congestion of the lungs.
• Cayenne Pepper: It is highly effective in thinning the mucous secretions responsible for congestion. Also pepper has strong antioxidant properties, which boost the immunity.
• Coffee: Coffee contains the stimulants theobromine and theophylline which expand the airways and prevent bronchospasms. It also accelerates heart and increases blood flow, leading to speedier recovery.
• Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is an effective decongestant and facilitates opening of blocked airways. It is a major component of many cold rubs and balms and relieves cold associated body ache.
• Hyssop: The pytochemical marrubin present in this herb soothes congestion. Other compounds present in hyssop, diosmin and ursolic acid relieves inflammation.
• Juniper: Juniper berries are considered an excellent treatment for colds, coughs and phlegm and are generally taken as steam inhalations.
• Parsley: Parsley inhibits release of histamine in the body and is traditionally used to cure coughs.
• Peppermint: Inhaling peppermint oil makes breathing easier during congestion and can also be used in tea to provide quick relief from cold.
• Pleurisy Roots: It assists breathing and suppresses inflammation of lungs, making it highly effective in curing chronic cold, congestion and chest complaints.
• Garlic, Onion and Shallots: According to the book Prescription for Herbal Healing these vegetables contain quercetin and mustard oils which inhibit the enzyme lipooxygenase responsible for releasing inflammatory chemicals and easing congestion.
• Chamomile and Elderberry: Chamomile flowers and essential oil or the flowers and bark of Elderberry plant are used in steam inhalations to provide relief from nasal and chest congestion.
• Ginger and Eucalyptus: The Aromatherapy Book lists the many benefits of ginger in curing tonsillitis and sore throat. Ginger can be infused with honey or brewed with tea to reap the benefits.
• Myrrh: Myrrh oil is beneficial in curing various conditions of bronchi and is also used as incense.
• Camphor: It forms a major component of many balms and rubs for treating cold. It is anti-inflammatory and soothes aches associated with congestion.
• Cinnamon: It warms up the body and cures sore throat. Cinnamon is generally used in powdered form or its essential oil is inhaled to provide relief.
This article is contributed by Seema Adnani
References: Prescription for Herbal Healing and The Aromatherapy Book
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