Natural Home Remedies for Acute Bronchitis

Natural Home Remedies for Acute Bronchitis and Effective Treatment Options

What is Bronchitis or Chest Cold?

Acute bronchitis is caused by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which may be due to viral, bacterial, or any irritants. The inflammation of the respiratory tubes leads to narrowing, mucus production, and narrowed airways. These are some of the causes of acute bronchitis.

The first cause is viral infection , which is the most common cause of acute bronchitis. It is usually caused by the same viruses that cause the cold and flu. In previous weeks, we covered viral infections such as viral flu, strep throat, and the common cold. The same type of virus can cause acute bronchitis.

The second cause is bacterial infections , which are less common but can occur during outbreaks.

The third cause is irritants , which include exposure to dust, allergens, strong fumes, or tobacco smoke. These are all irritants that can cause acute bronchitis.

These are the three major causes of acute bronchitis: viral infection, bacterial infection, and irritants.

Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis

The major symptoms of acute bronchitis, or chest cold, include:

  • 1. The most common symptom is coughing , with or without mucus or sputum production. Usually, the symptoms of acute bronchitis last less than 3 weeks.
  • 2. Other symptoms include sore throat (pain in the throat), chest pain, a feeling of tiredness, mild headache, mild body pain, and wheezing.
  • When to See a Physician

  • 1. Severe chest pain
  • 2. Trouble breathing
  • 3. A high fever
  • 4. Blood-stained sputum (blood in your mucus or cough)
  • 5. Symptoms that last more than 3 weeks
  • Immediately consult your physician if you have any of these symptoms. Seek medical advice if you have repeated episodes of bronchitis, a cough that lasts more than three months, or recurrent infections.


    Prevention

    Preventive measures are very important. These include:

  • 1. Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke
  • 2. Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing (this not only protects you but also your family members and coworkers)
  • Homemade Preparations for Acute Bronchitis

    Now, we are going to explore some simple, homemade, and effective preparations to manage acute bronchitis.

    Milagu Thanneer (Pepper Decoction)

    In Tamil, this is called Vedi Milagu Thanneer . Here’s how to prepare it:

    Step 1: Roast pepper until it bursts.
    Step 2: Add 200 mL of water.
    Step 3:After the pepper and cumin seeds have burst, add:

    -1 teaspoon of dry ginger powder (*chukku* powder)

    -1 teaspoon of ajwain seeds (*omam*)

    Step 4:Boil the liquid until it reduces to 100 mL (from 200 mL).
    Optional: Add palm jaggery or honey for taste. Dosage:Drink 100 mL of this decoction twice a day.
    Benefits: This decoction is effective in controlling the symptoms of acute bronchitis, chest cold, cough, strep throat, chest pain, and body aches. It is also helpful for post-COVID symptoms, such as lingering cough and chest cold, which can persist for 3–4 weeks after testing negative. This simple preparation is mentioned in ancient literature as a remedy for respiratory ailments.

    Chronic Bronchitis and Chest Cold Remedies

    Pineapple with Pepper

    This is a simple and effective therapy for chest cold. Pineapple contains bromelain , a phytonutrient with anti-inflammatory properties.

    This enzyme helps break down and expel mucus in bronchitis conditions. Bromelain also enhances the effects of antibiotics, expectorants, and cough medicines. It has mucolytic, anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic, and antibacterial properties, making it highly effective for acute bronchitis.

    Preparation

    1. Combine pineapple with a pinch of pepper.

    2. Consume this mixture to benefit from its mucus-clearing and anti-inflammatory effects.

    Herbal Preparations

    1. Thalisadhi vadagam Tablet

    -Take 1 tablet every 3 hours.

    2. Karpooradhi Chooranam

    - Available in the US market.

    Dosage Half a teaspoon twice a day with honey.

    3. Swasa kudori Tablet

    - A herbal preparation.

    Dosage:Chew 2 tablets with betel leaf and honey.

    4. Adathodai Manapagu

    -A syrup preparation.

    Ingredients: *Vasa* (Botanical name: *Adhatoda vasica*) and palm jaggery.

    Dosage: 3 teaspoons mixed with lukewarm water or herbal decoction (such as tulsi decoction, adhimadhuram decoction, or betel leaf decoction).

    5.Thuthuvelai legiyam

    Dosage: 2 teaspoons twice a day.

    Benefits: This preparation is effective in controlling acute bronchitis and reducing all associated symptoms.

    In my previous experience, Adathodai Manapagu and Vedi Milagu Kasayam have been particularly effective in managing acute bronchitis. They help reduce all the symptoms mentioned earlier.



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