Natural treatments for bronchitis
Natural treatments for bronchitis focus on alleviating inflammation of the bronchi, with both acute and chronic forms of the condition being common. Essential oil monoterpenes, which include components like cineole from eucalyptus and d-limonene from citrus, have been shown to be effective when taken orally, potentially aiding in recovery from respiratory issues, including bronchitis. Another well-supported treatment is Pelargonium sidoides, an herbal extract that has demonstrated significant symptom relief in clinical studies. Additional proposed treatments encompass a variety of herbal remedies such as thyme, primrose root, elecampane, and licorice.
Other supportive measures include hydration, steam inhalation, and soothing throat remedies like honey and saline gargles. While there are claims regarding the avoidance of dairy products to reduce mucus production, scientific evidence on this remains limited. It is crucial to consider that many natural remedies may not replace conventional treatments, and individuals should consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice. Overall, these natural approaches present options for symptom management and recovery in individuals dealing with bronchitis.
Natural treatments for bronchitis
- DEFINITION: Treatment of inflammation of the major air passageways in the lungs.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Essential oil monoterpenes (oral), Pelargonium sidoides
- OTHER PROPOSED TREATMENTS: All treatments used for colds or asthma, combination product containing horseradish and nasturtium, combination product containing thyme and primrose root extract, elecampane, essential oils (inhaled), horehound, licorice, marshmallow, milk avoidance, mullein, slippery elm, vitamin C, yerba santa
Introduction
The term “bronchitis” refers to inflammation of the major air passageways in the lungs, the bronchi. There are two principal types of bronchitis: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. The latter is closely related to emphysema. Acute bronchitis is a condition that frequently develops during the course of a common cold. Symptoms may include a cough (dry or productive), the sensation of heaviness in the chest, and difficulty breathing.
In many cases, symptoms of bronchitis represent temporary asthma brought on by a respiratory infection. Anti-asthma drugs are now commonly a major component of treatment. Antibiotics may be used too.
Principal Proposed Treatments
Essential oil monoterpenes. Aromatic essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil (menthol), have a long history of use as inhalation treatments for respiratory infections. The supporting evidence for such treatments is weak. Considerably better evidence supports the use of certain essential oils when taken orally.
One combination of essential oils has been extensively evaluated as a treatment for respiratory problems. This mixture, called essential oil monoterpenes, consists of cineole from eucalyptus, d-limonene from citrus fruit, and alpha-pinene from pine. Numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, many of substantial size, indicate that essential oil monoterpenes can aid recovery from sinusitis, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.
One large study evaluated the effectiveness of essential oil monoterpenes for acute bronchitis. In this two-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 676 people with acute bronchitis, participants received either a placebo, essential oil monoterpenes, or one of two antibiotics. The results indicate that the essential oil mixture was significantly more effective than placebo and at least as effective as antibiotic therapy.
Pelargonium sidoides. Alcohol extract made from the herb Pelargonium sidoides has become popular in Germany as a treatment for various respiratory problems. In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 468 adults with recent onset of acute bronchitis were given either a placebo or a standard alcohol extract of P. sidoides three times daily for a week. The results showed a significantly greater improvement in symptoms in the treatment group compared with the placebo group. On average, participants who received the real treatment were able to return to work two days earlier than those given the placebo.
Benefits were also seen in two other studies that enrolled approximately 350 people. When researchers pooled the results of four well-designed, placebo-controlled trials, they found that a standardized extract of Pelargonium performed significantly better than a placebo at reducing the symptoms of bronchitis by the seventh day of treatment.
Other Proposed Treatments
A large (361-person) double-blind, placebo-controlled study found evidence that the use of a standardized combination of thyme and primrose root extract enhanced recovery from acute bronchitis. Symptoms improved rapidly in both groups, but improvement was faster, and the response rates were higher for the thyme-primrose combination compared with the placebo.
One double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that the use of 200 milligrams (mg) per day of vitamin C enhanced recovery among fifty-seven elderly persons who had been hospitalized for respiratory conditions.
Inhaled essential oils have a long, traditional use for respiratory infections. However, while there is some preliminary scientific support for such treatments, that evidence is still inadequate. Another study provides weak evidence that a standardized combination of horseradish and nasturtium might be helpful for the treatment of bronchitis in children.
Numerous herbs have a reputation for helping bronchitis. These include elecampane, horehound, licorice, marshmallow, mullein, slippery elm, and yerba santa.
It is widely believed by many proponents of alternative medicine that cow’s milk and related dairy products increase mucus in the lungs and sinuses and should, therefore, be avoided by people with bronchitis problems. However, increased scientific investigation into this belief is necessary.
Because acute bronchitis tends to develop during the course of a common cold, all the natural treatments used to prevent or treat colds are worth considering. In addition, there are other methods that may provide relief of symptoms that do not involve ingesting additional medications or supplements. For example, keeping hydrated and drinking extra water may help loosen up mucus so it can be expelled more easily. The same effect can be achieved with steam. Ideally, a sauna can provide this, or one can simply immerse oneself in bathroom steam. Honey will not cure bronchitis, but it can provide a soothing sensation to the throat. Gargling with a saline solution may also help clear out mucus in the chest. Similarly, a saline spray administered to nasal areas will help clear out sinuses. A humidifier is another solution for breathing in warm, moist areas that will soften mucus. Another recommendation is to wear a mask indoors if someone cleans with strong solutions.
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