Cure Your Bronchitis
Garlic (allium sativum)This expectorant fights many bacteria and some of the viruses that cause flus and colds. Its aromatic oils excreted through the lungs (which is why eating the bulb produces garlic breath). In the process, those oils act directly to kill microorganisms and to help you cough up mucus. Typical dosage: up to three 500- to 600- milligram capsules per day (look for products that deliver 4,000 micrograms and allicin daily); or 1 to 3 fresh cloves per day (mince and eat raw, or crush and add to cooked foods just before serving).
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
The menthol in peppermint relaxes the airways and fights bacteria and viruses. To do an herbal steam with peppermint, add 3 to 5 drops of the essential oil to 4 cups of just-boiled hot water. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea as needed (steep 2 teaspoons of dried leaves in 2 cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes); or 10 to 20 drops of tincture three or four times per day.
Two Easy Lung-Easers
Here are two old-fashioned strategies for loosening bronchitis.
* Drink a lot of liquids, especially water, teas, broths. This helps thin respiratory secretions and makes them easier to cough up. Warm liquids also helps relax the airways.
* Steam inhalation also thins respiratory mucus and promotes expectoration (a fancy word for getting rid of that gunk in your chest). You can use a commercial steamer, steam room, or the old-fashioned pot of boiling water. Foe the latter, simply boil water, pour it carefully in a heat-resistant bowl and place it on a sturdy table. Cover your head with a towel and hold your face at least 12 inches from the steam so that it feels warm but not unpleasantly hot. Herbal steams can be doubly helpful. Many herbs contain volatile oils that rise with the steam and have antiseptic, expectorant, and airway-relaxing properties. Good choices include eucalyptus, thyme,peppermint, and rosemary; use about a total of 1/4 cup of herbs for every 4 cups of water. You can also add 3 to 5 drops of the essential oil of these herbs.
* Drink a lot of liquids, especially water, teas, broths. This helps thin respiratory secretions and makes them easier to cough up. Warm liquids also helps relax the airways.
* Steam inhalation also thins respiratory mucus and promotes expectoration (a fancy word for getting rid of that gunk in your chest). You can use a commercial steamer, steam room, or the old-fashioned pot of boiling water. Foe the latter, simply boil water, pour it carefully in a heat-resistant bowl and place it on a sturdy table. Cover your head with a towel and hold your face at least 12 inches from the steam so that it feels warm but not unpleasantly hot. Herbal steams can be doubly helpful. Many herbs contain volatile oils that rise with the steam and have antiseptic, expectorant, and airway-relaxing properties. Good choices include eucalyptus, thyme,peppermint, and rosemary; use about a total of 1/4 cup of herbs for every 4 cups of water. You can also add 3 to 5 drops of the essential oil of these herbs.
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