Bronchitis is a very common respiratory disease: a person is at risk of being affected at least once in his life. This inflammation of the bronchi (the tubes that carry inhaled air from the trachea to the lungs) is divided into two types: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. The former generally lasts 2 to 3 weeks, while the latter lasts more than 3 months per year. Natural remedies can relieve coughing, expectoration, and some other symptoms of this disease.
geranium
Native to South Africa, Cape geranium is a plant widely used to combat respiratory ailments. In 2008, results of a clinical study with 217 participants showed that a liquid extract of geranium (EPs 7630) was more effective than a placebo in treating bronchitis1. Patients treated with EPs 7630 experienced significant improvement within 7 days of treatment in key symptoms associated with acute bronchitis: cough, sputum production, hoarseness, headache, fatigue and fever.
dose:
Adults should take 30 drops of standardized extract EPs 7630 3 times a day. If administered to children, the dose should be reduced. In this case, please follow the manufacturer’s information.
thyme
Combined with primrose root, thyme is effective in moderately reducing the duration and intensity of bronchitis symptoms. In 2007, 361 patients participated in a clinical study whose conclusions confirmed the superiority of the thyme and primrose combination compared to placebo1. Over an 11-day period, participants who received thyme and primrose extracts experienced a faster reduction in their coughs.
dose:
Infusion. Soak 1 to 2 grams of dried plant in 150ml of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink several glasses per day as needed.
Liquid extract (1:1, fresh leaf or 1:4, dried leaf). 20 to 40 drops each time, diluted with water or fruit juice, 3 times a day.
Tincture (1:10 70% ethanol). 20 to 40 drops each time, diluted with water or fruit juice, 1 to 3 times a day.
climbing ivy
Ivy has been used medicinally for decades and has been approved by German Commission E since 1988 for the treatment of respiratory infections and inflammations, as well as symptoms of chronic bronchitis. Several clinical trials have concluded that the plant may be effective in relieving symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis, particularly by increasing air supply to the lungs and reducing excessive coughing.
dose:
Infusion. Infuse 1 tbsp. Steep 0.3 g of dry leaf tea leaves in 150 ml of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink up to three glasses a day.
Dried leaf powder capsules. Take the equivalent of 300 mg of powder per day.
Liquid extract (1:1). Take 0.3 ml daily.
tincture (1:5). Take 1.5ml daily.
standard extract. Standardized extracts of dried English ivy leaves are now available and are often mixed into a syrup that may contain other active ingredients. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
children. The above dose was halved.
eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is approved for internal and external use by the German E-Council and the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the researchers, the medicinal properties of the plant are mainly due to the eucalyptol, or eucalyptol, contained in its leaves. Essential oils will also consist of 70% to 85%. Two clinical studies showed good results in reducing cough and phlegm production in patients with chronic bronchitis1-2.
Dosage:
Infusion. Soak 2g to 3g of dried leaves in 150ml of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink two glasses a day.
tincture (1:5). Take 10ml to 15ml twice a day.
Liquid extract (1:1). Take 2ml to 3ml twice a day.
essential oils. Take 0.3ml to 0.6ml (2 to 6 drops) daily. Consult a qualified aromatherapist before taking eucalyptus essential oil internally. Do not give to young children or pregnant women.
inhale. Use a diffuser, or pour 4 to 6 drops of essential oil into 150ml of boiling water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors of the preparation. Repeat up to three times a day.
external
friction. Pour 15 to 20 drops of essential oil into 25 ml of vegetable oil and apply this liniment to the chest 3 times a day.
licorice
Traditional European herbalism attributes softening effects to licorice. The use of this root, additionally approved by the German Commission E, therefore has a relieving effect on pain associated with inflammation of the bronchi. Additionally, licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a substance that has been shown to be effective against several viruses in in vitro studies1. Its stimulating effect on the immune system will help fight respiratory infections such as chronic bronchitis.
Dosage:
dry root. From 5 grams to 15 grams per day, divided into 3 times a day. Take powder, infusion or decoction (2g to 5g in 150ml of water) after each meal. The dried root is generally considered to contain 4% glycyrrhizin.
Total liquid extract 1:1 (g/ml). 2ml to 4ml, 3 times a day, after meals.
Total dry extract 6:1 (g/g). From 330mg to 800mg 3 times a day with food.
