Heal Local by Dawn Combs

Author:Dawn Combs [Combs, Dawn; Salatin, Joel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781550925890
Publisher: New Society Publishers
Published: 2015-04-23T04:00:00+00:00

Bronchitis

Calendula

Chickweed

Echinacea

Garlic

Ginger

Hops

Licorice

Lobelia

Mullein

Plantain

St. John’s Wort

Yarrow

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi that develops secondarily after a cold or respiratory infection. It can be caused by bacteria or a virus. It is therefore helpful to have many different herbs in your cupboard that are antibacterial and antiviral but also have the ability to support respiratory health.

Bronchitis that tends to go on and on is called chronic bronchitis and is usually brought on by exposure to an environmental toxin, chemical pollutant or smoking. This type of bronchitis will benefit from some of the respiratory herbs above but not so much from the antivirals and antibacterials. It is important to eliminate exposure to the cause of chronic bronchitis and then strive to help the body expel those toxins. See Toxins / Detox for more.

With acute bronchitis, there is usually a cough that is attempting to bring up congestion. Herbs that are considered to be expectorants, those that help to expel mucus, are especially helpful. Most of the herbs in the list above are helpful in this manner. These herbs are used internally in tea, tincture or pill form, though I recommend hot teas for this specific illness as the form of treatment becomes a therapy in itself. Hops, mullein and plantain are especially helpful because they are also demulcent: they tend to soothe and protect the mucous membranes.

Externally you may choose to apply yarrow, garlic or ginger in the form of a poultice, compress or salve to break up and move out congestion.

With bronchitis, there tend to be other symptoms such as headache, sore throat and fever that should be dealt with as directed in each of those sections. The main thing here is that you don’t want the infection to fester. Most cases of bronchitis will resolve on their own after about three weeks, but those that aren’t cared for appropriately may linger and become something more serious like pneumonia.

Alternatives for internal application: angelica (Angelica archangelica), anise seed (Pimpinella anisum), balm of gilead (Populus balsamifera), bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), caraway (Carum carvi), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), elecampane (Inula helenium), ephedra (Ephedra sinica), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), horseradish, hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), Irish moss (Chondrus crispus), marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

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