Bronchitis
Inflammation of Bronchi
Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the
bronchial tubes within the lungs. Bronchitis may be acute or chronic. In chronic
cases, the disease is of long duration and more serious. An important cause of
bronchitis is smoking. Excessive smoking irritates the bronchial tubes and
lowers their resistance, so that they become vulnerable to germs breathed in
from the atmosphere. Other causes are living or working in a stuffy atmosphere,
use of drugs to suppress earlier diseases, and hereditary factors. Changes in
weather and environment hasten the onset of the disease.
Remedies
Turmeric: One of the
most effective home remedies for bronchitis is the use of turmeric powder. Half
a teaspoon of this powder should be administered with half a glass of milk, two
or three times daily. It acts best when taken on an empty stomach.
Ginger: Another
effective remedy for bronchitis is a mixture comprising of half a teaspoon each
of the powder of ginger, pepper, and cloves, three times a day. It may be licked
with honey or taken as an infusion with tea. The mixture of these three
ingredients has also antipyretic qualities and is effective in reducing fever
accompanying bronchitis. It also tones up the metabolism of the patient.
Onion: Onions have
been used as a remedy for bronchitis for centuries. They are said to possess
expectorant properties, They liquefy phlegm and prevent its further formation.
One teaspoon of raw onion juice, first thing in the morning, is very beneficial
in such cases.
Spinach: Fifty grams
of fresh leaves of spinach, and 250 ml of water should be mixed with a pinch of
ammonium chloride and one teaspoonful of honey. This infusion is an effective
expectorant in the treatment of bronchitis.
Sesame Seeds: An
infusion of one teaspoon of sesame seeds, mixed with a teaspoon of linseed, a
pinch of common salt, and a teaspoon of honey, can be given once at night with
beneficial results in bronchitis. Half a teaspoon of dry seeds pounded into
powder should be given, mixed with two tablespoons of water, twice daily.
Alternately, a decoction of half a teaspoon of the same should be taken twice
daily.
Almond: An emulsion
of almonds is useful in bronchial diseases, including bronchitis. It is prepared
by making a powder of seven kernels of almonds and mixing the powdered kernels
in a cup of orange or lemon juice. This emulsion may be taken once daily at
night.
Chicory: Chicory or
endive is another effective home remedy for bronchitis. The powder of the dry
root of this herb should be given in doses of half a teaspoon mixed with one
teaspoonful of honey thrice daily. It is a very useful expectorant in chronic
bronchitis.
Linseed: A hot
poultice of linseed (alsi) should be applied over the front and back of the
chest. This poultice may be prepared by mixing one cup or sixteen tablespoons of
the seeds with a quantity of hot water, sufficient to convert them into a moist
mealy mass. This should then be applied carefully, Turpentine may also be rubbed
over the chest.