David L. Hoffmann BSc Hons MNIMHAcute inflammation of the tracheobronchial tree, generally self-limiting and with eventual complete healing and return of function.
Bronchitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous lining of the bronchial tubes, the main airways carrying air from the trachea to the lungs. Acute bronchitis is often a feverish condition, usually lasting a few days, with a harsh and painful cough. The development of acute bronchitis is often preceded by symptoms of upper respiratory infections, such as coryza (the common cold), chilliness, slight fever, back and muscle pain, and sore throat. At first the cough is very dry, but as the lungs produce additional mucus in response to the infection, the cough becomes easier and less painful as the mucus lubricates the bronchi. Persistent fever suggests complicating pneumonia. Acute bronchitis usually originates with a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, such as a cold or sore throat, spreading to the lungs. Though usually mild, it may be serious in debilitated people and those with chronic lung or heart disease.
Actions indicated for the processes behind this disease:
Pulmonaries are not crucial if the problem is not recurrent or in at risk people, but it is always a good idea to tone.
Expectorant will, definitely be indicated, but could be either stimulating or relaxing, depending upon the individuals indications.
Demulcent remedies will augment the action of relaxing expectorants if necessary.
Anti-spasmodic herbs may be of help if coughing is proving too troublesome.
Anti-microbial are essential to deal with any infection or to help the body protect against secondary infection developing.
Anti-inflammatories may be indicated if there is extensive inflammation and especially if the larynx or pharynx are involved.
Anti-catarrhals will often help the upper respiratory symptom picture.
Diaphoretics will be indicated if the patient has a fever.
Cardio-Tonic herbs help if there is any history or suspicion of cardiovascular problems.
System Support
The respiratory system will obviously need tonic support, especially if the acute bronchitis is an annual event. This also points towards immune system support (with all that implies). As just pointed out, the heart and blood vessels will benefit from tonics such as Crataegus and Alliumsativum as there may be a deleterious impact on the tissue and henceits functions.
Specific Remedies
There are many possible ones in every herbal tradition of the world. For example Osha, Ligusticum porterii, a plant from the American S.W. is an excellent specific in cases of tracheo-bronchitis. Below is a partial listing of herbs that are considered specific in Europe and parts of North America. They may be appropriate for different individuals at different times, the range covering stimulant and demulcent expectorants, antimicrobials, anti-spasmodics and so on. Thus strictly speaking, none of them are guaranteed to work specifically with all cases. If the various action groupings they would belong to are not immediately apparent, please review these herbs.
Allium sativum
Althaea officinalis
Asclepias tuberosa
Cephaelis ipecacuanha
Cetraria islandica
Chondrus crispus
Drosera rotundifolia
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Hydrastis canadensis
Hyssopus officinalis
Inula helenium
Ligusticum porterii
Lobelia inflata
Marrubium vulgare
Pilosella officinarum
Pimpinella anisum
Plantago spp.
Polygala senega
Populus candicans
Primula veris
Pulmonaria officinalis
Sanguinaria canadensis
Sticta pulmonaria
Symphytum officinale
Symplocarpus foetidus
Thymus vulgaris
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Tussilago farfara
Verbascum thapsus
Verbena officinalis
Viola odorata
The use of soothing, relaxing expectorants, with their distinctive demulcency, in conjunction with anti-microbials is the often key to successful treatment. The following relaxing expectorants are of especial importance:
One possible prescription: Demulcent tea for acute dry cough (acute tracheobronchitis)
Verbascum thapsus
Tussilago farfara
Althaea officinalis
Pimpinella anisum — — — equal parts. 2 teaspoonfuls to a cup of boiling water.
Infuse for 20 minutes. Drink hot several times a day.
This first possible combination, given by Dr. Weiss in Herbal Medicine, is in the form of an infusion, partly for the benefits of increasing fluid intake. It supplies the following actions:
Pulmonaries (Verbascum thapsus, Tussilago farfara)
Expectorant-relaxing (Verbascum thapsus, Tussilago farfara, Althaea officinalis, Pimpinella anisum)
Demulcent (Verbascum thapsus, Tussilago farfara, Althaea officinalis)
Anti-spasmodic (Pimpinella anisum)
Anti-microbial (Pimpinella anisum)
Anti-inflammatories (Verbascum thapsus, Tussilago farfara, Althaea officinalis, Pimpinella anisum)
Anti-catarrhals (Verbascum thapsus, Tussilago farfara, Althaea officinalis)
Another approach would increase the stimulating expectorant component, which is more appropriate for stages of this condition that are characterized by excessive sputum production.
One possible prescription: To promote expectoration, in sub-acute &chronic bronchitis:
Primula veris root
Thymus vulgaris
Tussilago farfara — — — equal parts. 2 teaspoonfuls to a cup of boiling water.
This combination supplies the following actions:
Pulmonaries (Tussilago farfara)
Expectorant: relaxant (Tussilago farfara)Demulcent (Tussilago farfara)
: stimulant (Primula veris)
Anti-spasmodic (Primula veris, Thymus vulgaris)
Anti-microbial (Thymus vulgaris)
Anti-inflammatories (Tussilago farfara)
Anti-catarrhals (Tussilago farfara)
An alternative, yet equivalent, mixture is one that replaces the Thymuswith Pimpinella. The way this has been done will increase the stimulating expectoration generated by the saponin rich Primula.
Another prescription: To promote expectoration, in sub-acute & chronic bronchitis:
Primula veris — — — 2 parts
Pimpinella anisum — — — 1 part
Tussilago farfara — — — 1 part — — — 2 teaspoonfuls of combination to a cup of boiling water. Infuse for 20 minutes.
Drink hot 3 times a day.
One possible prescription: To promote combat infection in acute bronchitis
Inula helenium
Marrubium vulgare
Tussilago farfara
Hydrastis canadensis
Echinacea spp. — — — equal parts of tincture to 5ml. taken three times a day.
This combination supplies the following actions:
Pulmonaries (Inula helenium, Tussilago farfara)
Expectorant: relaxant (Tussilago farfara)Demulcent (Tussilago farfara)
: stimulant (Inula helenium, Marrubium vulgare)
Anti-microbial (Echinacea spp., Inula helenium, Hydrastis canadensis)
Anti-inflammatories (Hydrastis canadensis, Tussilago farfara)
Anti-catarrhals (Echinacea spp., Hydrastis canadensis, Tussilagofarfara)
Bitter stimulation (Marrubium vulgare)
Remedies for external use
Volatile oil rich plants are often used for steam inhalations. It is often possible to abort the development of a cold or even the `flu using volatile oils in this way. When the problem is already established, using inhalations will loosen a cough and clear the sinuses.
Steam Inhalation
A handful of Matricaria flowers placed in a bowl and boiling water poured over them. The vapor is inhaled by the patient who places a towel over the head to create a `tent’, keeping the vapor trapped in. Thymus, Eucalyptus and Origanum and often used as well. For example:
Matricaria flowers
Thymus herb
Origanum herbequal part to 50.0g
1 tablespoon to 0.5l of boiling water
Pure volatile oils may be used. Traditionally the oil of dwarf pine needles(Pinus pumilio) has been to main oil used, but with growing interest in Aromatherapy many volatile oils are now recognized as valuable remedies for inhalations. Of the many possible oils that could be used here, consider the oils of:
- Thymus (Thyme)
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus)
- Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
- Pinus pumilio (Dwarf or White Pine)
- Mentha arvensis var. piperascens (Asian Mint)
Oil of an Asian mint, Mentha arvensis var. piperascens, is a constituent of many Chinese and Japanese oils and is especially rich in menthol. Mentholis anti-inflammatory, especially on the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. It is also anti-microbial, a stimulant to mucosal secretions and mildly anesthetic. As with many oils, it is best used at the initial onset of symptoms is felt. 3-5 drops of the oil are put in a bowl and boiling water is then added. Inhale for 5-10 minutes. Keep the eyes closed as the vapor might be irritating.
Massaging or apply the oils to chest, neck or back allows absorption through the skin, technically called percutaneous absorption. Oils absorbed this way are often eliminated from the body via the lungs, thus enabling effective treatment of lung infections or inflammations. A good technique is the application of the oil and then placing a dry pack over the oils to ensure they are absorbed and don’t evaporate.
Post Bronchitis recovery:
Commonly following acute bronchitis there may be a period of debility. Appropriate herbs will not only speed recovery but facilitate the body using this time of convalescence to revivify and recuperate. Emphasis should be given to respiratory tonics, bitter tonics and then support for any body system or functions that are indicated in that unique individual.
The toning remedies that should be considered include:
Marrubium is especially useful for not only is an excellent lung remedy, it also has valuable bitter properties. If anti-biotics have been used please follow the guidelines for herbal support of such therapy given in the section on the immune system.
Broader Context of Treatment
Aromatherapy treatment aims at combating the infection, reducing fever, easing the cough and expelling mucus. In the first stages, when the cough is dry and painful, steam inhalation with the following oils may give a great deal of relief. Bergamot and Eucalyptus oils are also effective in lowering fever, and all these oils will help to reinforce the immune response to the infection.
- Benzoin
- Citrus bergamia: Bergamot
- Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus
- Lavandula officinalis: Lavender
- Santalum album: Sandalwood
In the latter stages of acute bronchitis, it is important to clear all the mucus from the lungs, to prevent complications, and any of the expectorant essential oils will be indicated:
- Ocimum basilicum: Basil
- Benzoin
- Citrus bergamia: Bergamot
- Origanum marjorana: Marjoram
- Commiphora mol-mol: Myrrh
- Santalum album: Sandalwood
- Thymus vulgaris: Thyme
The cough may persist for some time after the fever has subsided, but inhalations, baths and local massage to chest and throat with such oils will shorten the time needed for full recovery.
The patient needs to be kept warm and rested, preferably in bed. It is important to avoid anything which can aggravate the cough, such as smoke, and very dry air. Most adults will recover from an attack of bronchitis fairly quickly and without complications, given this care and treatment, but the very elderly and frail, babies and young children, and people with heart conditions or a history of lung infections, are at much greater risk.
Jim Strohecker
Daniel Redwood DC