Bronchitis is a condition in which the bronchial walls become inflamed, and thick, sticky mucus accumulates in the bronchi. In some cases, this is accompanied by bronchial spasms. The swelling and mucus block the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. Breathing becomes difficult and coughing results as the body attempts to expel the mucus. The cough is at first a “dry” cough, but it usually becomes productive after several days.
Bronchitis most often occurs as part of an upper respiratory infection such as a cold.
Exposure to cigarette smoke (whether by smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke) and other irritants, such as environmental pollutants and noxious chemicals, may contribute to or predispose a person to developing bronchitis. Poor nutrition and fatigue are also believed to play a role.
If you have bronchitis, rest is important. It is not usually advisable to suppress the cough; it is necessary to clear mucus from the lungs and restore breathing. Instead, drink plenty of fluids, which thin secretions and make them easier to cough out.
Whether you are suffering from asthma or bronchitis, aromatherapy can help you breathe more easily by clearing congestion, reducing inflammation, and releasing excess mucus.
Essential oils that can calm or prevent asthma attacks include benzoin, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, frankincense, helichrysum, lavender, lemon, marjoram, peppermint, myrrh, pine, rose, rosemary, and tea tree. Essential oils useful for treating bronchitis include benzoin, cedarwood, cypress, elemi, eucalyptus, frankincense, helichrysum, lavender, lemon, marjoram, peppermint, myrrh, orange, pine, rosemary, sandalwood, and tea tree. There are also essential oils that can soothe coughs, such as basil, benzoin, black pepper, cedarwood, clary sage, elemi, eucalyptus, ginger, lavender, marjoram, myrrh, pine, rose, rosemary, tea tree, and thyme.
To relieve respiratory congestion or improve your breathing, breathe in Respiratory Relief Steam Inhalation as necessary. Apply Respiratory Rub or Breathe Easier Blend to your chest, back, and throat. Use your diffuser or lamp to circulate All-Purpose Diffuser Breathing Blend through your room, home, or office. To ward off an asthma attack, breathe in Asthma Inhalant directly from the bottle as needed. Ease the pain of coughing by massaging Chest Rub for Coughs over your chest, back, and throat.
Home remedies for bronchitis
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Respiratory Rub
1 ounce jojoba oil
3 drops eucalyptus oil 3 drops pine oil
3 drops tea tree oil
2 drops frankincense oil
2 drops myrrh oil
2 drops thyme oil
Place the jojoba oil in a clean container, add the essential oils, and gently turn the container upside down a few times or roll it between your hands to blend. Massage the mixture over your chest and back as needed to aid breathing and to clear excess mucus.
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Respiratory Relief Steam Inhalation
1 quart steaming water
3 drops frankincense oil
2 drops myrrh oil
1 drop peppermint oil
Pour the water into a two-quart glass bowl and add the essential oils. Lean your face over the bowl and drape a towel over both your head and the bowl to capture the steam. Inhale the steam for five minutes. Repeat as necessary.
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Breathe Easier Blend
1 ounce carrier oil
3 drops eucalyptus oil
3 drops tea tree oil
2 drops helichrysum oil
2 drops lavender oil
In a clean container, add the essential oils to the carrier oil and blend. Apply the mixture to your chest, throat, and back. Repeat as necessary.
