Natural Remedies & Herbs for Bronchitis

Several types of herbs may help people with bronchitis, either by treating underlyinginfection, by relieving inflammation, or by relieving symptoms such as cough. For clarity, the table below summarizes which herbs are in each category of action. Some herbs have more than one action. Herbs listed in the table have not necessarily been proven to be effective. The herbs are discussed in more detail following the table.

Expectorant herbs help loosen bronchial secretions and make elimination of mucus easier. Numerous herbs are traditionally considered expectorants, though most of these have not been proven to have this effect in clinical trials. Anise contains a volatile oil that is high in the chemical constituent anethole and acts as an expectorant.

Horehound has expectorant properties, possibly due to the presence of a diterpene lactone in the plant, which is known as marrubiin.

Mullein has been used traditionally as a remedy for the respiratory tract, including bronchitis. The saponins in mullein may be responsible for its expectorant actions.

Pleurisy root is an expectorant and is thought to be helpful against all types of respiratory infections. It is traditionally employed as an expectorant for bronchitis. However, owing to the cardiac glycosides it contains, pleurisy root may not be safe to use if one is taking (heart medications. This herb should not be used by pregnant women...