Herbal Medicine: Bronchitis Acute

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David Hoffmann L. BSc (Hons), MNIMH ©

Acute 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:

Whilst working in conservation and lecturing in ecology and the eco-crisis for the University of Wales, David Hoffman became convinced that to heal the world, to embrace planetary wholeness and responsibility for it......more

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• by David Hoffmann