Verbascum thapsus Tussilago farfara Marrubium vulgare
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.