Our respiratory system is an incredibly complex arrangement of several organs that work in tandem to provide oxygen to all the cells in our body. As we breathe in the air through our nostrils, it goes through our airways and is dispersed into the lungs with the help of bronchial tubes. Once in the lungs, the oxygen in the air is exchanged with carbon dioxide (that is a by-product of cellular metabolism) which is then expelled through the nostrils. As you can see, all these organs work together to provide useful oxygen without which we cannot survive; any issues with even a single organ can cause great harm and discomfort.

Bronchitis is a respiratory syndrome which involves the inflammation of bronchial tubes that are an integral part of the entire respiratory process. This inflammation of the bronchial tubes can be a result of a bacterial or viral infection. In some cases, irritants (particles of dust or smoke) can also cause inflammation and lead to bronchitis.

The major symptoms of bronchitis include regular coughing (sometimes mucus maybe expelled along with the cough), chest pains, fatigue, difficulty in breathing, nasal congestion and sometimes patients even develop a fever. Besides seeking regular treatment for bronchitis, it is also possible to alleviate certain symptoms and treat this disease by using simple home remedies; here is a list of foods that will help you fight off the menace of bronchitis:-

1. Ginger

As we all know, ginger is of great use in treating minor colds but it can also help in treating bronchitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Due to this, the swelling and inflammation in the bronchial tubes can be relieved, greatly alleviating several symptoms associated with bronchitis. Ginger is also known to boost the immune system of the body, making it more capable to fight off any bacterial or viral infection which may be the root cause of bronchitis.

Herbal tea made of ginger powder and black pepper along with honey is a great home remedy for bronchitis. Learn more about the properties of ginger powder by clicking here.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is not only a great spice used for providing flavour and colour to our food; it also contains several useful properties that can help patients of bronchitis. Not only does it reduce the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, it also helps to expunge the excess mucus that gets collected in the tubes, thus making it easier to breathe and also reducing cough.

Simply consuming turmeric powder with warm milk can give the desired result; find out other amazing facts about turmeric here.

3. Eucalyptus Oil

Adding a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water and inhaling its steam can work wonders for bronchitis patients. Eucalyptus oil helps to expel the excess mucus in the airways, but also helps to kill bacteria due to its anti-bacterial nature. It can even be applied externally to the chest region to reinvigorate the respiratory system.

Learn more about the properties of eucalyptus oil here.

4. Honey

For patients of bronchitis, honey can be of great use. It is also easy to use; simply replace the sugar in your tea with a bit of honey and you can avail the benefit of immune boosting properties of honey. It is also a potent food for fighting viral or bacterial infections and will also provide a soothing sensation to the throat. If you wish to learn more about honey and its health benefits, click here.

5. Bath Salts

One way you can control the symptoms of bronchitis is to use bath salts that have Epsom salts in them. Simply dissolve the salts into your bath and spend at least half an hour immersing yourself in it. The salts will open up your airways, reduce congestion and help to clean up mucus and phlegm.

Find all you want to know about your favourite bath salts here.

These home remedies can greatly reduce the discomfort of bronchitis, but it is always recommended that you consult a physician immediately after you start experiencing the symptoms. These home remedies can be a great supplement to your regular course of treatment and get you fit as a fiddle in no time. Add other bronchitis supplements to your shopping cart by clicking here.