Acute Bronchitis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Acute bronchitis is a common respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes, leading to a persistent cough, often accompanied by mucus production and difficulty breathing.

It is typically caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, or exposure to irritants such as pollution, tobacco smoke, and strong chemicals. If left untreated, acute bronchitis can lead to complications like pneumonia, bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), compromising lung function and overall health. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies such as thyme, eucalyptus, and licorice root can be used in teas, tinctures, or inhalations.

However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions, and to follow proper dosages and preparation guidelines to avoid adverse effects.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of acute bronchitis, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of acute bronchitis?

The main causes of acute bronchitis are respiratory tract infections, typically caused by viral pathogens such as adenovirus, coronavirus, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Bacterial infections, including Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae, can also trigger acute bronchitis. Exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, and strong chemicals can irritate the airways and increase the risk of developing acute bronchitis. Additionally, individuals with underlying conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or heart disease, are more susceptible to acute bronchitis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), acute bronchitis is often a complication of common colds and flu, which are highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets.

• Viral Infection: Viral infections such as respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and rhinovirus are the most common causes of acute bronchitis due to their ability to infect the cells lining the bronchial tubes and cause inflammation.
• Bacterial Infection: Bacterial infections such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis can also cause acute bronchitis, particularly in people with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.
• Smoking: Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can cause acute bronchitis by damaging the cilia in the bronchial tubes and making it harder for the lungs to clear mucus, leading to inflammation and infection.
• Allergies: Allergies such as allergic rhinitis and asthma can cause acute bronchitis by triggering an allergic reaction in the airways, leading to inflammation and increased mucus production.
• Environmental Pollution: Environmental pollution such as exposure to air pollution, dust, and chemicals can cause acute bronchitis by irritating the bronchial tubes and causing inflammation.
• Hypertension: Hypertension can cause acute bronchitis by increasing blood pressure in the lungs and causing inflammation in the bronchial tubes.
• Other Medical Conditions: Other medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can increase the risk of developing acute bronchitis by weakening the immune system and making it harder for the lungs to function properly.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for acute bronchitis?

The main medicinal herbs used for acute bronchitis are Eucalyptus globulus, Echinacea purpurea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Thymus vulgaris, Verbascum thapsus, Sambucus nigra, Zingiber officinale, Ephedra sinica, Ginkgo biloba, Mentha x piperita.

Eucalyptus globulus contains eucalyptol, which has expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways. Echinacea purpurea has immunomodulatory effects, enhancing the body's natural defense against infection. Glycyrrhiza glabra and Thymus vulgaris exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation and fighting off pathogens.

The other herbs, Verbascum thapsus, Sambucus nigra, Zingiber officinale, Ephedra sinica, Ginkgo biloba, and Mentha x piperita, have various effects such as antispasmodic, expectorant, and antioxidant properties, which together help alleviate symptoms of acute bronchitis.

• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with acute bronchitis due to its expectorant properties, which facilitate the removal of mucus from the airways, thereby relieving congestion and making breathing easier.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with acute bronchitis by stimulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and preventing the spread of the infection, ultimately leading to a faster recovery.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with acute bronchitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and irritation in the airways, allowing for easier breathing and a faster recovery.
• Thymus vulgaris: Thymus vulgaris helps with acute bronchitis by releasing thymol, a compound that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in the airways.
• Verbascum thapsus: Verbascum thapsus helps with acute bronchitis due to its demulcent properties, which soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the airways, reducing inflammation and discomfort.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra helps with acute bronchitis by releasing flavonoids and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the airways.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with acute bronchitis by releasing gingerols, compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and irritation in the airways, allowing for easier breathing.
• Ephedra sinica: Ephedra sinica helps with acute bronchitis by releasing ephedrine, a compound that acts as a bronchodilator, which helps to relax the airway muscles and increase airflow, making breathing easier.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not help with acute bronchitis as its primary use is as an antioxidant and for improving blood flow to the brain, however it may be used to help alleviate some symptoms of bronchitis such as shortness of breath.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita helps with acute bronchitis due to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, which facilitate the removal of mucus and reduce swelling and irritation in the airways, making breathing easier.

What are the main herbal preparations used for acute bronchitis?

The main herbal preparations used for acute bronchitis are Decoction, Tincture, Capsules, Salve, Lozenges, Poultice, Elixir, Gargle, Suppository, Syrup.

Decoction is used to extract the bioactive compounds from herbs such as Thyme, Echinacea, and Slippery Elm, which are effective in relieving cough and congestion. Tinctures of herbs like Ginger and Echinacea are used topically or internally to reduce inflammation and fight infection. Capsules of herbs like Echinacea and Goldenseal are used to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, while Salves of herbs like Eucalyptus and Peppermint are used topically to relieve congestion and cough.

Lozenges, Gargle, Suppository, Syrup, and Poultice are used to provide local relief and soothe the throat, bronchi, and chest, while an Elixir of herbs like Thyme and Echinacea is used to provide a concentrated extract for internal use.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps with acute bronchitis by providing anti-inflammatory properties and soothing the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and pain in the respiratory tract.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of the plant Echinacea purpurea helps with acute bronchitis by stimulating the immune system and providing antioxidant properties, reducing inflammation and the severity of symptoms.
• Capsules: Capsules of the seeds of the plant Thymus serpyllum, also known as wild thyme, help with acute bronchitis by providing antimicrobial properties, reducing the growth of bacteria and fungi that can exacerbate symptoms.
• Salve: A salve of the resin of the plant Commiphora molmol, also known as myrrh, helps with acute bronchitis by providing anti-inflammatory properties and expectorant action, reducing inflammation and promoting the clearance of mucus from the respiratory tract.
• Lozenges: Lozenges of the root of the plant Althaea officinalis, also known as marshmallow root, help with acute bronchitis by providing soothing and protective properties, reducing inflammation and discomfort in the throat and respiratory tract.
• Poultice: A poultice of the leaves of the plant Plantago lanceolata, also known as plantain, helps with acute bronchitis by providing anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, reducing inflammation and promoting the clearance of mucus from the respiratory tract.
• Elixir: An elixir of the flowers of the plant Ziziphus jujuba, also known as jujube, helps with acute bronchitis by providing anti-inflammatory and sedative properties, reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation and rest.
• Gargle: A gargle of the leaves of the plant Mentha piperita, also known as peppermint, helps with acute bronchitis by providing anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, reducing inflammation and promoting the clearance of mucus from the throat.
• Suppository: A suppository of the root of the plant Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian root, helps with acute bronchitis by providing sedative and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation and rest.
• Syrup: A syrup of the flowers of the plant Primula veris, also known as cowslip, helps with acute bronchitis by providing expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation and promoting the clearance of mucus from the respiratory tract.