By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 03, 2024
10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Bronchitis
Herbal tinctures for bronchitis are concentrated liquid extracts made from plants, which have been used for centuries to alleviate symptoms of bronchial inflammation.
These tinctures help by soothing irritated airways, reducing inflammation, and loosening mucus, making it easier to breathe. Examples of effective herbal tinctures for bronchitis include Thyme, Echinacea, and Wild Indigo, which have been shown to reduce coughing, congestion, and fatigue.
By using these natural remedies, individuals with bronchitis can experience improved lung function, reduced reliance on pharmaceuticals, and enhanced overall well-being, allowing them to return to their daily activities with greater ease and confidence.
The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for bronchitis, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Echinacea purpurea
- 2. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 3. Althaea officinalis
- 4. Verbascum thapsus
- 5. Euphorbia esculenta
- 6. Taraxacum officinale
- 7. Aloe vera
- 8. Zingiber officinale
- 9. Cinchona officinalis
- 10. Petasites hybridus
- What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for bronchitis?
- What ailments similar to bronchitis are treated with herbal tinctures?
1. Echinacea purpurea
Purple coneflower tinctures helps with bronchitis because of its powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
The herb, also known as Echinacea, contains compounds that help to reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, its antiviral properties help to combat the underlying viral infection that often causes bronchitis.
As a result, purple coneflower tinctures can provide relief from symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness, allowing for faster recovery and reduced severity of the condition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea tinctures that help with bronchitis.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate symptoms of bronchitis.
- Alkylamides: Alkylamides have immunomodulatory effects, which can help boost the immune system and fight off infections that cause bronchitis.
- Cichoric acid: This polyphenolic compound has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat bacterial and viral infections that cause bronchitis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of purple coneflower used to make tinctures for bronchitis.
- Roots: They are used due to their high concentration of alkaloids, which have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
- Leaves: They are used due to their content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flowers: They are used due to their rich content of saponins and alkylamides, which have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic purple coneflower for bronchitis.
- Harvest 1-2 pounds of fresh echinacea purpurea roots and flowers in the fall when the plant is dormant.
- Chop the roots and flowers into small pieces to release their active compounds.
- Combine the chopped plant material with 80 proof vodka in a ratio of 1:5 by weight and transfer the mixture to a clean glass jar.
- Seal the jar and steep it in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass container discarding the solids and store the tincture in the refrigerator.
2. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice tinctures helps with bronchitis because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The saponins present in licorice root help to reduce inflammation in the lungs, making it easier for air to pass through and relieving congestion. Additionally, licorice's expectorant properties help to loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear out.
This natural remedy can provide quick relief from bronchitis symptoms, helping to calm a sore throat, ease a persistent cough, and promote overall respiratory health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures that help with bronchitis.
- Glycyrrhizin: It helps with bronchitis by reducing inflammation in the airways and lungs, thereby alleviating congestion and cough.
- Licoricidin: It has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the mucous membranes in the bronchial tubes, reducing irritation and pain associated with bronchitis.
- Liquiritigenin: It has expectorant properties, which help loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe and cough up excess mucus.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make tinctures for bronchitis.
- Roots: They are rich in glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps to soothe and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, making it effective in treating bronchitis.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help to alleviate bronchitis symptoms.
- Barks: They contain saponins and other compounds that have expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe and relieve bronchitis symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for bronchitis.
- Harvest 100 grams of dried roots of glycyrrhiza glabra and clean them thoroughly with a soft brush.
- Combine the cleaned roots with 500 milliliters of 95 percent ethanol in a clean glass container.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 14 days to allow for optimal extraction.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and discard the solids then filter it using a coffee filter.
- Transfer the resulting tincture to dark glass bottles and store them in a cool dark place.
3. Althaea officinalis
Marshmallow tinctures helps with bronchitis because its active compound, mucilage, forms a soothing film in the throat and lungs, relieving inflammation and irritation.
This thick, gel-like substance also helps to protect and calm the respiratory tract, reducing coughing and congestion. Additionally, marshmallow's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce swelling in the airways, allowing for easier breathing and promoting the healing process.
As a result, herbal marshmallow tinctures can provide quick relief from bronchitis symptoms, making it an effective natural remedy for alleviating discomfort and promoting recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis tinctures that help with bronchitis.
- Mucilages: These complex carbohydrates help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with bronchitis.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate the inflammation and irritation of the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Phenolic acids: These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce the severity of bronchitis by combating bacterial and viral infections, and minimizing tissue damage.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make tinctures for bronchitis.
- Roots: Rich in mucilages, which help soothe and protect inflamed tissues in the respiratory tract.
- Leaves: Contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that contribute to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, beneficial for bronchitis treatment.
- Buds: High in saponins and other compounds that help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the respiratory system.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for bronchitis.
- Harvest 30-40 grams of fresh roots of althaea officinalis during the spring or fall season.
- Dry the collected roots at 40-50 degrees celsius for 2-3 hours to reduce moisture content.
- Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle to increase surface area.
- Steep 10 grams of the powdered root in 100 milliliters of 70 percent ethanol for 2-3 weeks.
- Strain the solution through a cheesecloth and transfer the liquid to a dark glass bottle for storage.
4. Verbascum thapsus
Mullein tinctures helps with bronchitis because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm irritated respiratory tract tissues.
The herb's mucilage content forms a protective barrier that coats the lungs and airways, reducing inflammation and congestion caused by bronchitis. Mullein tincture also contains antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals, which can exacerbate bronchial constriction and inflammation.
By using mullein tinctures, individuals with bronchitis may experience relief from symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Verbascum thapsus tinctures that help with bronchitis.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help to reduce inflammation and soothe the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, alleviating bronchitis symptoms.
- Terpenoids: Terpenoids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the inflammation in the airways associated with bronchitis, promoting easier breathing.
- Phenolic acids: These flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to protect the respiratory tract from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating bronchitis symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of mullein used to make tinctures for bronchitis.
- Leaves: The leaves are used to make tinctures for bronchitis due to their expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways.
- Roots: The roots are used to make tinctures for bronchitis due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce inflammation and combat infections in the respiratory tract.
- Flowers: The flowers are used to make tinctures for bronchitis due to their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to calm coughs and reduce inflammation in the airways.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mullein for bronchitis.
- Harvest 100 grams of dried verbascum thapsus flowers in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
- Chop the harvested verbascum thapsus flowers into smaller pieces to increase their surface area.
- Combine the chopped verbascum thapsus flowers with 500 milliliters of 90% ethanol in a clean glass container.
- Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 weeks, shaking it occasionally, to allow extraction.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a clean container and discard the solids after 2 weeks.
5. Euphorbia esculenta
Wild potato tinctures helps with bronchitis because they possess potent anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm inflamed airways.
The herbal remedy contains compounds like solanine, which has been shown to relax bronchial smooth muscle and reduce coughing spasms. Additionally, the tincture's expectorant properties help loosen mucus, making it easier to expel from the lungs, thereby relieving congestion and shortness of breath associated with bronchitis.
As a natural remedy, wild potato tinctures provide a safe and effective way to alleviate bronchitis symptoms without pharmaceutical intervention.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Euphorbia esculenta tinctures that help with bronchitis.
- Flavonoids: These compounds may help alleviate bronchitis symptoms by their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the airways and relieving congestion.
- Steroidal saponins: These saponins may help to combat bronchitis by exhibiting bronchodilatory effects, relaxing the airway muscles and increasing airflow, making it easier to breathe.
- Triterpenoid saponins: These saponins may help to fight bronchitis by possessing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to reduce inflammation, combat infections, and promote healing in the respiratory tract.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of wild potato used to make tinctures for bronchitis.
- Roots: Used due to their purported anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
- Leaves: Utilized for their supposed antioxidant and bronchodilatory effects.
- Stems: Employed for their potential anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wild potato for bronchitis.
- Harvest the roots of euphorbia esculenta in the morning after the dew has evaporated for optimal potency.
- Dry the harvested roots in a low-temperature oven at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
- Chop the dried roots into small pieces and combine with 80 proof vodka in a ratio of 1:2 by weight.
- Steep the mixture in a glass jar for 2 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and store the resulting tincture in a dark glass bottle.
6. Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion tinctures helps with bronchitis because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm irritated airways.
The tincture's expectorant qualities also help loosen and clear out mucus, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, dandelion's natural antiviral and antibacterial properties help combat the underlying infection causing bronchitis, reducing congestion and coughing.
By supporting lung health and promoting effective expulsion of mucus, dandelion tinctures provide a natural and holistic approach to managing bronchitis symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale tinctures that help with bronchitis.
- Taraxasterol: This triterpene helps reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier for patients with bronchitis to breathe.
- Inulin: A type of fructan, inulin has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, alleviating bronchitis symptoms.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with bronchitis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make tinctures for bronchitis.
- Leaves: They are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the respiratory tract.
- Roots: They are a rich source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports gut health and immune function, which can aid in bronchitis recovery.
- Flowers: They contain flavonoids and other compounds that help to reduce inflammation, alleviate congestion, and promote a healthy respiratory system.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for bronchitis.
- Harvest taraxacum officinale roots and leaves in the spring when the plant is in full growth.
- Dry the harvested plant material in a well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks to reduce moisture content.
- Combine 1 part of dried taraxacum officinale material with 2 parts of 80% ethanol in a clean glass container.
- Store the mixture in a cool dark place and shake the container every 2-3 days for 4-6 weeks.
- Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids.
7. Aloe vera
Aloe tinctures helps with bronchitis because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The herbal extract calms irritated airways, reducing inflammation and constriction, which alleviates coughing and congestion. Its antimicrobial compounds also help combat bacterial infections that can exacerbate bronchitis.
By reducing swelling and suppressing the growth of harmful microorganisms, aloe tinctures provide natural relief from bronchial discomfort, making it an effective adjunct to traditional treatments for managing bronchitis symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera tinctures that help with bronchitis.
- Anthraquinones: These glycosidic compounds help alleviate bronchitis symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation of bronchial muscles.
- Aloin: A phenolic compound, aloin exhibits anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to clear mucus from the airways and ease bronchitis congestion.
- Polysaccharides: These complex carbohydrates possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in reducing bronchitis symptoms by regulating the immune response and soothing irritated airways.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make tinctures for bronchitis.
- Leaves: Known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help in reducing inflammation and calming the respiratory tract.
- Buds: Rich in bioactive compounds that help in fighting off infections and reducing inflammation in the bronchial tubes.
- Stems: Contain various glycosides and polysaccharides that have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, helping to alleviate bronchitis symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for bronchitis.
- Harvest the aloe vera leaves when they are mature and the gel inside is clear and abundant for tincture production.
- Chop the aloe vera leaves into small pieces and combine them with a carrier oil like jojoba oil in a 1:2 ratio by weight.
- Combine the aloe vera-oil mixture in a clean glass jar and seal it tightly to prevent contamination and spoilage.
- Place the jar in a cool dark place and steep the aloe vera in the oil for 2-6 weeks shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the aloe vera-oil mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter and discard the solids before transferring the tincture to a dark glass bottle.
8. Zingiber officinale
Ginger tinctures helps with bronchitis because it has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe.
The tincture's active compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, also have expectorant properties, which loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, allowing for easier clearance.
Additionally, ginger's natural antibacterial and antiviral properties help to combat infections that may be exacerbating bronchitis symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale tinctures that help with bronchitis.
- Gingerols: These sesquiterpene compounds possess anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to reduce inflammation and promote the clearance of mucus in the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Shogaols: Similar to gingerols, shogaols have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help alleviate bronchitis symptoms by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs.
- Zingiberene: This sesquiterpene has been shown to exhibit bronchodilatory effects, meaning it can help relax and dilate the airways, making it easier to breathe and relieving bronchitis symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make tinctures for bronchitis.
- Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are the most used part due to their high concentration of active compounds like gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
- Roots: Roots are also widely used as they contain similar active compounds as rhyzomes, which help alleviate bronchitis symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting mucus discharge.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for bronchitis.
- Gather 1 part of fresh zingiber officinale rhizomes and 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass container.
- Combine the rhizomes and vodka in the container and seal it to ensure they remain submerged.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks or 14-28 days to allow for extraction.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve into another container to separate the solids.
- Store the resulting tincture in a cool dark place and use within 2 years after the date of preparation.
9. Cinchona officinalis
Jesuit's bark tinctures helps with bronchitis because it contains a high concentration of catechin, a powerful antioxidant that soothes inflamed airways and reduces congestion.
The tincture's anti-inflammatory properties help to calm coughing spasms, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, its expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, allowing for better oxygenation and reduced respiratory distress.
By addressing the underlying inflammation and congestion, Jesuit's bark tinctures provides natural relief from bronchitis symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinchona officinalis tinctures that help with bronchitis.
- Quinine alkaloid: Quinine has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and congestion in the bronchial passages, making it easier to breathe.
- Quinidine alkaloid: Quinidine has a bronchodilatory effect, which means it helps to relax the muscles in the airways, improving airflow and reducing wheezing associated with bronchitis.
- Quinovine alkaloid: Quinovine has a mucolytic effect, helping to break down mucus and make it easier to expel, which can help alleviate coughing and congestion symptoms associated with bronchitis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of jesuit's bark used to make tinctures for bronchitis.
- Leaves: The leaves of Cinchona officinalis are used to make tinctures for bronchitis because they contain a high concentration of quinine, a natural anti-inflammatory compound that helps reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of bronchitis.
- Barks: The barks of Cinchona officinalis are used to make tinctures for bronchitis because they are rich in alkaloids, including quinine and quinidine, which have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help loosen and clear mucus from the airways.
- Stems: The stems of Cinchona officinalis are used to make tinctures for bronchitis because they contain a combination of alkaloids, including quinine and quinidine, which help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote expectoration, making it easier to cough up mucus and other debris from the lungs.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic jesuit's bark for bronchitis.
- Gather 100 grams of cinchona officinalis bark and 500 milliliters of 80 proof vodka for tincture production.
- Cut the cinchona bark into small pieces to increase surface area for extraction and infuse.
- Combine the cinchona pieces with the vodka in a clean glass jar and seal it tightly.
- Store the mixture in a cool dark place for six weeks to allow for infusion.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain the tincture.
10. Petasites hybridus
Butterbur tinctures helps with bronchitis because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe the airways and reduce swelling in the lungs.
The herbal extract also possesses expectorant qualities, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the chest, allowing for easier breathing and relief from congestion.
Additionally, butterbur's ability to calm spasms in the bronchial tubes eases coughing fits and makes it easier to breathe, providing welcome relief to those suffering from bronchitis.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Petasites hybridus tinctures that help with bronchitis.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways, making it easier to breathe and alleviating bronchitis symptoms.
- Petasins: These sesquiterpenes have potent anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects, which help relax the airway muscles and improve lung function, making it easier to breathe and relieve bronchitis symptoms.
- Petasolide: This iridoid glycoside has antioxidant properties that help protect the lungs from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to bronchitis development and progression.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of butterbur used to make tinctures for bronchitis.
- Roots: Roots are the most used part for making tinctures due to their high concentration of petasin and isopetasin, which have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
- Leaves: Leaves are used to make tinctures because they contain a higher amount of sesquiterpenes, which contribute to their anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects.
- Rhyzomes : Rhyzomes are used to make tinctures due to their higher concentration of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which may help in reducing inflammation and promoting respiratory health.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic butterbur for bronchitis.
- Harvest 30-60 grams of fresh petasites hybridus roots or use 100-200 grams of dried roots in late summer or early fall.
- Chop the harvested roots into small pieces to increase their surface area for infusion.
- Combine the chopped roots with 500 milliliters of 95% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks with occasional shaking.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass container discard the solids.
What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for bronchitis?
The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with bronchitis is a blend of thyme, eucalyptus, and ginger.
Thyme's antimicrobial properties help combat infections, while eucalyptus' expectorant properties aid in loosening and clearing mucus from the lungs. Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties reduce congestion and soothe the respiratory tract. This trio can be taken in a 1:1:1 ratio, 2-3 times a day, mixed with water or taken sublingually.
Consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.
What ailments similar to bronchitis are treated with herbal tinctures?
Ailments similar to bronchitis/tinctures.html">bronchitis/tinctures.html">bronchitis that are treated with herbal tinctures are chronic coughs, asthma, and COPD.
Herbs such as thyme, eucalyptus, and peppermint have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce congestion and ease breathing. Tinctures of these herbs can be used in combination with other natural remedies to alleviate symptoms and promote relaxation.
Additionally, tinctures of ginger and turmeric may also be beneficial for reducing inflammation and relieving respiratory discomfort.