Chronic Bronchitis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, characterized by persistent coughing and mucus production, often accompanied by wheezing, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

It is usually caused by smoking, air pollution, and exposure to lung irritants. If left untreated, chronic bronchitis can lead to respiratory failure and increase the risk of heart disease. Herbal remedies, such as thyme, eucalyptus, and licorice root, can help alleviate symptoms.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they can interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of chronic 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 chronic bronchitis?

The main causes of chronic bronchitis are a complex interplay of environmental and lifestyle factors.

Long-term exposure to air pollutants, such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, can irritate the lungs and trigger chronic inflammation. Smoking is the most significant risk factor, with approximately 75% of chronic bronchitis cases attributed to cigarette smoking. Additionally, exposure to occupational hazards, such as dust, chemicals, and fumes, can also contribute to the development of chronic bronchitis.

Furthermore, a family history of respiratory disease and underlying conditions, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis, can increase the susceptibility to chronic bronchitis.

• Cigarette Smoking: Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis due to the inhalation of cigarette smoke that irritates and inflames the bronchial tubes, causing inflammation and damage to the cilia lining the bronchial tubes, which impairs the body's ability to clear mucus and bacteria from the lungs.
• Air Pollution: Air pollution is a common cause of chronic bronchitis as it contains particles and chemicals that can irritate and inflame the bronchial tubes, causing inflammation and damage to the cilia lining the bronchial tubes, which impairs the body's ability to clear mucus and bacteria from the lungs.
• Respiratory Infections: Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, are a common cause of chronic bronchitis as they can cause inflammation and damage to the bronchial tubes, impairing the body's ability to clear mucus and bacteria from the lungs.
• Genetic Predisposition: Genetic predisposition is a cause of chronic bronchitis as individuals with a family history of the condition may be more susceptible to developing chronic bronchitis due to inherited genetic traits that affect the function of the bronchial tubes.
• Occupational Exposure: Occupational exposure to dust, chemicals, and fumes is a cause of chronic bronchitis as it can cause inflammation and damage to the bronchial tubes, impairing the body's ability to clear mucus and bacteria from the lungs.
• Chronic Infections: Chronic infections, such as tuberculosis, are a cause of chronic bronchitis as they can cause inflammation and damage to the bronchial tubes, impairing the body's ability to clear mucus and bacteria from the lungs.
• Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that is a cause of chronic bronchitis as individuals with this deficiency may be more susceptible to developing chronic bronchitis due to the lack of a protein that protects the lungs from damage.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a cause of chronic bronchitis as stomach acid can flow up into the throat and irritate the bronchial tubes, causing inflammation and damage.
• Asthma: Asthma is a cause of chronic bronchitis as individuals with asthma may be more susceptible to developing chronic bronchitis due to the chronic inflammation and airway constriction associated with the condition.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for chronic bronchitis?

The main medicinal herbs used for chronic bronchitis are Eucalyptus globulus, Echinacea purpurea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Thymus vulgaris, Verbascum thapsus, Astragalus membranaceus, Sambucus nigra, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum, Lavandula angustifolia.

Eucalyptus globulus contains eucalyptol, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve congestion and cough. Echinacea purpurea has immunomodulatory effects, enhancing the body's natural defenses against infections. Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, exhibits anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, reducing inflammation and promoting mucus clearance.

Other herbs such as Thymus vulgaris, Verbascum thapsus, Astragalus membranaceus, Sambucus nigra, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum, and Lavandula angustifolia have varying degrees of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, contributing to the alleviation of chronic bronchitis symptoms.

• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with chronic bronchitis due to the decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties of its essential oil, which contains eucalyptol, a compound that helps to thin mucus and ease breathing difficulties.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea may help alleviate symptoms of chronic bronchitis by boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract, but its effectiveness is still a subject of ongoing research.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that may help to soothe and calm the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel mucus and alleviate coughing.
• Thymus vulgaris: Thymus vulgaris, or thyme, contains thymol, a compound with antimicrobial properties that may help to combat infections and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, alleviating symptoms of chronic bronchitis.
• Verbascum thapsus: Verbascum thapsus, or mullein, has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that may help to soothe and calm the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel mucus and alleviate coughing associated with chronic bronchitis.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus may help to alleviate symptoms of chronic bronchitis by boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra, or elderberry, has antiviral properties that may help to combat infections and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, alleviating symptoms of chronic bronchitis.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis, or rosemary, contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that may help to soothe and calm the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel mucus and alleviate coughing.
• Ocimum basilicum: Ocimum basilicum, or basil, has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and alleviate symptoms of chronic bronchitis, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender, has calming and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to soothe and calm the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel mucus and alleviate coughing associated with chronic bronchitis.

What are the main herbal preparations used for chronic bronchitis?

The main herbal preparations used for chronic bronchitis are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Salve, Poultice, Lozenge, Suppository, Gargle, Ointment, Elixir.

Decoction is used to prepare herbs such as thyme, eucalyptus, and licorice root, which are rich in antimicrobial properties to help combat infections. Tinctures, typically made with herbs like ginger, ginseng, and slippery elm, are often used in capsule form to provide anti-inflammatory relief and soothe respiratory tissues. Salves and ointments, made with herbs like mullein and plantain, are applied topically to relieve coughs and chest congestion, while poultices and lozenges are used to facilitate expectoration and ease throat discomfort.

Elixir and gargle solutions, often containing herbs like echinacea and sage, are used to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the throat, respectively.

• Decoction: A decoction of the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus helps with chronic bronchitis by releasing the volatile oils that act as expectorants, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways.
• Tincture: A tincture of the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, when taken orally, helps with chronic bronchitis by reducing inflammation and soothing the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the powdered leaves of Thymus vulgaris helps with chronic bronchitis by releasing thymol, a compound that has antimicrobial properties, helping to combat infections that exacerbate the condition.
• Salve: A salve of the resin of Commiphora molmol applied topically to the chest helps with chronic bronchitis by providing a soothing and protective barrier to the skin, reducing discomfort and inflammation.
• Poultice: A poultice of the roots of Allium sativum applied topically to the chest helps with chronic bronchitis by releasing compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
• Lozenge: A lozenge containing the extract of the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus helps with chronic bronchitis by providing a soothing and expectorant action that helps to loosen and clear mucus from the airways.
• Suppository: A suppository of the extract of the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus inserted rectally helps with chronic bronchitis by releasing compounds that act as expectorants, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways.
• Gargle: A gargle of the extract of the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus helps with chronic bronchitis by providing a soothing and antimicrobial action that helps to reduce inflammation and combat infections in the throat.
• Ointment: An ointment of the extract of the leaves of Thymus vulgaris applied topically to the chest helps with chronic bronchitis by providing a soothing and protective barrier to the skin, reducing discomfort and inflammation.
• Elixir: An elixir of the extract of the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with chronic bronchitis by providing a soothing and anti-inflammatory action that helps to reduce inflammation and discomfort in the respiratory tract.