Bronchitis

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes (Catarrh is the old term).

Causes

Infectious agents such as viruses, esp. influenza virus, or pyogenic organisms such as various species of Streptococcus, Pneumococcus, Staphylococcus, and Hemophilus. Infection often is preceded by the common cold, and often leads to pneumonia (inflammation of the lung). Predisposing factors for bronchitis: chilling, fatigue, and malnutrition. Acute bronchial irritation may also be caused by various physical and chemical agents such as dust and fumes. Allergic factors may be of importance. Exercising in cold air, one should wear a mask to warm the air inhaled.

Symptoms

Incessant coughing due to the irritation present, a build-up of mucus, fever, back and chest pain, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. Chronic bronchitis results from frequent irritation of the lungs, but is not an infection. Allergies may be responsible for chronic bronchitis. If the chronic bronchitis goes untreated, the space in the lungs available for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide diminishes, the heart has to work harder to keep an adequate volume of blood. This can lead to heart disease. If caused by bacteria, antibiotics should be prescribed. Cough suppressants should not be used in the treatment. A chest X-ray should be taken to rule out lung cancer.

Treatment

Nutrients

Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, 3,000-10,000 mg. daily in divided doses. Beta-carotene, 15,000 IU per day, is needed to protect the lung tissue. Proteolytic enzymes, taken between meals, helps reduce inflammation. Vitamin A capsules, 20,000 IU twice daily for 1 month, then 15,000 IU, for healing of tissue and protection of all tissues. Vitamin E, 400 IU twice daily, needed for healing of tissues and improved breathing. Chlorophyll tablets, 3 times per day as directed on the label. Garlic tablets, 2 tablets with meals, is a natural antibiotic that reduces the infection and detoxifies the body. Multimineral formula plus zinc, 50 mg. per day, needed for healing. Calcium chelate, 1,000 mg. per day, needed for healing. Magnesium, 500 mg. per day. Vitamin B complex, 100 mg. 3 times per day, activates many enzymes needed for healing.

Herbs

Angelica
Arnica
Balsam fir
Bayberry
Bearberry
Betony
Black radish, extract
Bloodroot
Bryony, white
Buttonbush
Calamus root
Cardamom
Catalpa, common
Catnip
Celery seed
Cherry bark (Prunus virginiana)
Chickweed
Cinnamon
Clover, red
Collinsonia
Coltsfoot
Coughwort
Cowslip
Cubeb
Echinacea, tea
Elecampane root
Ephedra
Eucalyptus
Euphorbia
Fennel
Fenugreek
Fern, maidenhair
Flag, sweet
Flaxseed
Garlic
Ginger
Golden seal
Gum plant
Hickory bark
Horehound, white
Hyssop
Indigo, wild
Irish moss
Juniper
Labrador tea
Lemons
Licorice
Liver leaf
Lobelia
Lungwort
Marshmallow
Mugwort
Mullein
Plantain
Pleurisy root
Mint (Mentha piperita)
Moss, Iceland
Mugwort
Mullein
Myrrh
Pau d'arco, tea
Pleurisy root
Pomegranate
Red clover
Rue, garden
Sandalwood
Sarsaparilla, yellow
Senega snakeroot
Slippery Elm, bark
Speedwell
St. John's wort
Stillingia
Sundew
Tamarack
Thyme
Turnip, Indian
Valerian
Wahoo
Wild cherry bark
Yerba santa

The Iceland Moss is good for mucus congestion.

Recommendations

Add moisture to the air. Drink plenty of fluids. For those with chronic bronchitis, cigarette smoke, even as a passive smoker, is very harmful.