NOTE: This article has multiple DIY: Simple, Natural Recipes for Bronchitis, Asthma, Chest Congestion. To make it easier to navigate, use the Table of Contents button to your right!
Herbal Recipe for Chronic Bronchitis
Steep 1 to 2 tbsp. of ground Elecampane root in 1 cup boiling water. When cool, drink 1 to 2 tbsp. every hour.
How to Make Eucalyptus Chest Rub (Much Like Vicks VapoRub!)
- 40 drops essential oil of Eucalyptus
- 10 drops essential oil of Camphor
- 2 drops essential oil of Wintergreen
- 1 drop essential oil of thyme
- 1 ounce Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Beeswax
(Read full profiles of the various types of Eucalyptus Oil)
Add the beeswax to the olive oil and heat until the beeswax is melted. Use very low heat or a double boiler to prevent burning the oil. When the wax is melted, remove the oil from the heat then add the essential oils and stir to blend. When the mixture is cool it is ready to use. You can make this using only the eucalyptus oil if preferred.
To use rub a small amount on the chest as needed to relieve congestion.
Very Effective Herbal Tea for Bronchitis
- 2 parts Elecampane
- 1 part Goldenseal
- 1 part Licorice
- 1 part Wild Cherry Bark
- 2 teaspoons Honey
Combine all the dry herbs together, insuring that they are well mixed. Take 1 ounce of the dry mixture and place in a 8 ounce jar, or a mug that can be covered completely.
Pour 6 ounces of boiling water over herbs and let steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain off the herbs and add 2 teaspoons of raw honey or to taste. Drink 6 ounces 3 times a day.
DIY Bronchial Tincture Formula
- 1 part Elecampane
- 1/2 part Coltsfoot
- 1 part Mullein leaf
- 1/2 part Usnea
- 1 part Marshmallow
- 1/4 part Osha
- 1/2 part Echinacea
Preparation: Choose a part and combine the required proportions of the herbs together and mix well. This formula is best prepared as a tincture (see Herbal Preparation Methods) but can be prepared as a tea as well.
You may want to increase your dosage of Usnea in addition to the amount provided in this formula, especially if you are preparing the Bronchial Formula as a tea because the usnic acid does not dissolve well in water. Dosage is 30 drops 3 times per day, or up to 4 cups of tea per day using 1 tablespoon of herb per cup.
Breathe Easily During Exercise Blend
Before exercising, spray this recipe into the air and breathe deeply to help soothe breathing passages.
- Lemon 50 drops
- Lavender 50 drops
- Eucalyptus 30 drops
- Clove 20 drops
- Pure Water 4 fluid ounces (120 ml)
Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!
Peppermint Thyme Inhalation for Congestion
Steam inhalations are a simple and very effective form of treatment to ease congestion. The hardy perennial Thyme is a powerful antiseptic and was traditionally used to purify the home and to preserve meats and other foods. Thymol, the primary active ingredient, is used in many over-the-counter remedies.
Thyme is particularly effective in treating colds and respiratory infections; besides fighting infections, its expectorant qualities clear phlegm from the lungs. In this inhalation remedy, Peppermint will also help open nasal passages and sinuses.
Heat a kettle of water on the stove and keep nearby to add extra heat to your inhalation. Pull a chair up to the bathroom sink and stack several pillows on the chair for a comfortable seat. Fill the clean basin with hot tap water, add 3 drops of Thyme Oil and 2 drops of Peppermint, and swish water with hand to disperse the Essential Oils.
Cover head and shoulders with a towel and lean over the basin, making a tent to hold in the steam and volatile oils. Breathe deeply for 5 minutes, inhaling through the nose. Add more hot water from the kettle to raise the temperature as needed.
Bronchitis Bath Recipe
- 6 d. eucalyptus oil
- 2 d. hyssop oil
- 2 d. sandalwood oil
Add to 1/4 cup Epsom Salts or Baking Soda and add to running bath water. Soak for at least 15-20 minutes.
Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!
Inhalation Recipe for Catarrh (Mucus)
- Rosemary Verbenone – 20 drops
- Eucalyptus – 5 drops
- Peppermint – 1 drop
Blend all in a amber bottle and use a drop or two in a Personal inhaler or on a tissue. Breathe in several times a day.
Elecampagne Respiratory Tea
Elecampane is used for chronic lung conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, colds and pleurisy. Simmer 1/2 ounce of dried root in one pint of water for 20 minutes. Drink after meals.
Aromatherapy Remedies, Recipes for Catarrh (Congestion)
Aromatherapy is used for different conditions – one of which is Catarrh. Catarrh is inflammation of the nasal, sinus and upper respiratory passages. Using another more common term – Congestion.
Congestion may include formation of mucus but can be due to swelling and inflammation of the tissues lining the nasal and sinuses. Aromatherapy is often used to help relieve congestion due to rhinitis, sinusitis, the common cold, influenza, hay fever just to name a few.
The simplest way to help relieve sinus and nasal congestion is to add a drop or two of known essential oils to relieve congestion to a cotton ball or tissue and breathe in.
Some prefer to do a steam treatment by filling a bowl with hot water and draping a towel over the bowl. Add a few drops of essential oil and inhale for several minutes. For some, using a nasal inhaler with a few drops added is more discreet especially, if you have to go out in public and want to have something to use that is quick and easy.
Eucalyptus is very well known to help with congestion. But other oils may help include Cajuput, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Peppermint, Pine, Ravensara, Rosemary, Tea Tree, and Thyme.
Try this Blend in the Diffuser
- Eucalyptus radiata – 20 drops
- Lavender – 20 drops.
You can use this blend in any diffuser – if you want to use all night, use in a fan diffuser such as the Natura, Spa Scenter or Fan Fuser.
In a personal inhaler put Rosemary 2 drops and Peppermint 1 drop. Inhale as needed.
A Chest Rub for Catarrh
- 2 ounces carrier oil
- Eucalyptus – 20 drops
- Basil – 5 drops
- Peppermint – 5 drops
- Cedarwood – 5 drops
Blend essential oils then add the carrier oil – Sweet almond or Sunflower oil are excellent choices. Rub this chest rub on the upper chest, neck and on your back (if you have help). After you have rubbed these areas, cup your hands over your nose and mouth and inhale the remnants of the essential oils left on your hands for a few breaths. Use this 2-3 times daily as needed.
Emphysema and COPD Oil Blend
Emphysema is a disease of the lungs and often coexists with bronchitis.
Add 10 drops of Tea Tree Oil to a pot (4-6 cups) of hot water. Tent head, breathe steam for 10 minutes. Add 3-5 drops to a vaporizer, and steam for 5-10 minutes.
Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!
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