3 Ways to Prepare Thyme to Fight Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a respiratory disease that occurs when the bronchial tubes become inflamed, accumulating mucus. It can be acute or chronic. However, in both cases, it’s essential to follow a treatment. Below, discover how to prepare thyme to fight bronchitis.
This condition causes symptoms such as dry cough, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, and general malaise. In fact, it can also cause sore throat, slight fever, and constant cold sensation.
Although the ways to fight it vary depending on its severity, thyme can help boost your sense of relief. This plant is packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that, to some extent, improve your respiratory health.
What’s thyme and what can you use it for?
Thyme is a medicinal plant and an aromatic herb. It’s native to the Mediterranean, and belongs to the botanical family of Labiatae, as well as mint, rosemary, and basil. It’s very popular in gastronomy. However, it also has several applications in natural medicine.
In general, it stands out for having antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and pain-relieving properties. Also, it’s slightly carminative, diuretic, and antifungal.
One of its benefits is that it may relieve a sore throat. Likewise, you can use thyme to fight bronchitis, due to its contribution of flavonoids.
A study suggests that the combination of the essence extracted from its leaves combined with ivy can fight cough and bronchitis in the short term. This is because flavonoids relax the muscles involved with the symptoms these conditions cause, minimizing inflammation.
Make sure you read: 5 Natural Remedies to Reduce Bronchitis Symptoms
How to prepare thyme to fight bronchitis
Before using thyme to fight bronchitis, it’s very important for you to see your doctor so they can evaluate its possible side effects. Although it’s a beneficial plant for lung health, we can’t ignore the fact that it’s contraindicated for certain people and it may interact with certain drugs.
If you can consume it without any problems, you can take advantage of its properties in three simple ways. However, you need to remember that they aren’t miracle cures for the condition nor should they replace conventional treatments.
Thyme infusion
Taking a cup of thyme infusion three times a day can help you see the difference. This way, you’ll relax and soothe your throat. Make sure you drink it hot for better results.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
- 1 tablespoon of thyme (15 g)
Preparation
- Firstly, bring the water to a boil
- Once it boils, turn off the heat and add the tablespoon of thyme
- After that, let it stand for five minutes tops and serve in a cup
- Drink twice a day until you feel an improvement
This article may interest you: Control Symptoms of Bronchitis with These 6 Home Remedies
Thyme essential oil massage
Thyme essential oil is ideal for massaging your chest and reducing congestion. This way, the components of thyme can reduce the discomfort bronchitis and colds cause. Remember to apply it with gentle and circular movements.
Ingredients
- 10 drops of thyme essential oil
- Almond oil (25 ml)
Preparation
- Firstly, pour the 25 milliliters of almond oil into a jar
- Then, add the 10 drops of thyme essential oil and mix until homogeneous
- Place some oil on the palm of your hand and massage your chest with smooth, circular movements
- Repeat three times a day until you feel better
Thyme syrup
Finally, we decided to propose thyme syrup. It’s an ideal alternative for bronchitis in children because, since it contains honey, children are more likely to consume it. In addition, it can be ingested up to four times a day to keep the symptoms under control.
Ingredients
- Honey (450 g – 18 oz)
- Thyme infusion (600 ml)
Preparation
- Firstly, add the 450 grams of honey to the thyme infusion
- After that, mix until homogeneous
- Serve in a syrup jar
- Take a 5-milliliter dose (equivalent to one teaspoon) up to four times a day
- Put in the fridge and continue the treatment until you feel an improvement
In short
Thyme is a good supplement to relieve some of the symptoms of bronchitis. Due to its nutritional content, it acts as an anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial remedy. Thus, it helps reduce severe cough, congestion, and other discomforts.
However, like all herbal products, you should take it under medical supervision, especially if you have other underlying diseases or if you’re taking other drugs.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Singletary, K. (2016). Thyme history, applications, and overview of potential health benefits. Nutrition Today. https://doi.org/10.1097/NT.0000000000000139
- Ceyhan, N., & Ugur, A. (2001). Investigation of in vitro antimicrobial activity of honey. Rivista Di Biologia.
- Stahl-Biskup, E., & Venskutonis, R. P. (2012). Thyme. In Handbook of Herbs and Spices: Second Edition. https://doi.org/10.1533/9780857095671.499
- Stahl-Biskup, E., & Sáez, F. (2002). Thyme – The genus Thyme L. The history, botany and taxonomy of the genus Thymus.
- Kemmerich, B., Eberhardt, R., & Stammer, H. (2012). Efficacy and Tolerability of a Fluid Extract Combination of Thyme Herb and Ivy Leaves and Matched Placebo in Adults Suffering from Acute Bronchitis with Productive Cough. Arzneimittelforschung. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1296767