Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucus membranes of the bronchi, tubes that branch off the trachea leading to the air sacs of the lungs. Symptoms include spastic mucus-filled coughs usually accompanied by a general sick feeling, a fever, and general lethargy. An airborne virus or bacteria causes bronchitis.

Bronchitis is generally caused by inhaling toxic vapors including cigarette smoke. A cold or other upper-respiratory infection can also lead to bronchitis. if you are prone to bronchitis, don't smoke, avoid chemical exposure, smog, and traffic pollution and beware of breathing in cold, wet air (not an easy option for skiers, is it?).

Keeping the bowel clear is always helpful when you are suffering from any type of respiratory congestion; make sure you are not constipated. Use herbs to relieve constipation, or use an enema to fix this problem. Enemas work well for small children, too.

Let me briefly explain how clogged bowel system running alongside our arteries and veins and runs throughout the entire body. This filtering system will dump its excess waste materials into the bowel, but if the bowel is clogged, there is no room for the lymph to dump.

Since it is overflowing, its waste materials will be squeezes back into your mucus membranes, creating more mucus and making you vulnerable to future infection. Cleansing the bowel will not only help when you have respiratory congestion of any kind, but will help prevent a problem in the first place.

Diffuse pure eucalyptus oil in your room to help with recovery and help protect others from the airborne viruses and bacteria. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) has been an excellent remedy for bronchitis because it not only kills infections and fights against viruses, but also works as an any type of mucus condition of the respiratory tract.

Fenugreek works well with thyme to discharge mucus from the lungs and fight infections. Thyme is also thought to be good for the thymus, which is the seat of your immune system. In addition, lobelia and mullein can work to ease bronchial spasms and eliminate mucus and coughs.

Beta carotene feeds lung tissue and will help boost your immune system and soothe lung tissue. Magnesium is helpful because it is a muscle relaxer to the body and can help lessen a coughing. Zinc boosts the immune system, and vitamin E may assist in fight against bronchitis.

When dealing with a condition involving an excess of mucus, such as bronchitis, it is wise to remember that sugary foods and dairy products cause excess mucus production in many people. If you are one of these people, avoiding those products until you are well again may aid your battle.

Carrot juice is one of the best foods to eliminate mucus from the body. It works great, and carrots are rich in beta carotene, which feeds the skin and soft tissue of the body, too. Drink your carrots!