Honey for Bronchitis

Bronchitis is due to inflammation of the airways in the lungs, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. It occurs in patients of all ages. Acute bronchitis is caused by a virus and causes the buildup of phlegm in the throat, coughing and wheezing, sore throat, fever and exhaustion. Chronic bronchitis, which can develop because of smoking or air pollution, causes ongoing cough and mucus, trouble breathing, blue lips, and swollen legs and feet. Honey is a natural treatment for the cough that occurs with bronchitis. Consult your doctor for more information.

Ease Cough from Phlegm

Viral bronchitis causes a green to yellowish phlegm that often leads to a cough, notes Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Taking one-half to one teaspoon of honey will help soothe a cough that occurs with bronchitis. The honey will make secretions in the throat less thick and help stop the coughing. Spending a few moments in a bathroom filled with steam before or after taking the honey will also help quell the coughing. Do not give honey to children who are less than a year old.

Stop Sleep Disruptions

The coughing that occurs with bronchitis is often disruptive to daily activities and sleep patterns. Taking honey orally is a helpful natural treatment to quell the coughing that occurs at night during sleep, notes NYU Langone Medical Center. It soothes the throat and also improves the quality of sleep by stopping the breaks in sleep due to coughing.

Limit Congestion

Drinking honey in warm lemon water alleviates congestion from the throat that can occur with a cough, notes the Mayo Clinic. Taking this treatment orally during a bout of bronchitis will ease throat inflammation and thus will limit the symptoms of bronchitis.

Limit Dehydration

Taking honey will also help your body to avoid dehydration. The soothing action of the honey for the throat will make it easier for you to consume beverages and food. Calming throat irritation helps your body regain energy lost due to limited food intake during a bout of bronchitis.