Marshmallow & Coltsfoot Herbal Tea
Bronchitis is a form of respiratory tract infection, it occurs when tubes called bronchial tubes which are responsible for transporting air from trachea (windpipe) to your lungs become inflamed causing mucus to build up in the lungs. Whilst it is often a minor illness it can become more serious, symptoms of bronchitis include low fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, tightness across the chest and coughing, it can be caused by a virus, bacteria or by chemical irritants.
Herbs such as Horehound, Coltsfoot and Marshmallow can help to reduce inflammation, soothe coughs and clear mucus in the lungs. Horehound is an excellent expectorant herb which can help to get mucus moving off the chest and out of the body. Horehound is also both an antispasmodic and analgesic which can help to provide natural pain relief and help ease coughing.
Coltsfoot is a demulcent herb that helps to relieve irritation of the mucus membranes in the mouth and nose by forming a protective film. As with Horehound, Coltsfoot is an expectorant and mucilage herb which can help shift mucus but it also has a relaxant effect which can help to ease coughs.
Marshmallow also is another mucilage herb whist Valerian is also a calming relaxing herb with sedative properties which can help induce sleep which can be difficult when you are congested and finding it hard to sleep and finally pleurisy root with its diaphoretic properties helping to get stubborn mucus and phlegm moving makes this a powerful herbal remedy to help ease the discomfort of bronchitis and ease congestion.
You can make this Marshmallow and Coltsfoot herbal tea as a natural alternaltive to ease symptoms of bronchitis naturally.
INGREDIENTS
30g (2 tablespoons) - Horehound (Marrubium Vulgare)
30g (2 tablespoons) - Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara)
15g (1 tablespoon) - Marshmallow Root (Althaea Officinalis)
15g (1 tablespoon) - Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis)
15g (1 tablespoon) - Pleurisy Root (Asclepsias Tuberosa)
INSTRUCTIONS
Place the herbs in 3 pints of boiling water, simmer for 10 minutes.
Strain the liquid.
Sweeten with a little honey.
Leave to cool before bottling.
Store in a cool place.
DOSAGE
Take 4 tablespoon 3 to 4 times per day.
SIDE EFFECTS
Although most herbs are generally considered safe to use there is the slight possibility of allergic reactions or adverse reactions when used with other medication although this is rare.
Horehound and Coltsfoot should not be used if pregnant or breastfeeding. Horehound can affect blood glucose and blood pressure so it should not be used if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes. If used in large doses Coltsfoot can be toxic to the liver. Pleurisy root should not be used if pregnant or if you are taking medication for a heart condition.
Valerian is considered safe for general use. Whilst Marshmallow is considered safe to use, Marshmallow works by coating the lining of the stomach which may interfere with the absorption of other drugs so take other medications before or several hours after Marshmallow. Diabetics should also closely monitor their blood sugar if using Marshmallow as it can interfere with blood sugar control.