8 home remedies to treat bronchitis and stop painful coughing attacks

Winter is fast approaching. This time of year, people are more prone to respiratory ailments like bronchitis, in which the lining of the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs become inflamed. According to the Mayo Clinic, acute bronchitis is often the result of a cold or other respiratory infection. Acute bronchitis can be minor, but it can become severe and even life-threatening. Here's what you can do to treat bronchitis at home.

1. Water. It sounds simple, but drinking 1 glass of water every 2 hours can help thin mucus and open the bronchial tubes, says Dr. Axe.

2. Home-made vapor rub. The cooling effects of a vapor rub can work wonders on a case of bronchitis. Allow the mixture to set in storage containers before use. Get the full recipe here.

3. Steam. Best Health Magazine recommends simply leaning over a bowl of steam treated with a few drops of eucalyptus or pine essential oil. This works because eucalyptus is an anti-bacterial that softens the mucus in obstructed airways, while pine oil is an expectorant that brings up and help get rid of phlegm.

4. Cayenne pepper. Cayenne and other spicy foods thin the mucus in the lungs and promote a healthy cough, necessary to get all the mucus out of the bronchial tubes, says Best Health Magazine.

5. Oregano oil. It's not just for pizza. Dr. Axe recommends oregano oil because it is anti-bacterial and supports bronchial health.

6. Ginger & clove mixture. Ginger is well-known for its ability to fight the common cold. As an anti-inflammatory immune booster, the following ginger-based recipe is also helpful against bronchitis. Get the ginger tea recipe here.

7. Garlic. It's both antiviral and a natural antibiotic, but how should one consume garlic? Get the full garlic recipe here.

8. Honey. Thick, soothing honey not only feels good in the throat, it is also good for the throat. Add 1 teaspoon honey to hot tea or hot lemon water in order to treat congestion and inflammation.