Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Bronchitis
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
N-Acetyl Cysteine | 400 to 600 mg daily |  [3 stars] NAC, which appears to work by reducing the thickness of mucus, has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for chronic bronchitis. |
Thymus Extracts | 3 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) body weight daily | [3 stars] Thymus extract from calves, known as Thymomodulin, has been found to decrease the frequency of respiratory infections in children who were prone to such infections. |
Vitamin C | 200 mg daily | [3 stars] In a double-blind study of elderly patients hospitalized with acute bronchitis, those given vitamin C improved to a significantly greater extent than those who were given a placebo.
|
Geranium | 30 drops of extract three times per day |  [2 stars] Geranium is an herbal remedy used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, ear, nose, and throat. |
Ivy Leaf | Adults: 50 drops extract twice per day; children: 25 drops twice per day | [2 stars] Ivy leaf is anti-inflammatory and has been shown to be as effective as the drug ambroxol for chronic bronchitis. |
Plantain | 3 cups tea daily made from 1/4 to 1/2 tsp dried herb per cup | [2 stars] Plantain is a soothing herb that has been shown to help people with chronic bronchitis. |
Anise | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Expectorant herbs like anise help loosen bronchial secretions and make mucus easier to eliminate. |
Chinese Scullcap | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Chinese scullcap might be useful for bronchitis as an anti-inflammatory. |
Echinacea | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Echinacea is an immune-stimulating herb that is widely used by herbalists for people with acute respiratory infections. |
Elecampane | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Elecampane is a soothing herb that has been used to treat coughs associated with bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough. |
Eucalyptus | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Eucalyptus leaf tea is used to treat bronchitis and inflammation of the throat, and is considered antimicrobial. |
Horehound | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Horehound is an expectorant herb, meaning it helps loosen bronchial secretions and eliminate mucus. |
Horseradish | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Horseradish contains antibacterial substances and has mucus-clearing properties that are beneficial for people with bronchitis. |
Lobelia | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Very small amounts of this herb are considered helpful in suppressing or easing coughs. The herb has also shown anti-inflammatory properties. |
Mullein | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Mullein has been used traditionally as a remedy for the respiratory tract, including bronchitis. It works as an expectorant, meaning it helps expel mucus. |
Pleurisy Root | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Pleurisy root is traditionally used to loosen bronchial secretions and is thought to be helpful against all types of respiratory infections. |
Thyme | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Thyme has antispasmodic, mucus-clearing, and antibacterial actions. |
Vitamin E | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitamin E appears to help keep the lungs healthy and prevent damage from environmental pollution and cigarette smoke exposure. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.