There may come a day when the invasive antibiotics used to treat acute bronchitis are left behind for a floral alternative. The roots of a species of geranium indigenous to South Africa may hold the key to an effective natural treatment. Pelargonium sidoides showed great promise in a recent European clinical trial, the results of which were published in the November issue of EXPLORE: The Journal of Science and Healing

A natural remedy is in order. Acute bronchitis is an increasingly prevalent infection and research has shown that while antibiotics are most often used to treat the illness, they are not only ineffective in shortening the duration of the illness, but also come with a number of risks. People who take antibiotics may experience gastrointestinal issues, allergic reactions, and most importantly, the development of resistant bacteria, which can necessitate a longer duration of treatment and may trigger a relapse. Some doctors are no longer recommending antibiotics as the first treatment of acute bronchitis.

(Image: Wildcat Dunny)