Protocol · Respiratory Health
Acute Bronchitis Support Protocol
Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Acute Bronchitis Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · 2 graded · 1 graded A
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) | Amount listed: EPs 7,630 extract: 30 drops or 1.5 mL 3 times daily for 7–14 days | Herbal extract with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects; reduces severity and duration of acute bronchitis
| Grade A for Bronchitis Symptoms4 studies · 1,012 people | ||
| N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) | Amount listed: 600–1,200 mg daily in divided doses | Mucolytic that thins mucus and reduces inflammation; may shorten duration and reduce symptoms
| Grade B for Bronchitis Symptoms1 study · 968 people | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Honey | Amount listed: 2.5–10 mL at bedtime (not for children under 1 year) | Natural cough suppressant; may be more effective than some over-the-counter cough medicines | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin C | Amount listed: 1–2 g daily during illness | Supports immune function and may reduce duration of respiratory infections | Not graded yet | ||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 20–25 mg lozenges every 2–3 hours (up to 75–100 mg daily) for first 48–72 hours | Supports immune function; zinc lozenges may reduce duration of respiratory symptoms | Not graded yet | ||
| Elderberry | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg extract daily or 15 mL syrup 4 times daily | Antiviral and immune-supporting herb that may reduce severity and duration of respiratory infections | Not graded yet | ||
| Echinacea | Amount listed: 300–500 mg standardized extract 3 times daily | Immunomodulating herb that may reduce severity of respiratory infections | Not graded yet | ||
| Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) | Amount listed: Thyme tea 3–4 cups daily or extract as directed | Traditional expectorant and antimicrobial herb for respiratory conditions | Not graded yet | ||
| Ivy Leaf Extract | Amount listed: 50–100 mg dried extract 2–3 times daily | Expectorant and bronchospasmolytic herb used for productive cough | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
The 2 supplements in this protocol graded A or B. Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade A
- Grade B
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways leading to the lungs), usually caused by viral infections. The main symptom is a persistent cough that may produce mucus, often lasting 1-3 weeks. Other symptoms include chest discomfort, fatigue, mild fever, and shortness of breath. While acute bronchitis usually resolves on its own, symptoms can be uncomfortable and disruptive.
IMPORTANT: Acute bronchitis is usually viral and doesn't require antibiotics. However, see a doctor if you have high fever, bloody mucus, shortness of breath at rest, symptoms lasting more than 3 weeks, or if you have underlying lung disease. These supplements support recovery but don't replace medical evaluation when needed.
- Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) is one of the best-studied herbal remedies for acute bronchitis. This South African plant extract has antimicrobial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties. Multiple clinical trials show it significantly reduces the severity and duration of acute bronchitis symptoms. The specific extract EPs 7630 has the most evidence.
- N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a mucolytic—it breaks down mucus to make it thinner and easier to cough up. NAC also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Studies show it can reduce the duration of bronchitis and help clear congestion.
- Honey is a surprisingly effective cough suppressant—some studies show it works better than over-the-counter cough medicines. It coats and soothes the throat and has antimicrobial properties. Particularly useful for nighttime cough. (Never give honey to children under 1 year due to botulism risk.)
- Vitamin C supports immune function and may help reduce the duration of respiratory infections, especially when started early.
- Zinc lozenges may help reduce the duration of respiratory symptoms when taken within the first 24-48 hours of illness. Zinc directly inhibits viral replication in the respiratory tract.
- Elderberry has antiviral properties and may reduce the severity and duration of respiratory infections.
- Echinacea may help modulate immune function, though evidence for bronchitis specifically is limited.
- Thyme is a traditional remedy for coughs and bronchial irritation with expectorant properties.
- Ivy Leaf Extract is widely used in Europe as an expectorant for productive coughs and has evidence for acute bronchitis.
Expected timeline: Pelargonium: begin improvement within 2-3 days, continue for 7-14 days. NAC: helps with mucus within days. Honey: immediate cough relief. Zinc: most effective in first 48 hours. Most acute bronchitis resolves within 1-3 weeks with or without treatment; these supplements help speed recovery and reduce symptom severity.