Dr. Evdokimenko discusses two factors that can harm the lungs and bronchi, aside from smoking. The first factor is certain blood pressure medications, which can cause coughing as a side effect. He shares a case of a patient who suffered from asthma-like symptoms for months, and it was only resolved when they stopped taking a blood pressure medication that listed "cough" as a common side effect.
The second factor is a low-fat diet, which can deprive the lungs of essential fatty acids needed for proper functioning. Dr. Evdokimenko shares an anecdote about a surgeon who noted an epidemic of tuberculosis among the wives of wealthy Russians, despite their clean living conditions, and attributes it to their low-fat diets.
To treat bronchitis and cough, Dr. Evdokimenko recommends the following:
1. Increasing fat intake, such as eating butter or lard.
2. Using medicinal plants like:
* Aloe vera, which can be taken as a juice or mixed with honey and butter.
* Chamomile flowers, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
* Licorice root, which increases immunity and relieves inflammation (but should not be taken for more than 10-14 days due to contraindications).
* Pine buds, which can be made into a decoction or infusion.
3. Gargling with eucalyptus tincture and doing a throat exercise called "undermining".
4. Drinking plenty of warm liquids, such as cranberry juice and lingonberry leaf decoction.
He emphasizes the importance of consulting a doctor before taking any medication and notes that antibiotics should only be used when necessary.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. A man visited Dr. Evdokimenko with a six-month cough that five doctors couldn't diagnose.
2. The man was taking high blood pressure pills, which had a common side effect of coughing.
3. Dr. Evdokimenko emphasized that many blood pressure pills can cause prolonged coughing.
4. A low-fat diet can harm the lungs and is linked to an epidemic of tuberculosis among Russian women.
5. Fats are necessary for the normal functioning of the lungs.
6. Dr. Evdokimenko's mother used to give him a fatty drink to help with colds, which included milk, butter, and honey.
7. A young man who didn't eat fatty foods was cured of his cough by eating butter every day.
8. Antibiotics may be necessary for infectious causes of coughs and bronchitis, but should not be taken for too long.
9. Medicinal plants such as aloe, chamomile, licorice root, and pine buds can be used to treat bronchitis and coughs.
10. Aloe juice can be taken with honey and butter to help with coughs and bronchitis.
11. Chamomile flowers can be used to make an infusion or decoction that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
12. Licorice root preparations can increase immunity, relieve inflammation, and facilitate the discharge of sputum.
13. Pine buds can be used to make a decoction or infusion that is useful for diseases of the lungs and bronchi.
14. Eucalyptus tincture can be used to gargle with and help with bronchitis and coughs.
15. Drinking plenty of warm liquids, such as cranberry juice and lingonberry leaf decoction, can help with bronchitis and colds.