Wildfire and Smoke Season: Herbal Recipes for Lung Support

Summer is almost over, but the fires are here to stay!

It is no secret that global warming is a very real situation that is causing our summers to be increasingly more extreme every year. While this physical planet has had some physical healing over the course of the global pandemic, we are still going to be experiencing gradually increasing temperatures within the next months, and warmer climates seem to stretch into fall.

With some of the worst wildfires on record raging through the US and Europe, the smoky haze has traveled far and wide. Many are concerned about the effects of poor air quality on mental and physical health. Since breathing smoke for extended periods of time can compromise health on many levels, I’ve put together seven protective and therapeutic herbs that ease anxiety, address respiratory complaints, and help repair lung damage.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile is a wonderfully calming herb for when we are feeling stressed, but did you know it’s also exceptional for lung ailments that are aggravated by wildfire smoke?

To alleviate congestion, you can make a steam treatment by adding two teaspoons of chamomile flower petals to a pot of boiling water. Inhale until the congestion loosens. Alternately, add 2 or three drops of chamomile essential oil to a vaporizer and use overnight.

If you find your eyes irritated by smoky air, a cool, chamomile tea-soaked cotton ball makes a soothing eyewash.

Simply dab your eyes with a gentle motion for relief.

The use of chamomile should be avoided by those who have a known allergy to the Asteraceae family, which includes ragweed and chrysanthemum.

Related: Just Like Xanax, The Anxiety Relieving Plant That Grows In Your Backyard (Video)

Holy Basil/Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum/ Ocimum sanctum)

Not only is holy basil an exceptional herb for relieving congestion in the lungs and opening breathing passages, the active oils and vitamins present in the plant also help repair lung damage caused by wildfire smoke, environmental factors, or illness. Additionally, Holy basil calms the nervous system and alleviates physical, mental, and emotional stress.

Holy Basil Tea: Add 2-3 teaspoons of dried holy basil leaves per 1 cup boiling water. Steep for five to six minutes. Strain and enjoy.

Safety: Holy basil should be avoided by those who are trying to become pregnant, during pregnancy, or when breastfeeding because the effects on the child are unknown. If you are taking insulin or another anti-diabetes drug, use holy basil with care as it lowers blood sugar levels. Since holy basil may reduce thyroxine levels, do not use it if you have hypothyroidism. Holy basil may interfere with blood clotting and should be discontinued at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender will not only soothe a frazzled spirit but it’s also one of the best herbal remedies for respiratory complaints. To open up air passages and loosen congestion, apply lavender essential oil to the skin on the chest, neck, and under the nose. You can also add a few drops of the oil to a vaporizer or steaming pot of water to breathe in the healing properties.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Helping to ease sore throats and clear mucus from the lungs, licorice root is an outstanding herb for your respiratory system. It also has a delightfully sweet taste. You can use it in extract form or enjoy it as tea.

Licorice root tea: Use 1 tablespoon chopped root per cup of water. Bring the licorice root and water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for ten minutes, covered. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Strain before serving.

Long-term use of licorice root, or consuming elevated doses, can have serious side effects. Do not use the extract in excess of 30 mg/ml per day. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid licorice root. It is not recommended for those who have high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, liver or kidney issues.

Lungwort Lichen (Lobaria pulmonaria)

Resembling the human lung with its leafy structure, lungwort lichen is an excellent herb for clearing the bronchial passages of mucous and calming respiratory inflammation. Since it has a high level of mucilage, lungwort lichen is an effective remedy for soothing sore throats or laryngitis.

Safety: Lungwort lichen is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Looking for the perfect lung health tincture that’s crafted with organic and wild-harvested herbs? Try my Bronchial Blend in the apothecary

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

An outstanding expectorant, mullein lessens mucus formation and encourages the expulsion of phlegm, helping to ease the tightness of breathing. It also calms coughing fits and wheezing, and is often used for asthma and COPD.

Safety: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use mullein. Allergic reactions include skin irritations, stomach pain, and breathing difficulties. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use.

Looking for the perfect lung health tincture that’s crafted with organic and wild-harvested herbs? Try my Bronchial Blend in the apothecary

Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)

If you find that you have developed a dry cough from pollution or wildfire smoke, marshmallow root is an excellent remedy. It soothes the mucous membranes and relieves irritation of the respiratory system.

Marshmallow root tea: In a glass mason jar, combine 1 tablespoon marshmallow root per 1 cup warm (not boiling) water. Cover with lid and let sit overnight in the refrigerator. Strain and serve cool.

Looking for the perfect lung health tincture that’s crafted with organic and wild-harvested herbs? Try my Bronchial Blend in the apothecary.

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