Herbal Support During Wildfire Season
by Brita Zeiler, Collective Manager
Supporting our bodies while enduring this unprecedented wildfire season is critical. Many of us will be experiencing some respiratory irritation which is to be expected. Smoke exposure depletes our body’s ability to function systematically and can cause unexpected side effects by disrupting digestive, cognitive, and even endocrine functions.
Let’s make taking care of ourselves and others our number one priority while living through this crisis! Our world is on fire, and that fire contains particulate that is harmful to our bodies in short and long term ways, so going about our lives like normal isn’t going to work. Listen to your body, nourish yourself, and allow for more rest. I hope that by sharing this outline of home remedies and herbal allies you identify some practices that bring some relief.
Some common short-term and lingering term effects of wildfire smoke on the body:
Respiratory irritation
Scratchy throat
Irritated sinuses
Shortness of breath
Coughing or wheezing
Runny nose or nosebleed
Aggravated asthma
Cardiovascular stress
Rapid heartbeat
Aggravated heart disease
Disrupted endocrine system (fight, flight, freeze response activated)
Irritability
Grief, sadness, feeling out of the ordinary emotions
Insomnia
Fatigue or exhaustion
Headache
Digestion upset
Nausea or loss of appetite
Constipation or diarrhea
Stressed immune system
Stinging, burning, watering eyes
Skin irritations
Rashes, dry skin, sensitive skin, eczema, acne
Home remedies to support the body
Increase water intake
Maintaining hydration is key! Drinking enough water keeps our tissues and mucous membranes working properly so we reduce the impact of inflammation throughout the body but especially in the respiratory tract. This helps strengthen our immune system by supporting its first line of defense: our mucous membranes. Dry weather conditions make it easier for us to become dehydrated, so consume slightly more than you would typically.
Light movement or dry brushing
While we cannot exercise outdoors at the moment, it is still important that we get some light movement into our day. Our lymphatic system transports fluids and acts as a filter helping immune cells trap germs, and unlike our cardiovascular system, does not move itself. Lymphatic fluid is transported through the body when we move, so a little dancing, jumping jacks, or stretching improve lymphatic flow. Dry brushing also stimulates the lymph to move. With the extra load of smoke particles in the air, it is essential to keep the lymphatic system functioning!
Herbs to support the body during wildfire season:
Reishi Mushroom
This medicinal mushroom has an affinity for supporting lung tissue, and has a deep immune supportive action in the body. Reishi is ideal for wildfire exposure by helping our bodies metabolize both emotional grief and environmental contaminants that can settle in the lungs.
Rosehip
Rosehip is rich in immune supportive vitamin C, and has a cooling and moistening effect throughout the body, soothing tissue inflammation. Rich in nutrients and a tart sweetness that lends itself well to an herbal tea.
Marshmallow Root
A go-to for sore throats or general dryness. Marshmallow root is a medicinal herb that protects mucous membranes from dryness. Best extracted in cold or room temperature water, make a quart jar of respiratory soothing tea by adding 1 tablespoon of marshmallow root herb and cover with cool water. Let infuse for at least 15 minutes and up to overnight in the fridge. Drink at least a pint a day, but a quart is nice in these conditions!
Peppermint Leaf
Hot peppermint tea provides relief from a sore throat, minor aches and pains, and upset stomach. It helps open up the bronchial passages making breathing easier. Peppermint has antiviral and antimicrobial functions too!
Oatstraw & Oat Tops
Feeling frazzled? Try oatstraw or oat tops tea! This tea is ideally steeped overnight. Drink a pint to a quart a day to calm and nourish the nervous and cardiovascular systems - your heart will thank you!
Chamomile Flower
If irritability, panic, or sleeplessness are issues you are dealing with, try chamomile. Drink as a warm tea throughout the day and take deep breaths to stay calm. Chamomile also helps with digestive upset related to anxiety.
Burdock Root
As our bodies take on an additional burden of processing smoke pollution, we will need extra help processing it and moving it out of our bodies. Burdock is a gentle mover, helping the digestive system and liver do their important work. If you find skin issues coming up try some burdock tea or tincture.
Milk Thistle Seed
These magic seeds nourish and repair the liver, helping us process food, nutrients, hormones, metabolic waste, and pollutants in the body. With an increased exposure to environmental pollution, giving the liver a boost can be supportive. Milk thistle seeds can be taken as a tea or tincture daily. If making tea, grind the whole seeds in a coffee grinder or use powdered seeds.
All these herbs can be purchased in bulk in our bulk herb and spice section!
