People in California, Oregon and Washington are being most affected by fires, smoky air toxic unhealthy air to breathe. We must protect ourselves. Seniors and people with respiratory/breathing issues are especially at risk. Stay safe and protect yourself.
Below are some tips on how to protect and heal our lungs from the assaults of air pollution and more.
Supplement with extra Vitamin C & D right now.
The homeopathic remedy CARBO-VEG in a 30C potency taken once every 12 hours can be helpful if you have symptoms of "air hunger" or tight lungs, unable to take in a breath. It also helps the body remove toxins from the smoky air. (tip: you don't need to "believe" in homeopathy for it to work
Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm is one of the best herbs to coat and protect irritated and inflamed mucous membranes.
Marshmallow
Similar to Slippery Elm, this herb is rich in mucilage, cooling, moistening, sweet tasting. it has a relaxing effect on the lungs (actually, the whole body) without being a sedative. It helps to heal tissue of the respiratory and digestive systems. Combine both Elm and Marshmallow.
Mullein
This herb is so soothing and relaxes respiratory constriction. It's a true lung healer.
Elecampane or Osha
These two herbs are respiratory stimulants. Use them in small amounts and in combination with cooling herbs such as slippery elm and marshmallow because they are hot and fiery. They are broncodilators.
Respiratory tonic
a fabulous tonic for the respiratory system. It’s easy to make and the ingredients are (mostly) easy to obtain.
Professor’s Blend (named after the great herbalist Dr. Christopher):
Chop equal parts of:
– onions
– garlic
– horseradish (fresh; from the grocery store in a jar will not work)
– ginger
*optional: a few pinches of cayenne, or even 2-6 whole fresh or dried cayenne peppers
** Also optional: stir some honey to taste (also healing for a sore throat)
Step Two: Place all the above ingredients into a wide-mouthed glass jar, and cover with apple cider vinegar.
My strategies for dealing with breathing issues and doctors recommendations.
Doctors are writing prescriptions for going to the park and beaches
If you cannot go outside in the sunshine at the beach and put your feet on the sand or grass for an hour a day, then you can get an Earth Mat and ground yourself at home.
Benefits:
Sleep
Breathe
Blood Thinning
and more
Earthing, or grounding, is an effective way of fighting chronic inflammation and the onset of cardiovascular disease. When you're grounded, it allows for better transference of the Earth's negatively charged free electrons to your body.
Aromatherapy
I love essential oils and did you know that in French hospitals they utilize aromatherapy for their patients?
Aromatherapy RC Blend and Thieves
Young Living Essential Oils.
includes, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus Radiata, Eucalyptus citriodora, Myrtle, Pine, Spruce, Marjoram, Lavender, Cypress, and Peppermint.
A friend told me to put a few drops in tea and drink and/or put a few drops in hot water and breathe into the bowl of water with a towel over my head. This worked quite effectively for me. You can also diffuse it into the air and breathe it in.
Young Living also has a new product that I am going to get as soon as possible.
Thieves® Chest Rub. This 100 percent plant-based formula delivers over-the-counter strength with hands-free application for quick relief you can count on. Temporarily relieves cough and congestion with soothing aromatic vapors and a powerful combination of camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus. Thieves Chest Rub helps reduce cough and is safe.
Thieves® essential oil blend is a powerful combination of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary essential oils.
Thieves was named after a formula utilized during the plague when many people died but not thieves roaming around. Let me know if you wish to order RC or Thieves, I am a distributor for Young Living since the early 90’s.
Breathe easy tea (Traditional Medicinals)
Eucalyptus ginger licorice fennel and peppermint plus traditional Chinese Medicine, creating a synergistic formula, including magnolia flower
Bi Yan Pian is an extract made from Xanthium fruit, Magnolia flower, Saposhnikovia root, Schisandra fruit, Fragrant angelica root, Schizonepeta herb, Forsythia fruit, Wild chrysanthemum flower, Platycodon root, Anemarrhena rhizome and Chinese licorice root.
There are other teas I enjoy including Turmeric Ginger, will be trying out Tulsi Ginger (Tulsi is also known as Holy Basil and has been utilized for many years in Ayurvedic medicine).
Tulsi-Holy Basil
provides relief from congestion and other symptoms of respiratory disorders. Scientific studies have confirmed that holy basil possesses impressive anti-asthmatic abilities and may make breathing easier, which is why it’s a commonly recommended herb for respiratory issues in Ayurvedic medicine. Tulsi helps to improve respiratory function.
Drinking warm tea made with fresh ginger and turmeric root can have a natural anti-inflammatory effect in the body. I drink this every day and when I have digestive issues I add a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar. Turmeric = Curcumin, its main compound, may reduce inflammation and swelling in the lungs. It also reduces oxidative stress and rejuvenates lung tissues and clears mucus.
More Herbs for Lungs
Burdock root detoxifies the blood and helps to fortify lungs. Nettle is a nourishing herb for lungs and may relieve coughing, wheezing and allergies.
Fenugreek’s principal use is to expel toxic wastes through lymphatic systems. Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of mucilage, which may help to prevent constipation and soothe inflamed mucous membranes by having the ability to soften and dissolve hardened masses of accumulated mucus. It relieves congestion, reduces inflammation and fights infection. It contains natural expectorant properties ideal for addressing sinus and lung congestion, and loosens & removes excess mucus and phlegm in the bronchial tubes.
Making a fenugreek tea and drinking regularly during the early stages of any respiratory tract infections such as Influenza, Bronchitis, Sinusitis, Catarrh and suspected Pneumonia may help the body fight off the infection before it has the chance to really come on. Fenugreek tea helps to perspire, dispel toxicity and shorten gestation period of fever. One can take up to four cups of Fenugreek tea a day. The quantity may be reduced as the condition improves. To improve flavor, a few drops of lemon juice and/or honey can be used.
Ozone
Ozone helps improve oxygen delivery in your body by causing more oxygen to be released by hemoglobin and improving red blood cell flexibility, allowing the red blood cells to travel through small capillaries better
Ozone therapy can be done at home drinking ozone water; ozone saunas can be done too
Ozone improves body oxygenation.
Increases nitric oxide production, which improves blood circulation
Ozone Without Borders. Rowen’s website, DrRowenDrsu.com, provides articles on home ozone use. In summary, home ozone techniques you can use include:
Ear insufflation
Drinking ozone water
Ozone sauna