Natural Remedies for Fire Season
As fire seasons become increasingly more common and intense due to climate change, safeguarding our respiratory health has become more crucial than ever. Wildfires release harmful pollutants and fine particulate matter into the air, which can have detrimental effects on our lungs and overall well-being.
Here are some tips to protect your lungs this fire season. To begin with there are many herbs in the Chinese herbal materia medica that can be supportive to the lungs during fire season. This blog post will highlight 4 important herbs for lung health. All of which can be found in the Jade Path Studio formula, Fireproof.
Jade Path Studio founder and lead herbalist formulated Fireproof during the 2020 California fires that affected the entire state. This formula became a staple to many firefighters and many locals who were unable to evacuate. Because the fires overlapped with the Covid pandemic, Fireproof became well known as the perfect post-covid remedy for those who dealt with dry lingering and irritated coughs.
Bei Sha Shen (Radix Glehniae) is traditionally used as a cooling herb that clears heat from the lungs. Typically during fire season we see heightened symptoms associated with heat in the lungs such as coughing that is either dry or productive with sticky yellow sputum, In severe cases, there may be coughing up blood streaked sputum. This herb also moistens the lung and tissues which helps the tissues from becoming overly dry and vulnerable to inflammation and infection.
Mai Men Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis) is used in traditional Chinese medicine to nourish symptoms associated with dry lungs such as dry mouth and throat, dry cough, and sputum that is difficult to expectorate. Its cooling and moistening nature make it a beneficial herb for calming the respiratory tract that easily becomes inflamed and irritated during fire season. The herb has antibiotic properties and is effective for the treatment of chronic diseases of the lungs such as bronchitis, tuberculosis, and pertussis.
Ling Zhi (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as reishi mushroom, has anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic properties that make it a powerful herb for treating cough and wheezing. It is also used in Chinese medicine to nourish the heart and calm the spirit therefore has the additional benefit of treating symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and palpitations. This calming property makes it a good choice for those who may have added stress during fire season.
Jie Geng (Radix Platycodi) is an anti-inflammatory herb commonly used to “open up the lungs”, enhancing their ability to easily inhale and absorb oxygen. Additionally, it simultaneously reduces phlegm buildup, and nourishes the throat. Jie Geng also has the unique ability to direct the action of other herbs to the respiratory system. Lastly this herb also has the added benefit of being able to dispel pus for cases of lung abscesses.
In addition to these herbal allies, some other helpful tips to protect your lungs during fire season include creating a safe haven in your home. Ensure that your indoor air quality is as clean as possible by keeping windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your home. You can also use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your air conditioning and heating systems to trap fine particles or use an air purifier with a HEPA filter in high-traffic areas, such as bedrooms and living rooms, to remove pollutants from indoor air.
During periods of poor air quality, it's best to limit outdoor activities, especially rigorous exercises. If you must go outside, try to time your outings when air quality is relatively better, typically in the early morning or late evening. When venturing outdoors during fire season, wearing a N95 or N99 respirator mask can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful particulate matter and smoke.
With the frequency and intensity of wildfires growing, protecting your lungs from the harmful effects is essential. By staying informed, creating a clean indoor environment, limiting outdoor activities, wearing proper protective gear, and utilizing Chinese herbal medicine, you can reduce your exposure to respiratory hazards and ensure your lung health during fire season.