Herbs for Chronic Smoke
Every morning lately I wake to a big orange sun. We have rarely seen blue skies here for many weeks and most days I can’t even see the mountains that surround my town. The smoke from forest fires throughout the west has impacted many communities like ours. Over time, cumulative smoke wears on our health and impacts our nervous system. It is times like these that I am reminded that humans are animals. And just like our wild brethren, we have instincts. When we are threatened by fire or exposed to heavy smoke, our sympathetic nervous system takes over and our fight-flight-freeze response (also called the acute stress response) kicks in. It is hard to stay put. Our instinct tells us to run, get far away. But for many of us, that isn’t a realistic option. So, how can we support each other, and ourselves when we need to stay and carry on our lives? During times of chronic smoke exposure, herbs can offer many layers of support for symptoms ranging from asthma, mental fogginess, anxiety, stress, bronchitis, sinus or ear infections, and respiratory distress. This article addresses herbs and essential oils to support the upper and lower respiratory systems, calm the nervous system, and fight infection. We will also go over some specific ways to use these remedies, both internally and externally, including teas, tinctures, essential oil blends, neti pots, steams, and nasal and ear oils.
In General:
There are some basic things you can do to stay healthy when exposed to chronic smoke. To reduce mucus and increase immune function, keep an eye on what you eat. Avoid sugar, dairy, wheat, oats, barley, and rye. Eat antioxidants such as dark berries and multi-colored vegetables. Cook with aromatic herbs and spices and eat plenty of garlic, onions, and horseradish. Drink lots of water, and mineral-rich teas (see below for a list). Let me reiterate because it is that important: drink LOTS of water and mineral-rich teas! Be easy on yourself and others. Get enough rest. Breathe through your nose to filter and moisten the air. Your respiratory system is built for that! Consciously connect with plants in your environment such as trees, houseplants, and garden herbs. They are going through the same thing and can be amazing allies and sources of comfort. Most importantly, continue to remind yourself that you are safe, that you will be ok.
Now for the specifics…
Neti Pots: Neti pots are useful for many respiratory issues. During times of heavy smoke, seasonal allergies, or contact with particulates, I encourage daily use. They are healing for many conditions including sinus pressure and headaches, sinus infections, congestion, colds and flu, allergies and hay fever, ear infections, and some sore throats.
How to Use a Neti Pot:
Fill the neti pot with 1 cup warm water (filtered or boiled) or herbal tea. You want it to be about as warm as the water you would use to take a shower.
Add 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, Celtic salt, rock salt, or kosher salt (NOT table salt, as it has unwanted additives) and stir until dissolved.
Add 20–60 drops of an herbal extract (see below for specific herbs)
Aloe vera juice (1 teaspoon) or marshmallow tea can be added to soothe irritated mucus membranes.
Bend over the sink and tilt your head to one side, placing the spout of the neti pot in the upper nostril, letting the water run out the lower nostril.
After using half of the neti pot, turn and repeat on the other side.
This process can be done 1–2 times a day.
Never use a water pick or nasal irrigation that pushes water up the nose, as this can push an infection deeper into the sinuses.
When irritants such as smoke or pollen are present, use your neti pot every day! Use it two times a day when you are sick.
Steams: Steams can be done with either aromatic herbs or essential oils. They help to moisten the respiratory system, break up mucus, facilitate expectoration, and speed healing. See below for specific herbs and essential oils to use. To do a steam, simply heat a pot of water to steaming (not boiling), remove it from the stove, and set it on a heat-resistant surface. Put a towel over your head and lean over the bowl. Add your favorite steaming herbs or 2-3 drops of essential oil. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Breathe through the nose to treat the sinuses or through the mouth to help the lungs. If there is heavy congestion, after a steam, try using a neti pot or nasal oil. See below for details.
Essential Oils: Essential oils are especially effective for the respiratory system. They evaporate easily and can be administered topically or inhaled. Many oils are antimicrobial and will help fight infection. Below, see different categories of essential oils including expectorants, decongestants, antivirals, antimicrobials, and decongestants. Please always choose high-quality oils that have a therapeutic effect on the body. Low-quality essential oils do not have the same healing benefits.
How to use Essential Oils:
Steam inhalation (see above)
Diffusers: can be run on and off in the house or workplace as desired. It is better to diffuse oils in spurts as opposed to running them all the time. Be thoughtful of animals. They may need refuge from stronger oils.
Room sprays: add 15 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of water in a small glass spray bottle. Spray around the house as desired.
Gargles: add 1 drop of essential oil to a gargle. Make sure to spit the gargle in the sink instead of swallowing.
Humidifiers help to moisten the air. Add 5-10 drops of essential oil to a porous material such as a rock and set it on top of the diffuser.
Essential oils can be added to vapor balms, vegetable oils, or chest poultices and applied to the chest and back. Add 10-12 drops of essential oil per ounce of oil or balm.
Aromatherapy inhalers are small and easy to use on the run. Keep them in a pocket or purse for regular use.
Carry a cotton ball in a plastic bag and breathe as needed.
Insert a tissue with a drop of essential oil in the nose to treat the sinuses and upper respiratory system.
Nasal Oils: Nasya is an Ayurvedic practice that encourages nasal administration of medicinal herbs, decoctions, and oils. Using medicinal oils in the nose helps clear sinus congestion and soothe the upper respiratory system. Nasal oils are good for hoarseness, stiff neck and jaw, headaches, earaches, stress, and anxiety. People also report a positive impact on the sensory organs including the eyes and the sense of smell. Traditionally, nasya is said to improve the quality of voice, strengthen the vision, and promote mental clarity. Please see the recipe below to make your own nasal oil.
Now, let’s get specific with herbs and essential oils…
Respiratory Tonics: act as long term supporters and strengtheners of the respiratory system
Herbs: Althea officinalis (Marshmallow), Verbascum thapsus (Mullein), Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus), Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), Ephedra nevadensis and several other species (Mormon tea), Allium sativum (Garlic), Aralia californica (Spikenard), Eriodictyon californica (Yerba Santa), Grindelia spp. (Gum weed), Collinsonia canadensis (Stone root), Glycyrrhiza spp. (Licorice). A note on licorice: be cautious using it with high blood pressure. I prefer to licorice it in a formula for anything other than short-term use.
Expectorants: help move foreign particles up and out of the lungs by helping the body produce mucus more effectively and sometimes thinning mucus that is too thick
Herbs: Inula helenium (Elecampane), Grindelia spp. (Gum weed), Balsamorhiza sagittata (Balsam root), Populus spp. (Poplar) bud, Marrubium vulgare (Horehound), Verbascum thapsus (Mullein)
Essential oils: Ocimum basilicum (Basil), Styrax benzoin (Benzoin), Citrus bergamia (Bergamot), Juniperus virgiana or Cedrus odorata (Cedarwood), Eucalyptus spp., Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel), Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop), Origanum majorana (Marjoram), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Santalum album (Sandalwood), Commiphora spp. (Myrrh)
Steams: help to moisten the respiratory system, break up mucus, facilitate expectoration, and speed healing
Herbs: Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop), Thymus vulgaris (Thyme), Monarda spp. (Bee balm), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Juniperus spp. (Juniper), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), and Eucalyptus spp. (Eucalyptus)
Essential Oils: Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Eucalyptus spp., Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Ravinsara aromatic (Ravinsara), Eucalyptus spp., Juniperus communis (Juniper), Citrus limonum (lemon)
Decongestants: reduce congestion and mucus production. This can help reduce the possibility of an opportunistic infection
Herbs: Ephedra nevadensis and several other species (Mormon tea), Eriodictyon californica (Yerba Santa), Urtica dioica (Nettles) or Marrubium vulgare (Horehound)
Essential Oils: Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Eucalyptus spp., Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree), Lavandula spp. (Lavender), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Ravensara aromatica (Ravensara)
Demulcents: coat and soothe irritated or inflamed membranes to allow healing to begin
Herbs: Althea officinalis (Marshmallow), Ulmus rubra (Slippery elm), Glycyrrhiza spp. (Licorice), Plantago ovata (Plantain), Viola spp. (Violet), Verbascum thapsus (Mullein)
Astringents: help pull together irritated, inflamed tissues (such as mucus membranes), helping to protect them and aid in healing, recovery and proper function
Herbs: Solidago spp. (Goldenrod), Achilllea millefolium (Yarrow) flowers and leaves, Leucanthemem vulgare (Oxeye daisy), Ambrosia spp. (Ragweed), Salix spp. (Willow), Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet), Hamamelis spp. (Witch hazel), Myrica spp. (Bayberry), Euphrasia officinalis (Eyebright), Plantago ovata (Plantain), Equisetum spp. (Horsetail), Anemopsis californica (Yerba Mansa)
Anti-Virals: fight off a viral infection or help to inhibit viral replication.
Herbs: Lomatium dissectum (Lomatium), Ligusticum porteri (Osha), Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop), Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm), Glycyrrhiza spp. (Licorice)
Essential oils: Thymus vulgaris (Thyme), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree), Eucalyptus spp., Citrus bergamia (Bergamot), Piper nigrum (Black pepper), Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm), Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop), Ravensare aromatica (Ravensara)
Anti-microbials: once we get a virus, opportunistic microbes can often set in. In general I think it wise to start using antimicrobial herbs at the first sign of a cold, flu or infection.
Herbs: Allium sativum (Garlic), Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal), Mahonia spp. (Oregon grape root), Balsamorhiza sagittata (Balsam root), Usnea spp. (Usenea), Populus spp. (Poplar) bud
Essential Oils: Most EOs are antimicrobial to one or more organisms. Citrus bergamia (Bergamot), Eucalyptus spp., Juniperus communis (Juniper), Citrus limonum (lemon)
Anti-tussives: Both sneezing and coughing are protective reactions that the body uses to move foreign particulate up and out of the respiratory system. Generally they should be encouraged, not suppressed. Sometimes, however, a cough can be dry and unproductive and serve only to irritate and inflame the respiratory system. This can be particularly distressing at night when you are trying to sleep. Most herbs will not suppress a cough, but soothe and reduce irritation to the lungs.
Herbs: Asclepias tuberosa (Pleurisy), Marrubium vulgare (Horehound), Prunus serotina and P. virginiana (Wild cherry), Althea officinalis (Marshmallow), Inula helenium (Elecampane)
Essential Oils: Pimpinella anisum (Anise), Eucalyptus spp., Abies balsamea (Fir), Origanum majorana (Marjoram), Commiphora spp. (Myrrh), Myroxylon balsamum (Balsam of Peru), Boswellia carterii (Frankincense), Santalum album (Sandalwood) cultivated only, Cupressus sempervirens (Cypress
Mineral Rich Tea Herbs: provide extra nutrition and can help support the eliminatory organs
Herbs: Urtica dioica (Nettles), Avena spp. (Oat straw), Matricaria chamomile (Chamomile), Medicago sativa (Alfalfa), Rubus spp. (Raspberry), Trifolium pratense (Red clover), Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion), Rumex crispus (Yellow dock), Equisetum spp. (Horsetail), Adiantum (Maidenhair fern)
Adaptogens: help the body, particularly the limbic system, adapt to stress and maintain balance and vitality. Some are also good for immune support and depression. Use caution with pregnancy and immune-suppressants.
Herbs: Aralia californica (Spikenard), Oplopanax horridus (Devil’s club), Withania somnifera (Ashwaganda), Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng), Panax ginseng (Red ginseng), Eleutherococcus senticosus (Eleuthero), Aralia nudicalis, Rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola), Schisandra chinensis (Schisandra), Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy basil), Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari), Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)
Nervine Relaxants: calm and ease the nerves. I like the idea of taking them throughout the day to reduce stress instead of just taking them at night.
Herbs: Valeriana spp. (Valerian), Scutellaria spp. (Skullcap), Passiflora incarnata (Passion flower), Avena spp. (Oat seed) (fresh), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort), Lavandula spp. (Lavender), Matricaria chamomile (Chamomile), Tilia spp. (Linden flower), Piper methysticum (Kava), Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort), Verbana hastata (Blue vervain), Turnera diffusa (Damiana), Actea racemosa (Black Cohosh), Nepeta cataria (Catnip), Stachys officinalis (Wood betony Piscidia erythrina or P. piscipula (Jamaican dogwood), Lobelia inflata (Lobelia) (parasympathomometic)
Nervine Tonics: help to strengthen and support the nervous system over time
Herbs: Avena spp. (Oat seed) (fresh), Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort), Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm)
Try some of these Herbal Recipes:
Wildfire Support Tincture:
1 part Balsamorhiza sagittata (Balsam root)
1 part Verbascum thapsus (Mullein leaf or flower)
1 part Grindelia spp. (Gum weed)
Take 60 drops 3-5 times a day for long term support of the respiratory system.
Breathe Deeply Tea:
1 part Verbascum thapsus (Mullein leaf)
1 part Glycyrrhiza spp. (Licorice)
1 part Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
1 part Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
1 part Urtica dioica (Nettles)
Take ¼ ounce combined herbs by weight and put loosely in a canning jar, teapot, or coffee press. Add 1 cup of boiling water and let steep ½-2 hours. Strain well. Drink 1-3 cups a day.
Mullein Flower Ear Oil:
2 oz Allium sativum (Garlic) oil
2 oz Verbascum thapsus (Mullein) Flower oil
1 oz Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort) oil
1 oz Calendula officinalis (Calendula) oil
This infused herbal oil blend is wonderful for adults, children, and even animals. Warm a dropper of the ear oil under warm water and dry the outside well so that no water drips into the ear. Add 5 drops to each ear and cover with a cotton ball. Apply 2 x daily for earache, sinus infection, or excessive earwax. Never use with a perforated eardrum. Can be used before and after ear candling. I find herbal tinctures to work very well for ear infections as well. Use antimicrobial herbs (list above) and follow the same steps as for using an ear oil.
Sinus Infection Inhalation:
10 ml Eucalyptus globulus essential oil
10 ml Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) essential oil
3 ml Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) essential oil
3 ml Mentha piperita (Peppermint) essential oil
2 ml Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) linalool essential oil
2 ml Pelargonium gravolens (Geranium) essential oil
Combine all oils together in a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. I like to use bottles that have reducers so it is easy to drop out a single drop of oil at a time. With a towel over your head, stand over a pot of steaming (not boiling) water. Close your eyes and add 2-3 drops of Sinus Infection Inhalation and breathe deeply through the nose. Add more as needed.
Sinus Infection Neti Pot Drops:
2 oz Anemopsis californica (Yerba Mansa) tincture
2 oz Juglans nigra (Black walnut) tincture
1 oz Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal) tincture
1 oz Collinsonia canadensis (Stone root) tincture
1 oz Althea officinalis (Marshmallow) tincture
10 ml Vegetable glycerin
Combine all ingredients and shake well. Label and store in a glass tincture bottle with a dropper. Add 30-60 drops of this blend to a neti pot (typically 1 cup of warm saline water) and irrigate through both nostrils. To make a saline water solution, add ¼ teaspoon sea salt to 1 cup warm water and stir well. This blend can also be used as an eye wash. (see above for neti pot directions)
Eucalyptus Nasal Oil
1 ounce unroasted sesame oil
6 drops of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil
4 drops of Peppermint essential oil
2 drops Niaouli essential oil
Combine all ingredients and shake well. Label and store in a glass tincture bottle with a dropper. Lay on your back, with a small pillow or rolled towel under your neck. Tilt your head back. Drop 5-10 drops of nasal oil in each nostril. Take a big sniff in, then rest for a few minutes allowing the oil to penetrate. Gently massage the nostrils, nose, and sinuses. Alternately, if standing or sitting you can place a drop of Eucalyptus Nasal Oil on the little finger and carefully insert it into the nostril, rubbing gently.
Herbal Throat Spray:
1 oz Populus spp. (Poplar bud) or Propolis tincture
1 oz Echinacea spp. (Echinacea) tincture
1 oz Usnea spp. (Usenea) tincture
1 oz Anemopsis californica (Yerba Mansa) tincture
2 teaspoons Althea officinalis (Marshmallow) powder
2 tablespoons Raw Honey (local is best)
2 drops Citrus limonum (lemon) essential oil
2 drops Eucalyptus radiata essential oil
1 drop Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) linelol essential oil
Mix the Echinacea spp. (Echinacea) tincture and honey together well. Add all other ingredients, stirring until everything is fully incorporated. Put in a glass spray bottle. Spray the back of the throat for infection, irritation, or soreness.
Deep Breath Oil
10 drops Mentha piperita (Peppermint) essential oil
10 drops Eucalyptus radiata essential oil
10 drops Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) essential oil
5 drops Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) essential oil
5 drop Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) linalool essential oil
Add this blend to a steam, chest rub, or aromatherapy inhaler. To make a simple rub, add 5-15 drops of Deep Breath Oil to 1 ounce of vegetable oil and rub on the chest, back, over the sinuses (careful to avoid the eyes!), or behind the ears. For external use only.
Onion Pack
3 - 4 small Onions
1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1 cup Cornmeal, Flaxseed meal or Flour
Cheese cloth or muslin
This traditional recipe can help to loosen congestion, encourage expectoration, and speed healing of the lungs. Chop the onions and sauté them in oil until they are translucent, but not mushy. Pour in apple cider vinegar, just enough to cover the onions. Reduce the heat and add 1 cup of cornmeal, flax seed meal, or flour (these help hold the heat in) and mix well until you have a peanut butter consistency. Put the mixture on a cheese cloth or muslin and fold it together. Rub the chest with vegetable oil to protect the skin. Apply the poultice to the chest. Put a plastic bag over the top and a warm towel over that. Relax and breathe deeply for 20 minutes or so. Then lay face down with your legs on a bed, bending at the waist with your head pointed towards the floor. Put a towel under your head. Have someone drum on your back and expectorate as needed.
Remember, the earth can heal, and so can you!
Given the right tools, the body will work to heal itself. I hope these recipes and this information helps you to support your health and well-being. Breathe!
© Elaine Sheff, Clinical Herbalist, RH (AHG)