This summer in my area, we have been dealing with low air quality due to the wildfires in Canada. I know we are fortunate that we are not dealing with the wildfires themselves, and my heart goes out to the Canadians that have been affected by them. I have often been asked what herbs can benefit the respiratory and cardiovascular systems with this unhealthy air we are experiencing.
When the air quality reaches unhealthy, it is best to stay inside as much as possible and limit activities outside. That is unrealistic for some people that work in the outdoors or play sports that have not been cancelled or rescheduled due to this. For people that do not have any health conditions aggravated by the air quality, they can go outside briefly and not experience any side effects. However, the longer they breathe in this unhealthy air, the larger this possibility of developing symptoms becomes.
For some people, these side effects can involve the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Symptoms could include breathing difficulties, coughing, increased blood pressure, headaches, nausea, irritated eyes or sinuses, scratchy throat, chest pain, fatigue, or even rapid heartbeat. The chances of experiencing these possible symptoms increases with current health conditions involving both the respiratory and cardiovascular systems or with longer durations of inhalation.
The choice of herbal support begins with the understanding of what is needed with each symptom. Herbalism usually begins with the cause, but we know the cause of this situation. What we need now is to understand what body system and what medicinal actions are needed with each symptom. Let’s take a look at the lower and upper respiratory systems and the best medicinal actions that are needed along with a few examples of herbs for each condition or symptom.
Dry hacking cough - This situation requires a demulcent and an expectorant herb to both soothe the irritated tissue and help to release excess mucous from the lungs. Great examples of herbs that fit this profile are Marshmallow root (Athaea officinalis), Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Plantain (Plantago spp.), Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris), and Violet (Viola odorata). These herbs would also benefit a sore scratchy throat caused by inhaling wildfire smoke. It is best to use these herbs in an herbal infusion for the best results.
Bronchial spasms - This can be caused by irritated tissue thus creating excessive mucous and reflex spasms once the mucous has been expelled. This symptom also requires a demulcent and expectorant herb to begin with and then an antispasmodic herb once the mucous is no longer being expelled. Antispasmodic herbs for the respiratory tract are Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Red clover (Trifolium pratense), or Lobelia (Lobelia inflata *LOW DOSE HERB). These herbs could be utilized in either an infusion or tincture herbal preparation.
Wheezing/asthma - This situation involves inflammation and the narrowing of bronchial airways which could also lead to bronchial spasms. A combination of a demulcent and expectorant herb and antispasmodic herb above would be beneficial with this symptom or condition. The best herbal preparation with this combination would be an infusion if they are taken together, or an infusion with the demulcent and expectorant herbs with a tincture of the antispasmodic herb taken separately.
Nasal/Sinus congestion - Irritation or congestion of the nasal or sinus passages are common with the inhalation of wildfire smoke. The irritation and congestion can be helped through breathing in an herbal steam which can be both decongesting and moisturizing to these passages. Common herbal steams utilize Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.), Lavender (Lavandula spp.), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), or Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus). Many of these herbs can also benefit a headache that can develop from sinus congestion too. First, make an herbal infusion and cover it during the steeping process, and then place your head covered with a towel over the uncovered infusion to keep the steam localized to your face. Occasionally lift your head to breathe in fresh air and cool your face. Repeat this process for at least 15 minutes.
Breathing in pollutants not only affects the respiratory system, but in return can affect how our cardiovascular system responds to this stressor. First start with increasing your water intake, cleanse out your nasal and sinus passages, and then support the immune system. You can use the herbal steam suggestions above and incorporate medicinal mushrooms in your diet or in supplement forms. You can also assure that you are getting enough sleep and nutrition to support the immune system. Now, let’s take a look at additional steps to take with the symptoms and conditions concerning the cardiovascular system.
Heart palpitations - This symptom can be experienced after inhaling large amounts of wildfire smoke, or when inhaling smaller amounts with those individuals that have already been diagnosed previously with a heart condition. It can also be triggered by fear and the nervous system especially if there is an experience of shortness of breath. The heart is a muscle, so antispasmodic herbs can be beneficial with spasming or palpitations. This can include Hawthorn (Cratageus spp.), Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), or Linden (Tilia spp.). If the nervous system is involved, it wouldn’t hurt to incorporate a relaxing nervine such as Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), or Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). These work as well when the headache is caused by tension or increased anxiety. A great way to incorporate both the antispasmodic and nervine medicinal actions is to drink the infusion, soak in a bath infused with these herbs, or do both.
Increased blood pressure - This can result from anxiety or an increase in the stress hormone levels such as cortisol. Knowing which one triggered the high blood pressure will determine which herb will help support your cardiovascular system to resolve this symptom. Anxiolytic herbs such as Skullcap (S. lateriflora), Linden (Tilia spp.), Black Horehound (Ballota nigra), or St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) will help to reduce anxiety. Other considerations for herbal support are relaxing adaptogens such as Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) or Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera). Both of these are also considered anxiolytics in herbalism. Any of these herbs can be taken in an infusion or tincture.
Fatigue is caused by the lack of oxygen when breathing in pollutants. I would first drink plenty of water, use the herbal steam, rest your body, and eat nutritious meals. Then support the immune system with additional dietary supplements such as medicinal mushrooms, Vitamin C, and Zinc.
If you are developing nausea from the excessive air pollutants, support the digestive system with an herb from the Mint family in addition to following the advice from the previous paragraph. Many of the spices you have in your kitchen are in the Mint family such as Rosemary (S. rosmarinus), Thyme (T. vulgaris), Oregano (Origanum vulgare), and Sage (Salvia officinalis). Peppermint (M. piperita), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), or Catnip (Nepeta cataria) will also help with this symptom.
There are many ways that herbs can support the body after the inhalation of wildfire smoke. In addition to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems being involved, the digestive and immune systems can be compromised and need extra support as well. It is always a good idea to drink plenty of water, get enough rest and sleep, eat a nutritious meal, and get enough exercise when at all possible, in order to support all of the body systems working in harmony with each other.