Natural Remedies for Wildfire Smoke Inhalation
There are a number of Forest Fires in my area
Currently as I look out my window, all I see is smoke..
While the immediate threats to life and property are the foremost concern, smoke particles have an impact on our lungs/our pet's lungs.
My throat was especially sore yesterday, and I am finding the Slippery Elm to be VERY helpful- I am taking 1 teaspoon twice daily
HOW CAN I TELL IF THE SMOKE IS AFFECTING my Dogs or Cats or ME?
Red or watery eyes, nasal discharge,
inflammation of throat or mouth or
reluctance to eat hard foods
Persistent cough, phlegm, wheeze, scratchy throat or irritated sinuses
Trouble breathing, including open-mouth
breathing, more noise when breathing, or
fast breathing
Fatigue or weakness, disorientation, uneven
gait, stumbling
Reduced appetite or thirst
Headaches
WHAT ARE WAYS TO LIMIT EXPOSURE TO SMOKE?
Stay indoors whenever possible with the doors and windows closed.
Keep pets indoors as much as you can, with
doors and windows closed. Bring outdoor
pets into a room with good ventilation, like
a utility room, garage, or bathroom. Move
potentially dangerous products, such as
pesticides, out of the reach of pets
• Smoke is especially tough on your pet
birds. Keep them inside when smoke is
present.
• Keep indoor air clean: do not fry or broil
foods, vacuum, burn candles, use a
fireplace or woodstove, or smoke tobacco
products. These activities add particles to
your home.
N95 masks properly worn may offer some protection. Do not rely on paper or dust masks for protection.
Use a HEPA filter(high-efficiency particulate air)
Avoid vacuuming, which can stir up dust.
WHAT ARE SOME NATURAL WAYS TO SUPPORT HEALTH?
Steam inhalation—add 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil to 1 cup of nearly boiling water in a bowl, or add to a vaporizer. One study showed this..
One study on mice found that lavender oil might suppress inflammation of mucous in the respiratory system, as well as help with bronchial asthma. This suggests that lavender oil might be a good treatment for COPD.
Use an herbal eyewash to soothe irritated eyes. You should be able to find at your local health food store. Herbs it will likely include: calendula (marigold), hydrastis (goldenseal), chamomile, and euphrasia (eyebright).
Increase water intake to reduce scratchy throat, coughing and dry nasal passages.
Increase intake of anti-inflammatory foods: garlic, turmeric, ginger, green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, beets, pineapples, etc.
Increase intake of high anti-oxidant foods: goji berries, wild blueberries, elderberries, cranberries.
Supplemental anti-oxidants: N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Smoke causes inflammation via oxidative damage so, antioxidants are great for cleaning up the debris.
Herbal Respiratory Suport: marshmallow root, yerba santa, mullein, elecampane and licorice (don’t use if high blood pressure).
Slippery Elm: VERY effective to decrease inflammation of inflamed airways. Dose of 400mg/10 lbs daily. I am taking 1600 mg twice daily
Herbal Stress Support: Adaptogens—ashwaghanda, eleutherococcus, rhodiola, holy basil; Nervines—lemon balm, passion flower, kava kava, valerian.
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