Up in Smoke! How Wildfires Pollute the Lungs & How to Repair the Damage.

It seems like we can't go a summer without the disruption of a wildfire. I am from Kelowna BC and know all to well about wildfires. The McDougall Creek Fire has changed many peoples lives. So many lives, homes, and natural lands have been burnt to the ground and left up in smoke. While wildfires leave their mark on our lands, they are also leaving an internal mark on our respiratory system.

" In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers found hospitalizations from wildfire smokes fine particle matter were up to 10 times greater than those from other pollution sources."

Wildfire smoke taking over our skies and air.

Why Wildfires are Damaging?

Wildfire smoke is produced by microscopic matter called particulate matter (PM). The matter is 30 times smaller than a strand of hair and is made up of acids, chemicals, metals, soil, and dust; the particles come in a few different sizes of PM's. Larger particles of PM's being over 10 (PM10) will irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Medium size particles less than or equal to PM10's will irritate and move further into the throat and lungs. The smaller particles, between 10 and 2.5 micrometers (PM10-2.5), affect the upper repertory system. Finally, ultrafine particles of 2.5 micrometers and less (PM2.5-0) penetrate deep into the lungs causing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Wildfires will inflict health issue on individuals as far as hundred to thousands kilometers away from its original fire zone. So, when you feel the need to exercise, play, walk, hike, or just get a breath of fresh air, don't do it! Waite till the air quality is above a PM8-10, to be safe. For those people who have no choice but to be in the smoke and people who are more susceptible to smoke, there are ways to limit the damage. With the help of herbs, you can eliminate and relive symptoms from toxic overload, naturally. The lungs are part of the respiratory system and are needed to survive. Don't let wildfires fool you. Take steps to protect your lungs, now!

Remedies to Heal the Lungs

The lung are very important for survival. If we don't take care of this organ, it is likely to shut down and cause respiratory issues. The lungs are the first organ to be hit with toxic smoke particles. While PM's of 2.5 get deep into the lungs, PM's of 10-2.5 will also cause symptoms, such as, asthma attacks, and worsen COPD and pneumonia. In addition, coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, and shortness of breath can occur. The ultimate way to prevent respiratory health problems, from wildfires, is just to stay in side. Realistically, most people still have to work outside and many have lives to live. To help with oxidative stress, on the lungs, herbs can be introduced into the daily regime. Herbal teas, oils, tinctures, and supplements are a wonderful way to relieve and reduce symptoms and discomfort, naturally. Herbs like mullein, curcumin, and thyme are my favouret choice, when it comes to lung health.

What is Mullein?

In many ancient cultures, mullein is considered a magical protector against witchcraft and evil spirits, but mostly, it is known for its healing powers. The velvety plant can be found almost anywhere, on the planet. The most known healing properties of mullein is its ability to help the respiratory system, it relieves coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia. Mulleins powers are its ability to break down mucus (phlegm), so it is easier to cough up and out. Mullein, also, contains mucilage, which coats the mucous membranes reliving pain and swelling from inflammation. In addition, antioxidants have been found in mullein, which protect cells from free radicals. Finally, research shows, mullein has antiviral properties; taking mullein when a cold or flu sets in will aid in the healing process.

How to Use Mullein

Mullein Tea

Firstly, the stems and the leaves from mullein can be made into a hot or cold tea. Mullein contains mucilage, which swells and becomes slippery to sooth the throat. Mullein tea has a delicate, slightly sweet, and earthy taste. Mullein tea is not over powering; people say it has flavours of chamomile or lavender and no bitter taste.

Hot tea

1. Put 1 tsp of mullein leaf in 1 cup of filtered boiling water (tap water will defeat the purpose).

2. Steep the mullein for 15 to 20 minutes

3. Drink 3 cups a day, for medicinal use.

Cold tea

1. Grab a large pot.

2. Add filtered water

3. Add 1 tsp of mullein to every 1 cup of water.

4. Boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

5. Take the pot off the burner and let cool to room temperature.

6. Strain the leaves (leaves will become bitter, if left to long)

7. Put the tea into a large glass container (glass has no toxins)

8. Put into the fridge

9. Drink 3 cups a day, for medicinal use

Mullein Tincture

Secondly, mullein can be taken in a tincture form. Research shows, when mullein stem extract is combined with alcohol, it was 85% effective in protecting cells from damage.

Take 10 to 30 drops of a turmeric tincture, 3 times a day.

1. For people who don't mind the strong pungent taste of alcohol, just drop the herbal remedy under the tongue and leave for 30 seconds and swallow.

2. For people who find the tinctures to potent, you can put the tincture in a glass and dilute it with a bit of water.

3. For children, there is a way to remove the alcohol.

• Boil 200 ml of water and remove from burner and let cool to 80°C.

• Add the tincture (drops) to the water.

• Leave it for 20 minutes again and allow the alcohol to evaporate.

• Pour into a cup and drink it.

Smoking Mullein

Lastly, smoking mullein, yes smoking, has a healing affect; American Indian tribes have been smoking mullein for centuries. The smoke from mullein relieves irritation of the respiratory mucus membrane and helps with asthma and spasmodic coughing.

1. Put the dry mullein into a pipe or bowl (do not roll in to a cigarette, the paper will irritate the lungs).

2. Light the mullein with a lighter.

3. slowly inhaling the smoke.

All healing techniques of mullein are safe, but of course, keep the smoking mullein to the adults.

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric has been used in India for thousand of years for cooking and is still used in many kitchens, today. Also, turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin, which is known for its ability to help with inflammatory issues, bacterial and fungal infections, and compromised immune systems. In addition, the colourful herb contains iron, manganese. phytosterols, fiber, potassium and vitamin B6. Studies show curcumin decreases bronchial hyper-responsiveness in animals, with asthma; furthermore, it decreases inflammation cytokine levels, by consuming both turmeric and curcumin. Finally, curcumin, alone, has been shown to smooth muscle cell growth in the airway.

How to Use Turmeric

Turmeric in Drinks and Food

First, Raw and powdered turmeric is great for all ages. Turmeric tastes like a mixture of ginger, pepper, and wood smoke, but it also has hints of bitterness and spiciness. In addition, with its earthy and musky flavor, it enhances the taste of any food. The flavourful herb has no limits. Add as much turmeric as you want to smoothies, soups, foods, drinks, for additional health benefits.

1. Add 1 tsp or more of turmeric powder into a smoothie

2. Add as much powdered or raw turmeric to soups (powdered is stronger than raw turmeric).

3. Add any amount of turmeric, to any food, to peek your taste buds.

4. Add 1 tsp of turmeric to hot water, for a tea, or add it to steamed almond, coconut, or oat milk, for a tasty latte (do not use dairy milk, it will produce phlegm)

Turmeric Tincture

Second, a tincture form is one of the most powerful ways to get a herb right into the blood stream, for fast acting results. Take 10 to 30 drops of a turmeric tincture, 3 times a day.

1. For people who don't mind the strong pungent taste of alcohol, just drop the herbal remedy under the tongue and leave for 30 seconds.

2. For people who find the tinctures to potent, you can put the tincture in a glass and dilute it with a bit of water.

3. For children, there is a way to remove the alcohol.

• Boil 200 ml of water and remove from burner and let cool to 80°C.

• Add the tincture (drops) to the water.

• Leave it for 20 minutes again and allow the alcohol to evaporate.

• Pour into a cup and drink it.

Turmeric/Curcumin Supplements

Lastly, the powerful anti-inflammatory can be administered in a capsule or liquid supplement form, up to 2000mg a day; this amount can be split up into 3 times a day, on an empty stomach. To find the best form of turmeric/curcumin supplement, look for:

1. Form: Curcumin supplements come in various forms, including capsules, powders, and liquids. Capsules are the most common and convenient form, but powders and liquids may be more easily absorbed by the body.

2. Dosage: The recommended dosage of curcumin supplements varies depending on the brand and form. It’s important to follow the instructions on the label and consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement.

3. Purity: Look for curcumin supplements that are free of additives, fillers, and artificial ingredients. The purity of the supplement can affect its effectiveness and safety.

4. Quality: Choose a curcumin supplement from a reputable brand that uses high-quality ingredients and follows good manufacturing practices.

5. Bioavailability: Curcumin is not easily absorbed by the body, so look for supplements that contain black pepper extract or other ingredients that enhance bioavailability.

What is Thyme?

Thyme was a symbol of courage, during the Middle Ages. Noblewomen would embroider thyme springs on a scarf and hand it to their favorite night, before the men departed for a Crusade. Thyme not only brought courage, when needed, but it, also, provided powerful healing properties. When it comes to respiratory issues, the herb can be used as a expectorant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory. Thyme also provides high levels of vitamins A, C, E, and K and mineral, such as, calcium, potassium, iron, and phosphorus. While wildfires bring on symptoms of bronchitis, asthma, COPD, congestion, phlegm, and sore throats, thyme will fight back and reverses symptoms and discomfort.

How to use Thyme

Thyme Oil

First, Essential oils can be a powerful way to get thyme into the respiratory system. In the journal Medicinal Chemistry, it reports thyme oil has strong antibacterial activity. The process of steam distillation, from the fresh flowering of thyme, makes this amazing oil. When thyme convers into an oil, it becomes a clear, yellow or very dark reddish‐brown liquid with a spicy smell of thymol.

1. Grab a large bowl of very hot water and add 3 or more drops of thyme essential oil.

2. Find a comfortable and safe place to put the bowl.

3. When you have settled into your spot, take a towel and drape it over your head and make a tent.

4. Steam for 5 or more minutes. In addition, thyme tea is a warm and wonderful way to pull healing properties out and into the body.

Children under 5 years of age and patients with epilepsy or diseases of the thyroid gland and pregnant women should not use thyme oil.19

Thyme Tea

Second, Thyme tea's high levels of vitamin C, and peppery, citrus, mint undertones, it will sooth the throat and relieve coughing. To make a medicinal tea:

1. Steep 1 tsp of dry or fresh thyme into 1 cup of boiling water, if using fresh herbs triple the amount

2. Let sit for 10 to 30 min; the longer thyme sits in boiling water the stronger it will get.

3. Drink 3 cups a day for medicinal use.

Thyme Tincture

Finally, thyme can be administered in tincture form. In a thyme tincture, it contains two oil-soluble components carvacrol and thymol. Thymol and carvacrol have the ability to kill bacterial and fungal infections, which will help with mucus build up, hacking, and whooping cough. The recommended dose is 1 tsp 2 to 3 times a day. There are a few ways to take a tincture that is safe for everyone:

1. For people who don't mind the strong pungent taste of alcohol, just drop the herbal remedy under the tongue and leave for 30 seconds.

2. For people who find the tinctures to potent, you can put the tincture in a glass and dilute it with a bit of water.

3. For children, there is a way to remove the alcohol.

• Boil 200 ml of water and remove from burner and let cool to 80°C.

• Add the tincture (drops) to the water.

• Leave it for 20 minutes again and allow the alcohol to evaporate.

• Pour into a cup and drink it.

Wildfire smoke doesn't have to take hold of your health, stop it in its tracks, now. The reparatory system is very important. Everyday, we breath in toxins from the air. Wildfires seem to becoming the norm, and its becoming an added stressor to our lives. The daily intake of herbs are a natural and inexpensive way to heal the body inside and out. If you would like to know more about how you can heal your body through a functional perspective, please go to my web site, at aalanutrition,ca and sign up for my free strategy session. In the strategy session, we will talk about what goals you want to accomplish and how we can reach those goal.

On my web site, you can also find a supplement dispensary. My dispensary gives you 20% off all off your supplements. To receive amazing saving and supreme quality supplements, go to my Fullscript Store, at Functional Nutrition Services | Aala Nutrition and sign up. I am looking forward to getting to know you and what makes you tick. There is no one treatment to help one disease or illness; we are all bio-individual. There is no obligation to purchase programs or supplements. Lets just talk!

Published By Tammy McDougall

Owner of Aala Nutrition

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