Smoked Out? Medicinal herbs to support the Respiratory System

As residents of the Rogue Valley begin to assess the damage due to our fires, we must also contend with the thick layer of smoke hovering ominously. Times like these are already overwhelming, but the added toxicity of our air makes our lungs feel heavy and overworked. Many are searching for relief while we wait this out until our air begins to clear. 

​Breeze Botanicals is here to help with some natural ways to relieve this environmental stress on your body. We've gathered a few suggestions below that may help support your respiratory health during this time.

We will begin by introducing medicinal herbs that support the natural functions of our respiratory systems. Each of the following herbs are often used to support the lungs.​

​Peppermint: Peppermint has an antihistamine effect, coupled with the strong, cooling action of menthol that makes it a useful decongestant. It may help clear congestion from sinuses and lungs and provide cooling relief.*

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​Mullein: Mullein is an expectorant used in hoarseness, coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, hay fever and other respiratory conditions. Mullein may help clear congestion, as well. It is well known as an ally to respiratory health.* ​

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​Wild Cherry Bark: Wild cherry bark helps support the body's lower respiratory system. Due to its astringent, sedative, antispasmodic, and bronchodilator actions, it may help dry mucus, increase expectoration, ease coughing, and open the airways. Use wild cherry bark in a liquid extract form.*

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​Hyssop: May help the body fight off infectious bacteria and viruses, as well as support the respiratory system. Hyssop is an expectorant and may also help suppress coughs.*

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​There are also medicinal herbs to help us detoxify our bodies of the impurities present in dangerous air conditions. The particulate matter present during fire season is particularly of concern. Despite our best efforts with protective masks there are toxic substances in the microscopic range that can make their way into our lungs when the air is full of smoke. This concern is a great reason to consider adding detoxification to the list of things you do to keep your body healthy during fire season.

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​Dandelion Root: Dandelion may support the digestive and urinary systems, as well as the organs that help rid the body of toxins.*

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​Burdock Root: Burdock helps the body's natural detoxification processes and assists in eliminating harmful toxins from the body.*

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Our vendor Sun God Medicinals produces the convenient Ra Herbals tincture line, which focuses on single herbs, such as those shown above, allowing you to select the specific herbs you need in a convenient liquid form. These herbs can then be taken directly or added to your favorite beverage as an easy option.

Sun God Medicinals also offers compounded herbal products, which combine multiple herbs that work together to assist our body during times like these. We really like the organic ingredients as well.
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Sun God Medicinals' Panacea Line is an herbal compound line and a great ally for soothing your lungs during times of poor air quality. ​

​Herbs like peppermint, mullein, and marshmallow in the Panacea Cold & Flu blend support the upper respiratory system and protect mucus.*

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​Dandelion root, burdock root, and nettle leaf in the Panacea Detox blend are great for helping the body with the detoxification process, balancing the body and helping to support removal of impurities and toxins from the body.*

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​Lastly, if the air quality and general stress of this time is preventing you from getting much needed rest, we would like to recommend Sun God Medicinals Hypnos Line. This line of specially formulated teas, tinctures, and salves was created with organic supporting herbs to help you get restful sleep. Since sleep is such a vital part of the body’s recovery, consider herbs to help there as well.

All of these products were made right here in Oregon, with organic Oregon grown herbs - for those of you who like to keep your money local.

Stay safe out there, and please let us know if you have any questions about herbs, their effects, uses, and the best ways to add them to your life.

 *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not approved by the FDA to treat, cure or prevent any disease.