Wildfires and smoke have always been, and will continue to be a part of life in the West, and supporting the Lungs is crucial for all of us when smoke levels rise. Even if you are not experiencing any difficulties from the smoke, your Lungs are still working extra hard for you, and would probably appreciate the support.
This article provides a look at some of the best herbs for smoke inhalation and some herbal ideas and treatment principles that are useful during periods of chronic smoke exposure. This can help you begin to put together a customized Lung and smoke support herbal formula...of course, this is not a substitute for a consultation with a trained herbalist...but it will provide an excellent beginning.
In order to treat smoke inhalation we need a few different types of herbs to help the body deal with the stress of chronic environmental pollution and enhance the functional capacity of the lungs themselves- adaptogens fall into this category, along with herbs that moisten and replenish tissues which have been dried and damaged by smoke- known as yin tonics in Chinese medicine, as well as herbs which directly focus on symptoms such as cough, sore throat, red eyes, congestion, etc. In addition, as diet is the foundation of healing, make sure you're eating healthy nutritious food, with plenty of antioxidants (smoke causes oxidative stress in the body). Also be sure your elimination is up to par- the respiratory system and the colon are intimately linked in Chinese Medicine, and, as chronic smoke exposure means chronic exposure to toxins, it is important to be eliminating regularly. The Ayurvedic herbal preparation Triphala gives you a large dose of antioxidants along with promoting colon function and healthy elimination. It is best taken on an empty stomach at bedtime, and is non habit forming and can be taken daily for extended periods. It would be a great addition to any smoke support regimen. But, I digress. Onward to the herbs....
1. Adaptogens: This category of herbs has become a buzzword of late, and as many of us know, adaptogens help the body counter adverse physical, chemical, or biological stressors by enhancing our ability to “adapt” to such stressors. For those exposed to smoke on a daily basis, the stress is real. When a person’s airways are chronically impacted, and breathing is impaired, the body can enter a mild, continuous state of “fight or flight”. The oxygen starved tissues of the body all begin to sound the alarm, “alert, alert, not enough oxygen” putting the body in a stress state. In addition, smoke causes oxidative damage, which increases inflammation and thus the over all stress level of the body. Adaptogens help the body deal with these stressors and help balance and return the bodies’ systems to a “normal” stable state. They can also enhance the function of certain organs and organ systems. Some adaptogens with specific affinity for the Lungs include:
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) My hands down favorite for enhancing Lung function and lifting the spirits. Rhodiola is a tonic that enhances immunity, strength, and stamina and was traditionally used by high mountain peoples of Tibet, East Asia, and Scandanavia. It is thought to increase oxygen utilization by the Lungs and was used to counter lack of oxygen at higher altitudes. It also has been shown to enhance immune function and protect cells against chemical damage. It has a wonderful effect on the spirit, lifting and calming the mood without being overstimulating. It’s cooling nature makes it excellent for countering the hot, drying effects of smoke exposure. Rhodiola works best when combined with moistening herbs like yin tonics. Used alone for extended periods of time, it can be slightly drying. Of the adaptogens discussed here, Rhodiola is the most energizing, making it the best choice for athletes and those who are more active.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) The added stress of smoke exposure weakens the Lungs and immunity and predisposes many of us to colds and sore throats at this time. In Chinese medicine, the Lung governs protective qi and immunity, and as we head into fall, the season of the Lung, it is especially important to bolster the Lungs and the immunity so we do not find ourselves falling prey to frequent colds. Medicinal mushrooms like Reishi have long been used for their immunostimulating, strengthening and regulating properties. Reishi posseses an intelligence that can speak directly to the immune system, upregulating or downregulating its activity as necessary. It is strongly anti-carcinogenic, and also has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Reishi directly strengthens the Lungs and is a great herb for asthma, wheezing, and respiratory difficulty as well. It can be used together with Rhodiola. For those looking for a little less stimulation than Rhodiola, Reishi is a wonderful, more stabilizing and calming choice.
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) This “true ginseng” relative is used by Native Americans for asthma and chronic cough, as well as other ailments. Many native peoples consider it the “chief” of all herbs and revere its’ sweet yet strong spirit. Think of American ginseng as a "gentle warrior". Unlike other ginsengs which tend to be warming and drying. American ginsengs’ cooling and moistening nature make it ideal for treating the hot, drying effects of smoke exposure. This special herb is endangered in the wild, due to overharvesting, so be sure to purchase only cultivated American Ginseng. American ginseng has also been shown to regulate the adrenals, balance the immune system, and treat allergic asthma. Just what we all could use about now.
Certain adaptogenic herbs which are supportive to the Lungs, and the bodies' immune defenses are NOT included here- namely, Astragalus and Schisandra. Why? This is because these herbs both have a certain blocking/binding or firming action- thus they are not appropriate during acute periods of exposure to toxins. Astragalus strengthens the bodies external protective field, preventing pathogens from entering, but also inhibiting them from leaving. In a similiar, but slightly different way, Schisandra helps consolidate the bodies' vital energy and fluids when we are depleted, holding things inside the body. This same consolidating action can prevent toxins from being expelled during periods of acute exposure. However, they would both be excellent herbs to work with after the smoke exposure is over in order to consolidate and rebuild the Lungs and the immunity. Schisandra also helps the Liver regenerate and repair itself after exposure to toxic chemicals.
2. Herbs that moisten and nourish yin/demulcents The Lungs are known as the “delicate organ” and are intimately linked with the bodies’ water and moistness. The dry heat of late summer, coupled with the harsh nature of wildfire smoke, can easily injure the yin fluids of the Lung. For those who develop a dry hacking cough, with difficult to expectorate mucus, where everything just feels stuck, it is important to soothe and moisten the Lung so that the dried encrusted mucus can be coughed up. Otherwise it will simply persist.
Chinese Lily Bulb (Lilium lancifolium) A simply wonderful herb for cooling, moistening and nourishing the Lungs, especially when they have been damaged by heat. It also helps to stop cough, and can be combined with Mullbery bark (discussed later) for a clogged, phlegmy respiratory system with wheezing and dry hacking cough. Lily bulb has a nourishing, sweet nature which is calming and quieting without being sedating. It can also be cooked as a food in a rice congee.
Ophiopogon (Ophiopogon japonicus) For those gardeners among us, Ophiopogon is also known as Mondo grass and is commonly used in landscapes alongside Japanese maples. But who knew it was also a superior traditional Chinese herb for moistening and nourishing the Lungs? For a dry hacking cough or thick wads of mucus that only come up with great effort, Ophiopogon helps cool, soothe, and soften the respiratory passages and gently alleviates dry coughs. The root, with it’s beautiful translucent, glistening bulblets, is decocted or pounded raw into a cooling beverage.
Marshmallow Root (Althea officinalis) A beautiful sweet, cool, moistening herb that helps to replenish and regulate the bodies water passages. Marshmallow contains muco-polysaccharides that help replenish the bodies’ moisture. These molecules assist in hydration by gathering and holding water. Herbs like marshmallow root are key in facilitating hydration and water absorption- without them, we may be drinking enough water, but it is like pouring water on a dry cracked plain- none of it is absorbed and it simply runs off. Marshmallow root gathers and holds water, facilitating its’ absorption into the bodies tissues. Marshmallow root is also an excellent rejuventor of damaged mucus membranes and quells inflammation. In addition to its properties as an expectorant, marshmallow root also works wonders on an inflamed digestive track- (think gastritis, ulcers, Chrons’). To preserve its’ muco-polysaccharides, Marshmallow root should not be decocted but rather, infused in cold water. Alcohol tinctures of marshmallow root are ineffective as the magic muco-polysaccharides do not extract in alcohol.
Other herbs in this category you may like to research include Solomons Seal rhizome, Licorice Root- which also has adaptogenic qualities, particularly as a gentle support for the adrenals, and also is excellent for dry, sore, scratchy throat, though not to be used for those with hypertension, Wood Ear Fungus (Tremella fuciformis), and Slippery Elm.
3. Herbs that Relieve Cough and Wheezing/ Antitussives, Expectorants These herbs can be combined with an adaptogen, a moistening herb, or both, for those dealing with cough due to smoke inhalation. While the adaptogens and moistening herbs mentioned will all help with cough, it may also be helpful to take an herb specifically for cough along with them, depending on the severity of one’s symptoms. If a person is being chronically exposed to smoke, but doing well physically, perhaps all they would need is an adaptogen to support their respiratory system and stress level. However, for those dealing with persistent cough, red eyes, wheezing, etc., some of the following herbs may be helpful.
Mulberry Leaf and Bark (Morus alba) Mullberry leaf cools and moistens the Lungs and treats a cough with thick yellow phlegm. It is also excellent for red teary eyes that are irritated by smoke. It treats early stage colds with scratchy throat, headache and cough. It clears and cools heat specifically from the Lungs and eyes. The bark of the Mullberry actually has a slightly different usage than the leaves. The leaves, being lighter in nature, treat more superficial, early stage conditions and help to vent heat from the body. Mullberry bark treats more internal, longer standing cough and wheezing with yellow green mucus. Mullberry bark is also cooler than the leaf- thus it is useful when heat has become trapped inside the body causing dry wheezing and asthma. Working on a deeper level than the leaf, Mullberry bark also helps to regulate the water passages of the body- it has a draining action, both on the Lungs, as it drains them of heat, and also on the bodies water passages, by draining edema and swelling.
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) Coltsfoot is a Western herbalism classic for treating coughs of all kinds. It has a practical, can-do nature and is almost always up to the job. Coltsfoot is also used in Chinese herbal medicine, where it is said to treat any kind of cough. It should not be used in pregnancy, nursing, or liver disease. It is best for that dry, nagging cough that seems like it’s about to go away, but never does. For those with chronic coughs and wheezing, or a “smoker’s cough” upon awakening, a cup of hot coltsfoot tea first thing in the morning can be an excellent remedy. Coltsfoot has a calming effect on the respiratory system and helps with spasmodic coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and asthma. It also soothes sore throat and relieves hoarseness. It is wonderful taken with honey to help moisten the Lungs. Coltsfoot should not be combined with Chinese Lilly bulb.
Linden Flower (Tilia platphyllos) Linden flower makes a flavorful, calming beverage which is a wonderful remedy for coughs, colds, and bronchitis. It alleviates headache as well, and for the hot and bothered individual, it soothes and cools down the nervous system. It is included here specifically for its cooling ability to stop coughs and calm the nerves simultaneously. It also can help those dealing with tight chest and rapid heartbeat. Clinical studies show Linden flower can lower high blood pressure as well.
Other herbs for smoke induced coughs which are worth exploring are mullein, elder- particularly for those with accompanying sinus infection, Chinese fritillaria, and wild cherry bark. I have not included herbs such as elecampance, osha, or yerba santa, which are wonderful for cough but have a warming, drying nature and thus are inappropriate to treat coughs induced by smoke during the hot dry season of summer. For those who suffer from eye irritation more than cough, with stinging, red, irritated, watering eyes, chrysanthemum flowers taken as a tea provide a soothing sigh of relief.
This is just a brief introduction to a few of the herbs which might become your helpful allies during fire season…Breathe easy and don’t forget to thank your Lungs!
And, as diet is the foundation of all cures, make sure to eat well and include plenty of anti-oxidants in your diet to counter the oxidative stress caused by smoke inhalation.
Consult with your licensed medical provider before beginning any herbal medicine program. The statements here are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.
Copyright 2018 by Athene Eisenhardt, L.Ac
