Herbs for Lung Care

Of respiratory care in smoky situations

As a child, I would sip the nectar from honeysuckle flowers.

I’m well familiar with the orange glow of the skies, and the hazy filter through which I see through, when it is wildfire season here in the Pacific Northwest. Granted, I’ve lived here for almost three decades and it seems like it’s only been the last handful of years that it’s become routine. When smoke is floating around our own property, we close up every window, filter the inside air the best we can, and pray for rain.

Still, inhaled smoke is irritating, not just mentally but physically. We can use herbs to help us decrease inflammation in the respiratory tract, disinfect the tissues, and cool the body.

Grindelia (Grindelia spp.)is helpful if everything feels raw and sore, or if the voice is hoarse due to smoke inhalation. My favorite preparation for grindelia is in honey, which can be a soothing addition to an infusion.

Gumweed (Grindelia)

---

Turmeric root (Cucuma longa) is helpful as a quick anti inflammatory, 2.5 to 10 grams per day. I most enjoy turmeric root in warmed milk for an evening beverage.

For lung tissue support, a tincture of schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is helpful, a dropperful a few times a day (not to be taken together with acetaminophen). Schisandra is helpful for all kinds of respiratory conditions, including infection and cough. Pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa) is another option, which also is very helpful for all sorts of respiratory conditions, two to three droppersfuls, two to three times a day. I’d use schisandra if my body felt like it needed some warmth, and pleurisy if I wanted something more cooling (smoke, in general, makes me want more cooling herbs, which makes sense if you think about the smoke’s origin).

Drinking an infusion several times a day is what I find most helpful. I like to make a medicinal herbal infusion in a quart jar in the morning, and then have it all day to sip. In this smoky-wildfire instance, I would choose:

5 g yellow chrysanthemum flower (Ju hua) to cool everything down

5 g honeysuckle flower (Jin yin hua) to combat any infection and inflammation. In Chinese medicine, both chrysanthemum and honeysuckle are considered antipyretics. I realize we’re not dealing with fever, but fire has some similarities, no? In any case, I find the combination of these two herbs helpful for getting things “up and out”.

3g mallow (Malva sylvestris) for its moistening properties, and to balance the drying qualities of the other herbs

1g stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) for its nutritive properties, and to balance the cooling qualities of the other herbs

Add boiling water to the jar, cover, and steep until desired temperature, at least ten to fifteen minutes. You could add your tinctures to this mix for ease, and stir in a little herbal honey. Strain and enjoy throughout the day.

---

Supplement considerations (use the dosage on the bottle, or as your practitioner directs):

vitamin C

B complex

quercitin w/bromelian

NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine)

---

If you’re taking care of someone who is a rescue worker, read this post I did for helps:

Herbs for Rescue Workers

---

I love hearing from my readers! And, please: like, share, and subscribe. 🌿

Benevolent Healer endeavors to encourage, empower, and equip others who desire to educate, feed, and heal themselves, their families, and their communities using food and plants as medicine.

If you’d like to work personally with Keri Mae for a clinical herbal consultation regarding your own unique health concerns, you can find out more HERE.

The above are some helps and herbs that I have found useful both for myself and for friends and clients I have helped along the way. Of course, I do not know your own health challenges or needs; these notes are for your education and for further research and experimentation as suits your own needs. PLEASE do not just start taking a herb without understanding proper dosage and if you have anything that would be a contraindication for you or for any medication you may be on. Some links may be affiliate links in which I receive a portion of your purchase price.