self-care for smoky air
Summer is here, and with that, wildfire season is here, too. I wanted to share some of my tips for supporting lung and nervous system health at home…
One of the simplest ways to soothe your lungs, is a herbal steam. Use caution with steams of any kind, especially if you struggle with asthma or irritated airways. And of course, use basic safety to avoid burns.
If well-tolerated, you can use whichever herbs you have access to or are most abundant in your garden: mint, rosemary and thyme are especially soothing. Add your herbs to a pot with some water on low heat. Inhale directly over the pot or transfer to a heat-safe bowl and drape a towel over your head. Take some deep breaths. For an even easier herbal steam, if you have some essential oils like mint or eucalyptus handy - add a few drops to your shower for a spa-like situation that soothes the lungs and nervous system.
Speaking of herbs, herbal teas are easily accessible at your local grocery store, health food store or maybe even from your own garden. You can buy tea blends that are specifically for lung health or just opt for cooling and soothing herbs like mint, lemon balm, chamomile and lavender. Brew yourself a cup of tea and add some honey to soothe dryness. I also love using propolis spray if my throat is feeling especially irritated.
If you’re battling extreme heat and smoke, try my iced green tea lemonade (recipe below). Green tea is especially cooling and the addition of honey as the sweetener soothes sore throats…
Acupressure is another simple way to support your lungs and nervous system at home. Here are a few points to try on yourself:
Lung 1: find this point by sliding along your collarbone until you get to your shoulder, falling off of your collarbone and into a tender spot in the first intercostal space. This point is helpful for all things lung-related, it also overlaps with the pec major motor point, so it can also help release tension in the chest.
Ren 17: starting on your sternum, move down the midline of your chest until you are level with the 4th intercostal space (approximately level with the nipples). This point is especially helpful for feelings of anxiety that are held in the chest.
A reminder that this is self-care advice and not a substitute for health care. If you are experiencing concerning symptoms please see your health care provider. Stay safe and stay well! Book in for an appointment if you need some extra support ♡
