Smoked Out? Medicinal Herbs To Support Your Respiratory System

The air is currently filled with smoke due to the wildfires in Southern Oregon. If you live in this area or anywhere there are summer fires burning, your lungs probably hurt like ours! We are here to help with 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 wildfire season!

We will begin by introducing the 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.*

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.*

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.*

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.

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

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

The Ra Herbals tincture line 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.

We also have compounded herbal products, which combine specific herbs that work together to assist our body needs.

Our Panacea Line is 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.*

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.*

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.

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