I don’t know about you, but this year’s fire season is already having an impact on my lungs. As of this writing there were already 147 active fires in the US, according to the USDA Forest Service and 226 in Canada as of July 14 (National Wildland Fire Situation Report). While there’s only one active fire in Colorado at this time (Morgan Creek near Steamboat Springs), I’m sure there will be more, it’s just a matter of time. At the same time, extreme heat and drought has contributed to the Bootleg Fire, in the Winema National Forest in Oregon. It has burned 395,000 acres and is so large that it’s generating its own weather.
Between you and me, fires are one of my biggest fears. As a kid, we lived close to a state park with a lot of dry grass and open space. When the Hayman burned 137,760 acres in 2002, I had nightmares about a fire starting in the state park, burning our house and killing our dogs. I was eight years old, and I was terrified.
As an adult, I’m still scared, but I know that I can only control so much. One thing I can do is take steps to strengthen and tend to my lungs. I may not be able to control the fires, but I can help my lungs feel strong and full. Below are four of my favorite herbs for lung support. As always, when it comes to at-home herb use, feel free to respond to this email with any questions you might have.
With gratitude, Rachel.
Rachel’s Top Three Lung Herbs
Verbascum thapsus (Common Mullein): Mullein is probably the most commonly known “lung herb.” We get asked for it all the time at the apothecary, and we were actually sold out of it for a long time during the height of the pandemic. Also known as Shepherd’s club, it commonly grows widely across the country. It acts as an expectorant, helping to clear congestion and stuckness in the lungs. The flowers are more moistening, and the leaves are more astringent. It helps relieve symptoms, but doesn’t always fully alleviate the reason behind the cough. For something like irritation from forest fire smoke, where the cause is out of your control, mullein can be very supportive. It has demulcent, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Althea oficinalis. (Marshmallow Root): Soothing for the whole body. This herb, best extracted in water, helps bring moisture and lubrication to anywhere it’s needed. It helps moisten dry lung, nose, throat and eye tissues. It’s especially helpful when the smoke is irritating your lungs. It can also be helpful for joint pain, GI upset, urinary tract discomfort and inflammation. It also adds a slightly sweet quality to formulas. Externally it is cooling to the skin, and soothing to burns and wounds. Caution: Be sure to take demulcent herbs like marshmallow at least two hours from any medications as it can interfere with absorption.
Inula helenium (Elecampane Root): Elecampane is indicated for those with a long-lasting bronchial cough, especially in the elderly or those who have been ill for a long time. Have you ever had a cough that sounds like a seal? Inula is a great choice. It’s cleansing and strengthening to the mucous membranes in the lungs. It can be very helpful when the lungs feel tight and it’s difficult to find relief. It’s also helpful for GI upset and is supportive to the gut microbiome because of its inulin content. This is the same constituent that’s in burdock root. Caution: Very large doses can cause vomiting, diarrhea and nervous system spasms.
Others: Gumweed, Lobelia, Licorice, Thyme, Wild Cherry, Usnea, Ginger, Garlic.
It’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to coughs and lung support, there are different types and that will influence which herb is best indicated. Hot, dry, stuck— think Althea. Wet, boggy, phlegmy—Verbascum is indicated. Relentless and interfering with sleep— Prunus (Wild Cherry) is great.