Respiratory Herbs
🌿 7 Herbs to Support Your Lungs During Wildfire Season
When wildfire season arrives or air pollution levels rise, it’s not just the sky that turns hazy—our lungs and overall health can be affected, too. Prolonged exposure to smoke can irritate the respiratory system, trigger inflammation, and make it harder to breathe.
While staying indoors, using high-quality air filters, and limiting outdoor activity are essential steps to protect your lungs, certain herbs can offer additional support. These natural allies can help soothe irritation, clear mucus, and strengthen your respiratory system so your body can better cope with the effects of smoky air.
Here are seven powerful herbs to consider when the air quality drops:
1. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Why it helps: Mullein is one of the best herbs for lung health. It soothes inflamed tissues in the respiratory tract and helps loosen mucus, making it easier to breathe deeply and comfortably.
How to use:
Brew into a soothing tea or take as a tincture.
This resilient plant often grows wild—check your garden or local trails!
2. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Why it helps: This naturally sweet root is both anti-inflammatory and demulcent, meaning it coats and calms irritated tissues in the throat and bronchial tubes. Licorice root also offers antiviral benefits, making it an excellent choice during cold and flu season.
How to use:
Enjoy as a tea or take in capsule or tincture form.
Important note: Avoid prolonged use if you have high blood pressure or other contraindications—check with your healthcare provider first.
3. Elecampane (Inula helenium)
Why it helps: Known as a deep lung tonic, elecampane helps clear stubborn congestion while providing antibacterial support. It’s particularly beneficial for wet, productive coughs and chronic respiratory issues.
How to use:
Best prepared as a tincture or decoction (a tea made by simmering the root).
4. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Why it helps: This common kitchen herb is a potent antimicrobial and expectorant, helping to clear mucus and fight off opportunistic infections that may arise when smoke irritates your airways.
How to use:
Drink as a warm tea using fresh or dried thyme.
Try steam inhalation with thyme-infused water for direct lung support.
Diffuse thyme essential oil for a gentle aromatic option.
5. Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Why it helps: Nettle is packed with minerals and anti-inflammatory compounds. It helps calm histamine reactions triggered by environmental irritants like smoke and supports overall immune function.
How to use:
Make a nourishing herbal infusion by steeping the leaves for several hours.
Harvest carefully if wildcrafting—this plant has a sting, so wear gloves!
6. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Why it helps: Peppermint contains menthol, which opens up the airways, reduces congestion, and provides a cooling, soothing effect for irritated tissues.
How to use:
Sip peppermint tea for gentle respiratory relief.
Inhale diluted peppermint essential oil through steam or a diffuser.
7. Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
Why it helps: Often referred to as the “lung opener,” lobelia relaxes bronchial muscles, encourages deeper breathing, and can be highly effective in acute respiratory distress.
How to use:
Use with caution. This herb is very potent and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider.
Typically taken in very small doses as a tincture.
🌱 Tips for Using Herbs Safely
Consult a professional: Always check with your doctor, herbalist, or naturopath before starting new herbal remedies—especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, managing chronic health conditions, or taking medications.
Avoid smokable herbs: When the air is already filled with smoke, stick to teas, tinctures, and capsules rather than inhaled preparations.
Support your environment: Combine herbal support with clean air practices—stay hydrated, use an indoor air purifier, and rest as needed.
Final Thoughts
While nothing replaces clean, fresh air, herbs can offer powerful support for your lungs and immune system during smoky seasons. These natural remedies help your body adapt, recover, and stay resilient even when environmental conditions are less than ideal.
