January 13, 2025 • 22 mins
How do wildfires impact our health and well-being, and what steps can we take to protect ourselves? Join me, Demetria Clark, director of Heart of Herbs Herbal School, as we tackle the growing threat of wildfires and their profound effects on both mental and physical health. Discover how to recognize symptoms from smoke exposure, such as respiratory issues and skin irritation, and learn practical strategies to keep your indoor environment safe. I’ll share insights on the importance of hydration and why everyone should have a "go bag" ready for emergencies, regardless of where they live. These actionable tips are essential for safeguarding your health during fire seasons.
Explore the soothing power of herbs in combating wildfire effects, with a focus on the properties of demulsant herbs like marshmallow root and slippery elm. We'll guide you through incorporating these herbs into your daily routine with teas and tinctures, offering support for respiratory and mucous membrane health. We also cover herbal first aid techniques, such as using compresses and neti pots, to maintain well-being during environmental challenges. Preparing for emergencies by safely storing critical documents and having an evacuation plan is crucial, complementing professional medical advice. Tune in to empower yourself with knowledge and holistic practices to weather the impacts of wildfires.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi, this is Demetria Clark, the director of Heart of
Herbs Herbal School, and todaywe're going to talk about
something that's probably oneveryone's mind right now, and
that's the fires in California,and it feels like every year we
have bigger and greater fires,hurricanes, floods, tornadoes,
(00:30):
hurricanes, floods, tornadoes.
But we want to talk about fireexposure and things that an
herbalist or you can do to helpyourself and your family, and
some herbs that may be helpful.
So being near a wildfire canlead to fear, confusion and a
lot of psychological stressresponses such as anxiety and
heightened vigilance.
In addition, these emotionaleffects, like exposure to
wildfire smoke, can cause arange of physical symptoms that
(00:53):
can impact our body systemsdifferently.
This includes the nervous,respiratory, skin and
cardiovascular systems.
The symptoms of wildfire smokeinhalation may include coughing.
Coughing is a common reactionto irritants and smoke helping
to clear the airways.
However, it can be persistentand uncomfortable.
(01:15):
Headaches, air quality changesand stress can trigger headaches
or migraines in sensitiveindividuals.
I know that I even getheadaches from pollution when I
visit the city, so a wildfiresmoke, I know, would just set my
head a-pounding.
A few years ago, there werefires in Canada and the smoke
was drifting down to where welived and even though it wasn't
(01:36):
really thick, I did notice adifference in my skin.
My head was always clogged andhurting and my mucus was way off
.
It can also cause dry skin, sosmoke can dehydrate the skin,
resulting in dryness, irritationand flaking.
People can also suffer fromdifficulty breathing, so smoke
can irritate the respiratorytract, making breathing
(01:58):
challenging for people,especially those with
pre-existing conditions likeasthma, especially those with
pre-existing conditions likeasthma, emphysema or COPD.
You can also experience sinusirritation.
Smoke particles inhaled cancause inflammation of the nasal
passages and sinuses, which canlead to discomfort, pressure or
nasal congestion.
You may experiencelarger-than-normal buildups of
(02:20):
boogers and they can be hard andblack and gooey and just
different from your usualboogers.
You may be tempted to overcleanyour nose because you can't
breathe and it's sore and it'sinflamed, but doing so can also
cause bloody noses andadditional irritation, so just
be gentle when you're digging.
(02:40):
If you or someone you know hasthese symptoms during a wildfire
event, it's crucial to limitexposure and for them to seek
medical attention if thesymptoms worsen or cause
significant distress.
How can we prepare so you canprepare a go bag and there's
lots different kinds of go bagsout there and if you live in an
(03:03):
area that's vulnerable.
Actually, you know what?
I think this is the problem.
We always say, like, if youreside someplace that these
things happen, get this.
I think everyone should have ago bag.
I think it's vital to havesomething that you can take that
has copies of the things thatare important, that you need to
take with you if, for somereason, you have to leave.
(03:26):
I do not live in a quotewildfire area, but an hour and a
half from here there werewildfires last year or the year
before there was massiveflooding in North Carolina.
There's these fires inCalifornia.
These were all places that havehad events, but not events like
this before, so I think it'sprobably a good idea for
(03:47):
everyone to just plan for havingsome kind of go bag and not
waiting for a hundred year eventto strike them.
You're going to want your bagto be stocked with essential
items to ensure your safety andwellbeing in case of an
evacuation, so lots of placeshave different lists and
guidelines of recommended items,so I'm not going to bog this
(04:10):
down by talking about all ofthat.
I'll just mention if I havesomething in my go bag as we go
along.
Don't hesitate, though, toreach out to, like the CDC or
your fire station for insightsand additional precautions
tailored to your community.
If you have a safe indoor spaceto seek refuge in during a fire
(04:30):
event, that's something you know.
Maybe it's near you, but it'snot, you know, in your town or
your neighborhood.
Make sure you seal off all yourdoors and windows.
This can help lessen the smokeand ash from entering your home.
You can roll towels under leakydoors and windows to keep the
ash out.
You may want to also dust alittle bit more, vacuum a little
bit more, wipe things down alittle bit more.
(04:51):
That can limit the amount ofsmoke and ash and particulate in
your house.
You're also going to want tolimit the number of times you
enter and exit your home.
Now, of course, if you work oryou have children, this can be
hard, but if you can come inthrough a porch or a garage,
(05:13):
that's wonderful.
I know, obviously, though, lotsof people don't have porches or
garages that are sealed off andcan kind of give them a safe
way to get into their home,maybe where they can take off
other clothing and get inside.
You're going to want to alsomake sure that during this
season where these things arehappening, even if they're not
starting where you live yet, isto prioritize your hydration.
So the second you hear about afire kicking off someplace,
(05:35):
start hydrating.
If it's near you or it's notnear you, it's just a good habit
to get into.
Start this when the fires startaround you, even if they're
miles away, the smoke willaffect you.
Make a calculated effort todrink more fluids than you might
typically.
Opt for plenty of water, herbalteas and nourishing soups that
not only quench your thirst buthelp to rehydrate your system.
(05:55):
By emphasizing the importanceof hydration and nutrition, you
can feel more supported duringthese challenging times and
maybe fill in some of thenutritional building blocks that
you need to have to help fostera sense of comfort and
well-being.
Eat hydrating fruits andvegetables like cucumbers and
lettuces, and juicy melons.
You're going to want to eat arainbow variety of vegetables
(06:19):
and probiotic rich foods likekimchi, kefir, yogurt,
sauerkraut, fermented pickles tohelp support your digestive
health.
Also, pay attention to yourbody's unique needs by adding a
little salt to replenish yourelectrolytes, if you feel like
that's something that you need,or adding more healthy fats if
you feel like you're deficientin that.
(06:41):
Consider enriching your soupswith moistening foods, such as
mushrooms and nutrient-denseseaweeds, some herbs to help
support fire response andrecovery.
So focus on herbs thatspecifically address what you're
experiencing in the body.
For instance, if you experiencedry throat during this season,
(07:01):
then have plenty of demulcens onhand.
If fire season tends to causeyou stress, stock up on nervines
to support your nervous system.
If you feel like you'redehydrated and you're more
constipated, then you know, giveyourself more liquids.
Being proactive will help youfeel empowered and it'll help
you in managing your health andit'll give you a sense of
(07:21):
control and confidence.
The mint family is a diversegroup of aromatic herbs that
often find a great home in thesekind of situations.
Many species within this familyare celebrated for their
distinctive fragrances, but alsotheir therapeutic properties,
making them popular in bothculinary and medicinal
applications.
These plants are often used toease tension, promote relaxation
(07:44):
and open, block nasal passagesand soothe inflamed respiratory
conditions.
So here's the great thing Manygrocery stores have a lot of
these plants fresh in theproduce section, and if you go
to Asian or South Americanmarkets they have even more.
So you can find like fresh sage, rosemary, spearmint,
peppermint, lemon balm, thyme.
(08:06):
You can find all of these herbs.
You can find lots of differentones in asian and south american
markets fresh also.
So if you can get them freshfrom the produce section, that's
awesome and just incorporatethem into your life.
So certain family, certain mintfamily herbs, also work as
expectorants and they arehelpful for expelling mucus and
(08:28):
clearing your throat.
So rosemary has a robust aromaand it's not only great for
culinary uses but it aids inrespiratory health by promoting
mucus clearance.
Sage leaves is often used incooking and you'll probably use
more sage, you know, aroundThanksgiving and Christmas than
you do throughout the rest ofthe year.
(08:48):
But it's valued for itspotential to soothe throat
irritations and act as anexpectorant.
Whorehound leaves known fortheir bitter taste, whorehound,
has been traditionally used toalleviate coughs and support
respiratory function.
Some great nervines for thistime and for relieving and
soothing stress are herbs likechamomile.
(09:13):
Chamomile contains apigenin, acompound that binds to GABA
receptors in the brain,promoting relaxation and
reducing anxiety.
That also happens when you uselemon balm.
That also happens when you uselemon balm.
It's known for its calmingeffects and ability to improve
your mood, and it containsrosmaneric acid, which increases
(09:41):
GABA availability in the brain.
Lavender Everybody knowslavender and that lavender is
good for reducing stress andimproving mood and promoting
restful sleep.
You can have this in a teaformat or you can have a little
bottle of lavender essential oiland you can put it on your
pillow or on your towel or justin a diffuser to help calm the
(10:06):
mood overall just, you know, ina diffuser to help calm the mood
overall.
Passionflower is a wonderfulone also because it helps
increase GABA levels in thebrain, which reduces stress and
induces a calming effect.
Valerian is also a great one.
Especially if someone's havinga hard time sleeping or they're
in physical pain, valerian rootinteracts with GABA receptors,
(10:27):
promoting a calming effect andreducing physical and mental
tension.
Another one that you've probablyheard of is Skullcap, and it's
a gentle nervine that nourishesthe nervous system and helps
calm racing thoughts and easemental exhaustion.
Ashwagandha Ashwagandha is likea nerve everyone's talking
(10:48):
about lately, and that's becauseit's an adaptogen with nervine
properties.
It can help regulate cortisollevels, improving the body's
response to stress over time.
Another one that's a hot topicthat everyone's been talking
about lately is holy basil, ortulsi.
It's an adaptogenic nervinethat helps reduce stress
(11:08):
hormones and supports emotionalbalance.
Another herb is oats, and oatsare rich in magnesium and
calcium, which nourish thenervous system and reduce
irritability.
You can also eat oats in theform of oatmeal or oatmeal
cookies, so oats can havemultiple applications and uses.
Another one is hops, and hopscontains compounds that act on
(11:33):
GABA receptors, promotingrelaxation and better sleep.
They're perfect forstress-related insomnia.
So another two herbs that areon this list that are great are
rose and St John's wort.
Rose and rose hips are gentlenervines that uplift the mood
and soothe the heart duringemotional distress.
St John's wort is known for itsmood lifting properties.
(11:57):
St John's wort is particularlyhelpful for stress and mild
depression.
It can also be used topicallyfor soothing the skin.
Nervines are effective becausethey interact with
neurotransmitters like GABA orserotonin, modulating the stress
response and nourishing thenervous system.
Regular use can supportlong-term nervous system health.
(12:20):
While some act quickly andcalmly to work on reducing acute
stress, demulsants are anothercategory worth mentioning.
These substances sootheirritation and inflammation,
particularly in the mucousmembranes of the throat.
Many herbs possess demulsantproperties, making them
(12:42):
excellent allies in promotingcomfort and healing in the
respiratory system.
Incorporating these herbs intoyour daily routine not only adds
culinary flair, but also offersexceptional support for your
overall wellness.
Each herb brings its uniquequalities.
Demulcent herbs are soothingagents that help protect or heal
(13:03):
irritated, inflamed mucousmembranes of the body.
They're also used to treatconditions like sore throats,
coughs, and gastrointestinaldiscomfort and urinary tract
infections.
Here are some commonly useddemulcent herbs for fire
Marshmallow root soothesirritated mucous membranes in
(13:24):
the throat, stomach andintestines.
Marshmallow root is a powerfuldemulcent herb, meaning it is
rich in mucilage, a gel-likesubstance that soothes and
protects irritated mucousmembranes.
This property makes it valuablein addressing a wide range of
conditions, particularly thoseinvolving inflammation or
irritation of the respiratory,digestive and urinary systems.
(13:46):
It is also excellent for use insore throat, dry cough,
bronchitis, laryngitis andasthma, so it can be a really
good choice for wildfireexposure.
Slippery elm Slippery elm helpswith sore throat, irritation,
cough, acid reflux and digestivediscomfort.
The Herbalist 7 song shared agreat article about this herb
(14:09):
and its usage in wildfireenvironments.
Licorice root it reducesinflammation in the throat and
digestive tract and is also usedin adrenal support.
This sweet and aromatic herb isrenowned for its natural
sweeteners and is often used tosupport respiratory health and
to ease stomach discomfort.
Plantain leaf this is the herb,not the vegetable.
(14:33):
It relieves dry, irritated,sore throat and promotes healing
of inflamed tissues.
Aloe vera can be usedinternally to soothe
gastrointestinal irritation andexternally it.
Externally it aids in skinhealing.
Mullein leaf you rarely find awildfire blend of herbs that
(14:56):
does not contain mullein leaf.
So it soothes respiratorypassages and alleviates dry,
hack and cough.
It has a long-standing historyof being used for lung
conditions.
Traditionally it's been used torelieve symptoms linked to
respiratory issues andfacilitate the clearing of mucus
from the airways.
You also find it in almostevery formula for fire exposure.
(15:19):
It has a high amount ofpolysaccharides that can help
soothe respiratory tractsirritated by wildfires and poor
air quality.
It boasts excellent expectorantproperties for congestion.
It aids in the removal of mucusfrom the lungs and relieves
chest complaints like cough,congestion and irritation.
(15:41):
Further, this herb is naturallyrich in antioxidants, including
vitamin C and flavonoids.
Other helpful herbs are linden,Known for its calming effect.
Linden leaves can be brewedinto a fragrant tea to help
reduce stress and promoterelaxation.
Hibiscus flower is also ahelpful herb for these kind of
(16:06):
environments.
It has a tangy flavor andoffers a tea rich in
antioxidants, and it'sbeneficial for heart health.
Cinnamon bark is often usedbecause it is comforting and
warming and it has a little bitof a sweet hint that you can use
(16:31):
in your formulas and yourblends and it's
anti-inflammatory and it's goodfor blood sugar regulating
properties.
Herbal preparations that can aidin response and recovering
during fire season, bothinternally and externally season
, both internally and externally.
So internal preparations wouldbe like cold infusions, soothing
(17:00):
teas, tinctures.
You can add honey to yourinfusions to sweeten them.
You can use tinctures, andtinctures are excellent for
transportation and first aidsituations, so you may want to
add some to your wildfire go bagor your just go bag.
In general, during fire season,sipping on a warm tea can help
you stay hydrated and it canalso help with you feeling calm.
(17:22):
We know that sipping tea canhelp promote relaxation, so
drinking tea can be verybeneficial.
It's easy to transport.
You can usually put easily sometea bags or loose tea in your
go bag.
Most hotels and gas stationshave hot water available to make
tea with, so that can besomething that's really
(17:45):
important, really important.
So the following is a wildfireformula tea.
I will share two recipes withyou and they're good at
safeguarding your lungs andhelping them heal and they play
a vital role in really helpingto limit some of the
(18:07):
environmental stress that yourbody is under.
So the first wildfire tearecipe is four parts marshmallow
root, three parts red clover,two parts mullein leaf, one part
rose hips, one part roe boys,one part or half part bee balm,
a half part lemon balm and ahalf part fennel seed.
You can mix the herbs into oneblended store in a glass jar in
(18:31):
a cool, dark place like acupboard.
Now, a part is any unit ofmeasurement, so a part can be
teaspoons, tablespoons, cups,gallons if you want to use
gallon size containers, you know.
So it's definitely up to youhow you want to do it.
Another blend that's helpful isa soothing, supportive tea, and
(18:53):
this is one part mullein leaf,one part linden flower, half
part hawthorn flower, fourthpart lemon balm and eighth part
passion flower and of course youcan adjust the herbs to your
taste and your like.
Some great topical applicationsis many of these herbs you can
also use as compresses.
So compress is basically makinga nice strong tea and allowing
(19:16):
it to cool if you want a coldcompress, or using it warm if
you want a hot compress, and youdip a cloth into that and hold
it over the affected area.
Some popular compress herbs arecalendula, plantain and
chickweed.
You can use a neti pot to do anasal rinse to help clear smoky
accumulations from your nasalpassages.
(19:38):
Remember to use a netter potsafely and follow the
instructions with the type ofwater that you should be putting
into it.
You can also purchase salinerinses.
We have these around our houseand in our go bag because
they're just so easy andtransportable in the little
container.
I also like to carry a smallbottle of olive oil to nourish
the skin around the nose andface when things are getting
(20:00):
really dry.
Bathing can be a relaxing andstress relieving activity, and
herbal baths can be wonderful.
As we are seeing wildfiresspread and break out like never
before, we're seeing more andmore tornadoes, hurricanes and
stronger floods, we need to makesure that we prepare to support
ourselves and our loved ones.
(20:21):
Make sure you upload familyphotos to the cloud or have
copies made and place them at arelative's house for safekeeping
.
If you have prescriptions, takepictures of them.
Know where your identificationdocuments are and be able to
grab them If you have the time.
Make an evacuation plan withyour family.
We love you and we always wantyou to stay safe.
Hey, hey, just a reminder thatthis podcast and any podcast
(20:47):
from heart of herbs, herbalschools for general
informational, informationalpurpose and does not constitute
the practice of medicine,nursing or any other
professional healthcare service,including the giving of medical
advice, and there is no doctoror patient relationship formed.
Use this as it is intended tobe information to spark your
interest and encourage learning.
Hi, this is Demetria Clark, the director of Heart of
Herbs Herbal School, and todaywe're going to talk about
something that's probably oneveryone's mind right now, and
that's the fires in California,and it feels like every year we
have bigger and greater fires,hurricanes, floods, tornadoes,
(00:30):
hurricanes, floods, tornadoes.
But we want to talk about fireexposure and things that an
herbalist or you can do to helpyourself and your family, and
some herbs that may be helpful.
So being near a wildfire canlead to fear, confusion and a
lot of psychological stressresponses such as anxiety and
heightened vigilance.
In addition, these emotionaleffects, like exposure to
wildfire smoke, can cause arange of physical symptoms that
(00:53):
can impact our body systemsdifferently.
This includes the nervous,respiratory, skin and
cardiovascular systems.
The symptoms of wildfire smokeinhalation may include coughing.
Coughing is a common reactionto irritants and smoke helping
to clear the airways.
However, it can be persistentand uncomfortable.
(01:15):
Headaches, air quality changesand stress can trigger headaches
or migraines in sensitiveindividuals.
I know that I even getheadaches from pollution when I
visit the city, so a wildfiresmoke, I know, would just set my
head a-pounding.
A few years ago, there werefires in Canada and the smoke
was drifting down to where welived and even though it wasn't
(01:36):
really thick, I did notice adifference in my skin.
My head was always clogged andhurting and my mucus was way off
.
It can also cause dry skin, sosmoke can dehydrate the skin,
resulting in dryness, irritationand flaking.
People can also suffer fromdifficulty breathing, so smoke
can irritate the respiratorytract, making breathing
(01:58):
challenging for people,especially those with
pre-existing conditions likeasthma, especially those with
pre-existing conditions likeasthma, emphysema or COPD.
You can also experience sinusirritation.
Smoke particles inhaled cancause inflammation of the nasal
passages and sinuses, which canlead to discomfort, pressure or
nasal congestion.
You may experiencelarger-than-normal buildups of
(02:20):
boogers and they can be hard andblack and gooey and just
different from your usualboogers.
You may be tempted to overcleanyour nose because you can't
breathe and it's sore and it'sinflamed, but doing so can also
cause bloody noses andadditional irritation, so just
be gentle when you're digging.
(02:40):
If you or someone you know hasthese symptoms during a wildfire
event, it's crucial to limitexposure and for them to seek
medical attention if thesymptoms worsen or cause
significant distress.
How can we prepare so you canprepare a go bag and there's
lots different kinds of go bagsout there and if you live in an
(03:03):
area that's vulnerable.
Actually, you know what?
I think this is the problem.
We always say, like, if youreside someplace that these
things happen, get this.
I think everyone should have ago bag.
I think it's vital to havesomething that you can take that
has copies of the things thatare important, that you need to
take with you if, for somereason, you have to leave.
(03:26):
I do not live in a quotewildfire area, but an hour and a
half from here there werewildfires last year or the year
before there was massiveflooding in North Carolina.
There's these fires inCalifornia.
These were all places that havehad events, but not events like
this before, so I think it'sprobably a good idea for
(03:47):
everyone to just plan for havingsome kind of go bag and not
waiting for a hundred year eventto strike them.
You're going to want your bagto be stocked with essential
items to ensure your safety andwellbeing in case of an
evacuation, so lots of placeshave different lists and
guidelines of recommended items,so I'm not going to bog this
(04:10):
down by talking about all ofthat.
I'll just mention if I havesomething in my go bag as we go
along.
Don't hesitate, though, toreach out to, like the CDC or
your fire station for insightsand additional precautions
tailored to your community.
If you have a safe indoor spaceto seek refuge in during a fire
(04:30):
event, that's something you know.
Maybe it's near you, but it'snot, you know, in your town or
your neighborhood.
Make sure you seal off all yourdoors and windows.
This can help lessen the smokeand ash from entering your home.
You can roll towels under leakydoors and windows to keep the
ash out.
You may want to also dust alittle bit more, vacuum a little
bit more, wipe things down alittle bit more.
(04:51):
That can limit the amount ofsmoke and ash and particulate in
your house.
You're also going to want tolimit the number of times you
enter and exit your home.
Now, of course, if you work oryou have children, this can be
hard, but if you can come inthrough a porch or a garage,
(05:13):
that's wonderful.
I know, obviously, though, lotsof people don't have porches or
garages that are sealed off andcan kind of give them a safe
way to get into their home,maybe where they can take off
other clothing and get inside.
You're going to want to alsomake sure that during this
season where these things arehappening, even if they're not
starting where you live yet, isto prioritize your hydration.
So the second you hear about afire kicking off someplace,
(05:35):
start hydrating.
If it's near you or it's notnear you, it's just a good habit
to get into.
Start this when the fires startaround you, even if they're
miles away, the smoke willaffect you.
Make a calculated effort todrink more fluids than you might
typically.
Opt for plenty of water, herbalteas and nourishing soups that
not only quench your thirst buthelp to rehydrate your system.
(05:55):
By emphasizing the importanceof hydration and nutrition, you
can feel more supported duringthese challenging times and
maybe fill in some of thenutritional building blocks that
you need to have to help fostera sense of comfort and
well-being.
Eat hydrating fruits andvegetables like cucumbers and
lettuces, and juicy melons.
You're going to want to eat arainbow variety of vegetables
(06:19):
and probiotic rich foods likekimchi, kefir, yogurt,
sauerkraut, fermented pickles tohelp support your digestive
health.
Also, pay attention to yourbody's unique needs by adding a
little salt to replenish yourelectrolytes, if you feel like
that's something that you need,or adding more healthy fats if
you feel like you're deficientin that.
(06:41):
Consider enriching your soupswith moistening foods, such as
mushrooms and nutrient-denseseaweeds, some herbs to help
support fire response andrecovery.
So focus on herbs thatspecifically address what you're
experiencing in the body.
For instance, if you experiencedry throat during this season,
(07:01):
then have plenty of demulcens onhand.
If fire season tends to causeyou stress, stock up on nervines
to support your nervous system.
If you feel like you'redehydrated and you're more
constipated, then you know, giveyourself more liquids.
Being proactive will help youfeel empowered and it'll help
you in managing your health andit'll give you a sense of
(07:21):
control and confidence.
The mint family is a diversegroup of aromatic herbs that
often find a great home in thesekind of situations.
Many species within this familyare celebrated for their
distinctive fragrances, but alsotheir therapeutic properties,
making them popular in bothculinary and medicinal
applications.
These plants are often used toease tension, promote relaxation
(07:44):
and open, block nasal passagesand soothe inflamed respiratory
conditions.
So here's the great thing Manygrocery stores have a lot of
these plants fresh in theproduce section, and if you go
to Asian or South Americanmarkets they have even more.
So you can find like fresh sage, rosemary, spearmint,
peppermint, lemon balm, thyme.
(08:06):
You can find all of these herbs.
You can find lots of differentones in asian and south american
markets fresh also.
So if you can get them freshfrom the produce section, that's
awesome and just incorporatethem into your life.
So certain family, certain mintfamily herbs, also work as
expectorants and they arehelpful for expelling mucus and
(08:28):
clearing your throat.
So rosemary has a robust aromaand it's not only great for
culinary uses but it aids inrespiratory health by promoting
mucus clearance.
Sage leaves is often used incooking and you'll probably use
more sage, you know, aroundThanksgiving and Christmas than
you do throughout the rest ofthe year.
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But it's valued for itspotential to soothe throat
irritations and act as anexpectorant.
Whorehound leaves known fortheir bitter taste, whorehound,
has been traditionally used toalleviate coughs and support
respiratory function.
Some great nervines for thistime and for relieving and
soothing stress are herbs likechamomile.
(09:13):
Chamomile contains apigenin, acompound that binds to GABA
receptors in the brain,promoting relaxation and
reducing anxiety.
That also happens when you uselemon balm.
That also happens when you uselemon balm.
It's known for its calmingeffects and ability to improve
your mood, and it containsrosmaneric acid, which increases
(09:41):
GABA availability in the brain.
Lavender Everybody knowslavender and that lavender is
good for reducing stress andimproving mood and promoting
restful sleep.
You can have this in a teaformat or you can have a little
bottle of lavender essential oiland you can put it on your
pillow or on your towel or justin a diffuser to help calm the
(10:06):
mood overall just, you know, ina diffuser to help calm the mood
overall.
Passionflower is a wonderfulone also because it helps
increase GABA levels in thebrain, which reduces stress and
induces a calming effect.
Valerian is also a great one.
Especially if someone's havinga hard time sleeping or they're
in physical pain, valerian rootinteracts with GABA receptors,
(10:27):
promoting a calming effect andreducing physical and mental
tension.
Another one that you've probablyheard of is Skullcap, and it's
a gentle nervine that nourishesthe nervous system and helps
calm racing thoughts and easemental exhaustion.
Ashwagandha Ashwagandha is likea nerve everyone's talking
(10:48):
about lately, and that's becauseit's an adaptogen with nervine
properties.
It can help regulate cortisollevels, improving the body's
response to stress over time.
Another one that's a hot topicthat everyone's been talking
about lately is holy basil, ortulsi.
It's an adaptogenic nervinethat helps reduce stress
(11:08):
hormones and supports emotionalbalance.
Another herb is oats, and oatsare rich in magnesium and
calcium, which nourish thenervous system and reduce
irritability.
You can also eat oats in theform of oatmeal or oatmeal
cookies, so oats can havemultiple applications and uses.
Another one is hops, and hopscontains compounds that act on
(11:33):
GABA receptors, promotingrelaxation and better sleep.
They're perfect forstress-related insomnia.
So another two herbs that areon this list that are great are
rose and St John's wort.
Rose and rose hips are gentlenervines that uplift the mood
and soothe the heart duringemotional distress.
St John's wort is known for itsmood lifting properties.
(11:57):
St John's wort is particularlyhelpful for stress and mild
depression.
It can also be used topicallyfor soothing the skin.
Nervines are effective becausethey interact with
neurotransmitters like GABA orserotonin, modulating the stress
response and nourishing thenervous system.
Regular use can supportlong-term nervous system health.
(12:20):
While some act quickly andcalmly to work on reducing acute
stress, demulsants are anothercategory worth mentioning.
These substances sootheirritation and inflammation,
particularly in the mucousmembranes of the throat.
Many herbs possess demulsantproperties, making them
(12:42):
excellent allies in promotingcomfort and healing in the
respiratory system.
Incorporating these herbs intoyour daily routine not only adds
culinary flair, but also offersexceptional support for your
overall wellness.
Each herb brings its uniquequalities.
Demulcent herbs are soothingagents that help protect or heal
(13:03):
irritated, inflamed mucousmembranes of the body.
They're also used to treatconditions like sore throats,
coughs, and gastrointestinaldiscomfort and urinary tract
infections.
Here are some commonly useddemulcent herbs for fire
Marshmallow root soothesirritated mucous membranes in
(13:24):
the throat, stomach andintestines.
Marshmallow root is a powerfuldemulcent herb, meaning it is
rich in mucilage, a gel-likesubstance that soothes and
protects irritated mucousmembranes.
This property makes it valuablein addressing a wide range of
conditions, particularly thoseinvolving inflammation or
irritation of the respiratory,digestive and urinary systems.
(13:46):
It is also excellent for use insore throat, dry cough,
bronchitis, laryngitis andasthma, so it can be a really
good choice for wildfireexposure.
Slippery elm Slippery elm helpswith sore throat, irritation,
cough, acid reflux and digestivediscomfort.
The Herbalist 7 song shared agreat article about this herb
(14:09):
and its usage in wildfireenvironments.
Licorice root it reducesinflammation in the throat and
digestive tract and is also usedin adrenal support.
This sweet and aromatic herb isrenowned for its natural
sweeteners and is often used tosupport respiratory health and
to ease stomach discomfort.
Plantain leaf this is the herb,not the vegetable.
(14:33):
It relieves dry, irritated,sore throat and promotes healing
of inflamed tissues.
Aloe vera can be usedinternally to soothe
gastrointestinal irritation andexternally it.
Externally it aids in skinhealing.
Mullein leaf you rarely find awildfire blend of herbs that
(14:56):
does not contain mullein leaf.
So it soothes respiratorypassages and alleviates dry,
hack and cough.
It has a long-standing historyof being used for lung
conditions.
Traditionally it's been used torelieve symptoms linked to
respiratory issues andfacilitate the clearing of mucus
from the airways.
You also find it in almostevery formula for fire exposure.
(15:19):
It has a high amount ofpolysaccharides that can help
soothe respiratory tractsirritated by wildfires and poor
air quality.
It boasts excellent expectorantproperties for congestion.
It aids in the removal of mucusfrom the lungs and relieves
chest complaints like cough,congestion and irritation.
(15:41):
Further, this herb is naturallyrich in antioxidants, including
vitamin C and flavonoids.
Other helpful herbs are linden,Known for its calming effect.
Linden leaves can be brewedinto a fragrant tea to help
reduce stress and promoterelaxation.
Hibiscus flower is also ahelpful herb for these kind of
(16:06):
environments.
It has a tangy flavor andoffers a tea rich in
antioxidants, and it'sbeneficial for heart health.
Cinnamon bark is often usedbecause it is comforting and
warming and it has a little bitof a sweet hint that you can use
(16:31):
in your formulas and yourblends and it's
anti-inflammatory and it's goodfor blood sugar regulating
properties.
Herbal preparations that can aidin response and recovering
during fire season, bothinternally and externally season
, both internally and externally.
So internal preparations wouldbe like cold infusions, soothing
(17:00):
teas, tinctures.
You can add honey to yourinfusions to sweeten them.
You can use tinctures, andtinctures are excellent for
transportation and first aidsituations, so you may want to
add some to your wildfire go bagor your just go bag.
In general, during fire season,sipping on a warm tea can help
you stay hydrated and it canalso help with you feeling calm.
(17:22):
We know that sipping tea canhelp promote relaxation, so
drinking tea can be verybeneficial.
It's easy to transport.
You can usually put easily sometea bags or loose tea in your
go bag.
Most hotels and gas stationshave hot water available to make
tea with, so that can besomething that's really
(17:45):
important, really important.
So the following is a wildfireformula tea.
I will share two recipes withyou and they're good at
safeguarding your lungs andhelping them heal and they play
a vital role in really helpingto limit some of the
(18:07):
environmental stress that yourbody is under.
So the first wildfire tearecipe is four parts marshmallow
root, three parts red clover,two parts mullein leaf, one part
rose hips, one part roe boys,one part or half part bee balm,
a half part lemon balm and ahalf part fennel seed.
You can mix the herbs into oneblended store in a glass jar in
(18:31):
a cool, dark place like acupboard.
Now, a part is any unit ofmeasurement, so a part can be
teaspoons, tablespoons, cups,gallons if you want to use
gallon size containers, you know.
So it's definitely up to youhow you want to do it.
Another blend that's helpful isa soothing, supportive tea, and
(18:53):
this is one part mullein leaf,one part linden flower, half
part hawthorn flower, fourthpart lemon balm and eighth part
passion flower and of course youcan adjust the herbs to your
taste and your like.
Some great topical applicationsis many of these herbs you can
also use as compresses.
So compress is basically makinga nice strong tea and allowing
(19:16):
it to cool if you want a coldcompress, or using it warm if
you want a hot compress, and youdip a cloth into that and hold
it over the affected area.
Some popular compress herbs arecalendula, plantain and
chickweed.
You can use a neti pot to do anasal rinse to help clear smoky
accumulations from your nasalpassages.
(19:38):
Remember to use a netter potsafely and follow the
instructions with the type ofwater that you should be putting
into it.
You can also purchase salinerinses.
We have these around our houseand in our go bag because
they're just so easy andtransportable in the little
container.
I also like to carry a smallbottle of olive oil to nourish
the skin around the nose andface when things are getting
(20:00):
really dry.
Bathing can be a relaxing andstress relieving activity, and
herbal baths can be wonderful.
As we are seeing wildfiresspread and break out like never
before, we're seeing more andmore tornadoes, hurricanes and
stronger floods, we need to makesure that we prepare to support
ourselves and our loved ones.
(20:21):
Make sure you upload familyphotos to the cloud or have
copies made and place them at arelative's house for safekeeping
.
If you have prescriptions, takepictures of them.
Know where your identificationdocuments are and be able to
grab them If you have the time.
Make an evacuation plan withyour family.
We love you and we always wantyou to stay safe.
Hey, hey, just a reminder thatthis podcast and any podcast
(20:47):
from heart of herbs, herbalschools for general
informational, informationalpurpose and does not constitute
the practice of medicine,nursing or any other
professional healthcare service,including the giving of medical
advice, and there is no doctoror patient relationship formed.
Use this as it is intended tobe information to spark your
interest and encourage learning.
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