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Easy Wellbeing Tips for Smoky Weather

by Rha Bowden, Director of Learning and Community Initiatives 

Hey there, Community. 
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In the spirit of health and wellness I thought it would be a good idea to share some health tips to improve our lung health during these smokey days. Here are some natural remedies to promote lung and respiratory health.


Garlic: The anti-inflammatory properties along with a high level of allicin helps to fight infections and reduces inflammation. Garlic has also been considered by many as being an effective remedy in improving asthma and can help to reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Apples: An apple is healthy, loaded with nutrients, high energy, high fiber, low calorie food. Its flavonoids and the wide variety of vitamins, and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, helps us to maintain a strong immune system and a healthy respiratory system. When we have healthy respiratory functions, we can fight off lung diseases and prevent them naturally.

Ginger:  Due to its anti-inflammatory properties ginger will help to clear your lungs naturally. You can add ginger to various dishes as it is a widely used herb. Also you can add it in your morning tea.You can also use it to prepare ginger tea blended with some lemon in it. This is beneficial to remove toxins from the respiratory tract.

Green tea: Drink a cup of your favourite herbal green tea before going to bed to release toxins in the intestine that can lead to constipation or other stomach ailments. You should refrain from overloading your lungs with tedious work during this purification process.

Lentils: In order to optimize the oxygen transportation faculties of the lungs, healthy hemoglobin levels are absolutely critical. Hemoglobin is a protein molecule that is found in red blood cells and aids in transporting oxygen from the lungs to body tissue. As an added benefit, hemoglobin stimulates the internal processes that returns carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be expelled from the body. Black beans, cow peas, dried peas, lentils, red kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and soybeans are some foods containing properties that raise hemoglobin levels. Additionally, supplement beans and lentils with vitamin-C rich foods to maximize iron absorption.

Turmeric: Daily consumption of turmeric helps in reducing the inflammation in the air passage. Moreover, the presence of a compound called curcumin in turmeric helps in cleansing the lungs naturally and helps in detoxification of the body, which further helps in strengthening the immunity. You can eat raw turmeric or can use the powdered form with milk or add a pinch to your herbal concoctions to keep diseases at bay.


Peppermint Tea: Mint is an age-old remedy to treat respiratory issues. Many civilizations used mint for its medicinal benefits. A hot peppermint tea can cure your sore throat by breaking up the mucus deposition and inflammation caused due to lung infections and pneumonia.


Honey: Enriched with the goodness of nature, honey is known for its antibacterial properties that help in reducing the discomfort caused due to respiratory issues. According to research, honey has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Moreover, a study conducted to study the treatment of respiratory issues in children and infants, a study published in JAMA Pediatrics looked at how buckwheat honey versus dextromethorphan worked as a treatment for cough caused due to upper respiratory tract infection in children. The study found that a single dose of honey given 30 minutes before bedtime provided relief from cough and helped in treating the sleep difficulty.


As you can see, there are many easy to access, natural remedies that we can look to take good care of ourselves and our families. 

In Community,
​Rha
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Rha Bowden is Lotus Bloom's Director of Learning and Community Initiatives. He has a strong background in youth education, child development, and restorative justice and wellness practices. Rha first joined the Lotus Bloom family as a parent with his son in our playgroup programs. Lotus Bloom is so glad to see our parents grow into leadership roles in the organization. 

**Lotus Bloom is not an approved medical advisor and we encourage individuals to always consult with a licensed care physician for general health concerns.