Under the recent prolonged poor air quality in
Northern California, I have recently published articles on some home remedies via a new WeChat public
account. It is a free subscription to those who read Chinese and use WeChat,
the account WeChat ID is: WeCareHolistic, and the official Chinese name:
"全心全医WeCare". Here
we gathered some information from all over the Web for those who would like
to reduce the negative health impacts of poor air quality.
With the Camp Fire still
raging in Northern California and winds pushing smoke south, San Francisco has
the worst air quality in the world as of Thursday, according to
IQAir’s world air quality and pollution city rankings. Many people
are wearing face masks to keep the smoke and ash out of their lungs as they go
about their lives.
The California
Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides a full explanation about
how to choose and best use the correct mask to protect against wildfire smoke,
and how often to replace your mask. CDPH recommends particulate respirators,
and those masks will bear such ratings as N95 or P100.
Hazardous air quality is a public health issue, so it makes sense that companies focused on health and wellness are also helping employees, as well as the public, take extra precautions. Fire departments across the northern half of the state are giving away free face masks while supplies last. And some companies are also giving away free masks to the public as well.
From the perspective of
traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), eliminating the root cause -- by
using air masks and air purifying machines, maintaining good
eating habits and a strong immune systems are still the best way to counteract
smog. As simple as it sounds, the food we eat doesn't directly affect the
way we breathe because digestion and breathing are two separate
bodily systems. That said, we first offer some
easy home remedies with 1) common foods with medicinal effects or
2) easy-to-learn acupressure points, then show western herbal remedies, and finally quote to-do summary from last year's fire:
Asian Snow Pear Recipe for Lung Health
Makes 1-2 servings.
- 1 Asian Pear
(or any variety of pear, if not Asian pear then increase to 2-3 pears as
Asian pears are quite large), peel and cut into bite-size pieces.
- 1/4-1/2 of
monk fruit in boiling water or it can be replace by the following
ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp. Tendrilleaf
fritillary bulb powder (a.k.a. ChuanBei powder)
- 1-4
whole Lily Bulbs
- 1 Tbsp.
local raw Honey or Rock Sugar*
Add all ingredients into a saucepan. Add enough
water to cover pears. Bring to a boil, then cover and let simmer on low until
pear is soft. (Asian pear cook time is approximately 15-20 mins, other
varieties only 8-10 mins). Remove the cloves when cooked.
Enjoy as is, and drink the juice, or mash into a
pear sauce. Alternatively, you can add ingredients to your liking. For
example, add 1-2 tsp. chia seeds and/or ¼ c. quinoa for a heartier
meal. Since it has a moistening effect, it is especially good for people
who reside in poor air quality, with a tendency of dryness such as those with
dry sore throat, dry cough, or dry skin. I often recommend it to smokers or
those quitting smoking. But really, it’s appropriate for everyone.
Pears are considered a major healing food for
the Autumn season in Chinese Medicine. Pears have the quality of clearing
heat, moistening and clearing phlegm from the Lungs. An older post has mentioned steamed pear for
the use of cough and sore throat. Pear Soup is considered helpful to
strengthen the Lungs, prevent colds and coughs, and speed up the healing of
colds and coughs. Combined with honey or rock sugar, the above recipe is
soothing for sore throats and dry throats.
* A word on sugar, which appears in these and
many other TCM remedies. Raw or crystallized “rock” sugar is considered a very
useful tonic, because it simultaneously strengthens and cools – perfect
attributes for autumn lung treatment. In contrast, white sugar, while also
cooling, is quite damp and phlegm producing, and brown sugars are warming to
the digestive organs and the uterus.
Fritillaria Cirrhosa Bulb is widely used for
breathing problems. Actually in TCM practice there are total 5 different
fritillaria species, among which bulbus fritillariae cirrhosae (Chuan Bei Mu)
and Thunberg Fritillary Bulb (Zhe Bei Mu) are the most used two. However,
generally the former is believed to be the best. It is associated with
meridians going through heart and lungs. Fritillaria bulb is known for their
remarkable efficacy on moistening lung to arrest cough. Its chief functions are
to eliminate phlegm by cooling, moisten lung to arrest cough, and remove stasis
to reduce swelling. Its main indications and uses are irritating dry cough
caused by lung heat, hacking cough with little phlegm, cough due to
overexertion and Yin deficiency, dry coughing and sputum with blood, stagnation
in chest and heart, the consumptive lung disease, pulmonary abscess,
pharyngitis, and acute mastitis. Usual dosage is from 3 to 10 grams in
decoction, or 1 to 2 grams in powder.
In TCM, lily bulbs are plants that belong to the
'Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency' category. Tonic herbs are used for patterns of
Deficiency, when one lacks one of the 'Four Treasures' (Qi, Blood, Yin and
Yang). Yin tonics have a heavy, moist nature. They either nourish the Kidneys
and Liver or moisten the Lungs and Stomach. It helps clear Heat and stops cough
due to either Lung Yin Deficiency or Lung-Heat. Clears Heat from the Heart and
calms the Spirit (Shen).
This pear recipe is great for chronic lung
conditions, warding off seasonal colds and allergies, it also moistens the
throat, quenches thirst, and aids digestion.
Acupressure spot
Apart from food, certain acupressure spots help
alleviate symptoms such as asthma during smoggy days. For simplicity, we are
introducing Lung 7 (LU7) here.
Point Chinese Name and Meaning: Lieque (列缺) – Broken sequence
Acupuncture Meridian: Lungs
English translation:
Broken Sequence
Location:
On the radial margin of the forearm, superior to
the styloid process of the radius, 1.5 cun above the transverse crease of the
wrist.
Locating methods:
When the index finger and the thumbs of both
hands are crossed with index finger of one hand placed on the styloid process
of the radius of the other, the depression right under the tip of the index
finger is the acupoint. The palms turn to face each other and the fingers turn
upward. Yangxi is in the two tendons. This acupoint is superior to the styloid
process of the radius, 1.5 cun above Yangxi.
Indications:
Asthma • Cough • Eye Deviation • Facial Muscle
Paralysis • Genital Penis Pain • Grief • Headache • Hematuria • Hemiplegia •
Jaw Disorders • Mouth Deviation • Neck Stiffness • Sadness • Throat Soreness •
Toothache • Worry • Wrist Joint Soft Tissue Diseases
Functions:
Releases the exterior, expels exterior Wind,
helps descend Lung Qi, benefits the head and neck area, benefits the bladder.
Notes:LU 7 is a main point
for releasing the exterior of Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat. The respective Yin and
Yang meridians are internally-externally related by Luo-Connecting points.
Luo-Connecting points of one meridian can communicate with two meridians. They
treat diseases of the collaterals and can be used to treat chronic diseases,
especially chronic diseases of the Zang-Fu organs. Clinically, Luo-Connecting
points are often combined with Yuan-Source points in the treatment of diseases.
Western herbal remedies for fighting hazardous
air quality and promoting respiratory health
A person with a
sensitive respiratory system will react to inhaling pollutants and exhibit
immediate symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and teary eyes.
Even people without
immediate sensitiveness will succumb to the negative effects of air pollutants
in the long run. For instance, Asthma a condition that causes swelling in the
respiratory tract and interferes with normal breathing, is one of the
conditions prevalent in people who live in areas with heavy air pollution.
Why use herbal remedies
There are plants all
around us that can help us to fight the negative effects that air pollution can
have on the human body. Herbs, or medicine that contains herbal compounds, have
the following general benefits:
- Easing chest and nasal congestion,
- Soothing airways that are irritated,
- Suppressing symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and swelling
of the glands,
- They have antihistamine and anti-oxidant qualities,
- They are harmful to toxins that cause problems in the upper
respiratory system.
In my WeChat post, we shared some common Chinese
dietary home remedies. Here are some Western or universal herbal
remedies. Most herbs that are promoted for their health benefits today
have been in use for centuries. They include:
1. Lobelia
Potter’s Encyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations considers Lobelia as one of the most important discoveries of herbal medicine. It contains an alkaloid named Lobeline, which helps to ease congestion. Due to its anti-spasmodic quality, it’s used in over the counter medicine for treating bronchitis, resulting in deeper and easier breathing.
2. Eucalyptus
Traditional communities such as the Aborigines of Australia have long used the leaves of the eucalyptus tree to create infusions that when inhaled, will ease congestion, colds and fevers.
Eucalyptus owes its healing properties to cineole, the active ingredient responsible for easing coughs, fighting congestion and soothing sinus irritation. Several studies have been conducted to support the use of eucalyptus as natural medicine. One such study, performed in 2008 by NYU Langone Medical center concluded that sinus complaints reduced when 200mg of cineole was taken thrice a day.
Most over the counter cough and congestion treatments contain eucalyptus. It can also be bought as a supplement or an oil.
3. Lungwort
Since the 1600’s, lungwort has been used for treating respiratory illnesses and for clearing airways. Its high mucilage content makes it quite useful for treating chronic bronchitis. It can also be used to treat asthma and coughs when combined with herbs like coltsfoot.
4. Oregano
Oregano is mostly known for its use in the kitchen. Besides having nutrients that boost the body’s immunity, it also contains two compounds, carvacrol and rosmarinic, which have anti-histamine and decongestive properties. By rubbing a small amount on the temples and forehead, a mixture of Oregano Oil and olive oil can be used to relieve sinus headaches.
5. Plantain Leaf
Plantain leaf (Plantago major) was used by Anglo-Saxons as far back as the 1500s to treat a lot of ailments including respiratory complications. It’s used in modern medicine today and can be found in balms and medication meant for soothing the respiratory system, managing cardiovascular problems and treating rheumatism.
Clinical trials conducted in Germany concluded that plantain leaf is helpful for reducing irritation of lung tissue and reducing coughs. This has led to its wide adoption in Germany as an ingredient in respiratory medications.
6. Elecampane
Elecampane has long been used by the Chinese, Indians, Greeks and Romans to relax and sooth tracheal muscles. The herb owes its healing properties to inulin, a soothing compound, and alantolactone, which is an expectorant. When the linings of the bronchial tubes are swollen and red, this can make it hard to breath. Inulin soothes the tubes, while alantolactone cleanses the congestion, making it possible to breathe.
7. Peppermint
The menthol contained in peppermint soothes the respiratory tract for freer breathing. As peppermint is also an anti-histamine and anti-oxidant, it’s effective for decongesting and also fights organisms that are harmful to the respiratory system.
8. Osha Root
The roots of the Osha herb contain camphor, phytosterols, saponins and other oils which make it one of the greatest remedies for supporting lung function. The herb increases circulation of air to the lungs, making it possible to breathe deeper. Its antihistamine properties will also calm irritated sinuses and soothe other respiratory irritations.
Conclusion
Though the poor air
quality situation seems dire, promoting respiratory health is still possible,
thanks to the remedies discussed above. Though the use of inhalers and other
respiratory and cardiovascular medications might still be necessary, frequent use
of the above herbs has been seen to reduce the dependency of such medication in
the longer term.
Whether you’re already
suffering from air quality or pollution related illnesses or are just
interested in keeping your lungs clean, you can take these and many other herbs
as tea blends, supplements or as ingredients in over-the-counter medicine. If
they grow in the environment around you, you can use them for topical
application or through inhalation. Some of the herbs are also safe for
ingestion as food.
Note that if you are
using any prescription medicine, you should seek the advice of your doctor
before you take alternative herbal remedies. Furthermore, we recommend that you
combine the use of the above remedies with a good quality pollution mask that
also protects against bacteria and viruses!
------------------------
Modified from a post from wildfire last year, measures to boost health due to smoke from fire remains timeless:
Unfortunately the camp fire and wildfires are still raging in many places in the state and will likely recur in the foreseeable future. This brings up a lot of physiological issues as well as emotional grief for people in our area. While fires to some extent are a fact of life (and prevention is a whole other can of worms…) this year has had a higher impact on our air quality than years past. People most affected by fire smoke are those with chronic respiratory conditions or other chronic diseases, older adults, children and pregnant women. However, when the air quality is really poor everyone is at risk for experiencing issues. If you haven’t taken some measures to boost your lung health now is a great time!
In Chinese medicine, the lungs are a very important organ system. The lungs are one of the major sources of qi, or “energy,” in the body and also control the surface of the body—both interior (lungs/airways) and exterior (skin/nose)—and therefore are our first line of defense from allergens such as smoke as well as viruses and bacteria. They are also usually the first part of our body to be impacted by these external factors.
When your lung qi is strong, you feel vibrant, energetic, and breathing is easy. On the other hand, when the air we breathe is full of allergens and toxins, such as the wildfire smoke we are experiencing right now in Oregon or smog in urban areas, our lungs are put under a lot of strain and can quickly become depleted of qi. Symptoms of lung qi deficiency include fatigue, shallow or difficult breathing, weak dry cough, weak voice, skin issues and sweating.
Another issue we face this time of year in Central Oregon is hot dry weather. Dryness is also seen as a pathogenic factor in Chinese medicine that can impact the lungs. Symptoms of lung dryness include hoarse voice, dry cough, and dry throat and mouth.
For those who have underlying lung qi deficiency or other chronic diseases and imbalances, the smoke can cause more severe and allergic symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, irritated sinuses, rapid pulse, headaches or burning watery eyes.
Do you feel affected by the smoke? If so, it’s time to take action to support your lung qi so you don’t experience any serious or long-term problems, and also to make sure your immunity is at its best for the coming cold/flu season. Here are our recommendations for supporting lung qi in wildfire season:
- Check the Air Quality Reports often. The winds are always changing and the air quality fluctuates constantly, so make sure to look at a real-time report throughout the day, especially if you need to be outside. We use the AQI website . Time your outings appropriately and stay inside when the air quality is unhealthy or hazardous.
- Reduce exposure. It’s not fun, but stay inside, keep car windows closed and the internal circulation on. Avoid burning candles or wood fire inside as this will increase air pollution. Consider purchasing a HEPA air filter to help reduce particulates in your home. If you are really struggling or at risk, purchase a particulate respirator mask to wear when you do go outside. A bandana or surgical mask will not keep out the small particles that are damaging to the lungs.
- Focus on foods. With all the work your body is doing when there is a lot of smoke in the air, it is important to fuel it with the right foods. Keep meals simple and avoid common inflammatory foods such as dairy, wheat, alcohol or greasy/fried foods. Moistening fruits such as pear or persimmon can help to nourish lung yin and combat dryness symptoms. Pungent foods such as onions, garlic and ginger are great, as well as veggies like turnips and radishes.
- Get acupuncture. Did you know acupuncture can help support your lungs and breathing? Acupuncture has been shown in studies to help support breathing and lung function in people with more serious lung diseases like COPD (1) and asthma (2), showing that acupuncture can have a direct effect on reducing lung symptoms and improving overall lung health. Acupuncture can also help to support your lung qi and keep you well before you have any serious symptoms. A famous Chinese medical saying is that “treating disease when it has already manifested is like digging a well when one is already thirsty.” Prevention is key so don’t wait until you are already suffering. If you fall into one of the categories above for people at higher risk of having issues from smoke, it is even more important to reach out to a licensed acupuncturist for support as well as your medical doctor or naturopathic doctor.
- Take lung tonic herbs. Again, if you are in one of the high-risk groups, your best choice is to see a licensed acupuncturist or western herbalist for a custom herbal formula to treat your specific symptoms. For those that are otherwise healthy, just wanting to support lung qi and prevent disease, there are some over-the-counter herbal formulas that you could try.
- Express your grief: this one's important. Grief is the emotion associated with the lungs and too much of it, especially when we hold onto it and don't express our sadness, can manifest in physical disease along the road. It's hard not to be heartbroken over the loss of our beautiful and beloved places, especially in areas like the Paradise that many of us know and love. Look at old pictures from the areas affected by the fires, share your stories with friends, cry, scream, shout: do whatever it takes to express the sadness you may be feeling. For many it helps to take action--contact your local forestry center and see what you can do to help fire prevention and restoration to keep our forests vibrant in the future.
Sources:
http://fortune.com/2018/11/16/california-fires-san-francisco-bay-area-air-quality-face-masks/
https://cambridgemask.com/blog/remedies/
https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/9-best-herbs-lung-cleansing-respiratory-support/
https://www.acucascadia.com/blog/2017/9/6/lung-support-in-wildfire-season
http://theconversation.com/can-facemasks-help-reduce-the-negative-health-impacts-of-air-pollution-82549
https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2017/01/12/tcm-expert-says-medicinal-teas-used-anti-smog-cures-are-ineffective
http://vitalitymagazine.com/article/autumn-is-lung-season/
https://danielafreda.com/2012/10/11/pear-soup-for-lung-health/
https://www.modernreflexology.com/acupressure-points-relieve-asthma/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-iDbKvQYH0
https://www.steve-woodley.co.uk/?content=pointsearch&point=Lu-7
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