Breathing Through Smoke
Wellness tips for wildfire season
What to do about wildfire smoke?
Wildfire smoke has become a fixture of summer in the Kootenays. Every season it brings the same discomforts back with it: sore throats, itchy eyes, dry sinuses, and the kind of fatigue that comes from breathing air that isn’t quite clean.
None of that clears up instantly. But there are a few things that can bring real relief while we wait for the skies to open back up.
For congestion and irritated airways
A few products in Wellness are worth knowing about if you’re dealing with a scratchy throat or tight chest:
- Naka Respiratory Essentials
- St. Francis Respiraclense tincture
- Natural Factors Lung, Bronchial + Sinus Health
- CanPrev Healthy Lungs capsules
- Mullein
These tend to combine soothing, expectorant herbs like horseradish, mullein, fenugreek, wild cherry bark, horehound, ivy, and nettle leaf. People commonly use them to help ease irritation and support clearer breathing.
Mullein shows up in several of the blends above, but it’s also worth knowing on its own. We’re seeing a lot of members reach for it lately, whether in bulk or as a St. Francis tincture or capsules. It’s traditionally used to soothe irritated respiratory tracts and support the clearing of mucus from the airways.
General tips
Clear the air at home
A humidifier or diffuser adds moisture back into dry, irritated airways. A few drops of eucalyptus, pine, spruce, balsam fir, peppermint, or lemon essential oil can help cut the smoky smell and ease congestion. For something quicker, put three to five drops in your palm next time you’re in the shower and breathe it in.
Drink more than usual
Water helps thin mucus and supports your body as it clears what it’s taken in from the air. If you’re spending time outside, adding electrolytes to your water can help too.
Eat what’s in season
Vitamin C-rich greens and berries are close to peak season right now through our True Local suppliers. That makes this an easy stretch to lean on food first.
If you want extra support, vitamin C and NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) are two supplements people commonly reach for during smoke season. Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant, and NAC is often used to help thin mucus and support your body’s own production of glutathione.
Before you start anything new
If your symptoms are severe, or you’re managing an underlying health condition, check in with a healthcare provider before starting anything new. This is especially important alongside medication you’re already taking.
For the ordinary discomfort of a smoky stretch, though, these are good places to start.
For more support, stop by your Wellness Department and speak with our knowledgeable team.
