When a wildfire starts nearby, the change can happen almost overnight. Clear blue skies can quickly turn hazy and gray, and the smell of smoke can linger for days or even weeks. During wildfire season, smoky air can be difficult to avoid, leaving many people dealing with dry throats, irritated airways, stress, headaches or an unsettled stomach.
While the most important steps are limiting smoke exposure and following guidance from local health officials, there are also simple ways to support your overall well-being while spending time indoors. One comforting option is herbal tea. Certain herbs have traditionally been used to help soothe the throat, support respiratory wellness, promote relaxation, or ease occasional digestive discomfort.
Living near an active wildfire, or even experiencing smoke drifting in from a fire miles away can be stressful, unsettling, and physically uncomfortable. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best herbs for wildfire season and how they may help you stay a little more comfortable while the smoke clears.
Symptoms of Wildfire Smoke Inhalation
- Coughing
- Respiratory Irritation
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Nausea
- Scratchy Throat
- Irritated Eyes
How can herbs help with irritation from wildfire smoke?
The main benefits of drinking herbs during wildfire season is to
- soothe irritated airways
- increase hydration
- help your body clear mucus
Certain herbs can also help relieve headache symptoms brought on by wildfire smoke inhalation. Whether you are seeing wildfires on the news or close to home, they can cause an increase of climate anxiety and stress. Herbal teas are also helpful to ease anxiety and help relax the body.
Herbs for Fire Season
Organic Mullein: Mullein tea is known to help the body expel mucus and is a natural way to support overall respiratory health. This herb helps to clear and soothe irritated airways, making it more comfortable to breath.
Organic Marshmallow Root: Marshmallow root can help during wildfire season to soothe irritation and inflammation in the throat. This herb can also help alleviate dry coughs.
Organic Thyme: Thyme contains natural properties that can help to relieve cough symptoms and soothe airways.
Organic Ginger Root: Ginger root can help alleviate nausea caused by smoke.
Organic Peppermint: Peppermint is an herb that can help reduce headaches. The menthol may help improve blood flow and provide a cooling sensation which both help to reduce tension.
Organic Chamomile: Chamomile can help relax the body and ease anxiety. Smoky skies and wildfires nearby can increase stress and anxiety, and chamomile can help soothe the whole body.
Organic Nettle: If you are experiencing seasonal allergies that are worsened by the smoke, nettle tea works as a natural antihistamine to help reduce allergy symptoms.
Wellness Tea Blends:
Thank you!
A special thank you to all firefighters and first responders who help keep us safe during wildfire season! If you are a firefighter or first responder and would like some tea, please call us at 1 (800) 635-2471 for a discount!
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This is for educational purposes only.
