Through all of my years inhabiting this planet, I can honestly say 2020 has brought more challenges than I care to think about. Typically, in times of high stress, my mantra has been just take a deep breath, and make sure you keep breathing.
With air quality the worst it has been since I can remember due to smoke from wildfire, even breathing has become a challenge. Those with pre-existing respiratory issues such as asthma and COPD are particularly at risk during these times
I can’t even see the mountains that normally grace the landscape and it seems very surreal to me, but I can say holy smokes, those sunsets sure are pretty, albeit through squinted, watery eyes. Fortunately, almost as if Nature planned for such times, we can utilize some of the wild plants growing around us for relief.
One of those wild plants that I’ve written pretty extensively about is mullein. Mullein is closely associated with fire for several reasons. It is one of the first plants to re-emerge after a fire and it is an excellent ally for enhancing lung function. Since it likes to grow in families, it helps to hold the scorched Earth together making way for other plants and ensures us there is plenty for everyone.
I could talk about mullein for hours on end but my purpose here is to demonstrate how mullein can bring immediate relief during these hazy days of summer wildfire season; and how you can make use of it. Since the conditions we’re dealing with are hot and dry, we can look to the herbs with soothing and cooling properties to counter the not so desirable effects of the season.
A close look at the underside of the mullein leaf reveals a pattern much like lung tissue giving us the indication of what it may be useful for. When we stop to observe, Nature gives us signs.
Mullein leaves taken in tea form can help to open and relax the lungs allowing for deeper breathing. It helps to calm irritation of the lungs and soothe the smooth muscle lining at the same time facilitating the production of healthy mucous lining. Mullein increases lung circulation and helps loosen mucous secretions so they may be expelled easier helping to relieve dry cough. Mullein flowers, fresh or dried may be added to enhance the anti-inflammatory effects.
Tip Mullein leaves are covered with fine hairs so straining the spent herb through a cloth lined strainer may be necessary for anyone sensitive enough to notice them.
How?
Normally I would collect mullein leaves and dry them on a screen. However, there is no time for that and the leaves can be easily dried on low heat in the oven. I dried my leaves at 170 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Just enough time for them to feel somewhat crunchy. Since the dried leaves of mullein are fluffy, I typically use a heaping tablespoon per cup of water to make tea. Boil your water and cover the leaves, steep for 20 minutes minimum, strain and drink hot or cold. Mullein is considered a safe herb with no reported adverse side effects to date.
Tip: Never collect herbs by the roadside or where they may have been sprayed with herbicide or pesticide
For more information on mullein see Ute Country News Archives July 2014
Fennel seed is another kitchen herb that supports the lungs as well as the nerves, of which we all can benefit from right about now. Fennel is especially useful for wheezing and hoarseness. The seeds can be chewed or added to tea to help open the lungs
Tame the fire
Last month I wrote about my wild friend mallow and its soothing, cooling properties. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of it. Simply collect a few mallow leaves to be ground in the blender, adding a teaspoon of water as needed to get it to the desired consistency, which can best be described as slimy. In a small piece of cloth, enclose the blended herb and apply as a compress over your closed eyes allowing the juice to seep into the eye but taking care to keep plant material out. This may sound a lot harder than it is. With the mashed herb enclosed in the outer cloth, there is very little chance of getting plant material into the eye. Your eyes will thank you for this as mallow gives instant cooling and soothing relief.
If your throat feels parched, scratchy or dry, go ahead and take a spoonful of the blended mallow and feel it’s soothing effects on the throat or roll up a couple of mallow leaves and chew on them allowing the juice to heal any damaged or irritated mucous membrane. Heartburn sufferers take heed.
Tip: Cucumbers can also be blended and applied as a compress to the eyes. This also works well for sunburned skin.
Staying hydrated during this season is of the utmost importance. Again, cucumbers are not only cooling but are a good source of water and electrolytes to help you stay hydrated.
Aloe vera juice (not gel) is soothing and moistening and helps to calm the internal fire that can result due to prolonged stress.
Coconut water is another good source for electrolytes and can be found at most health food stores.
These are all simple and effective methods we can incorporate into our daily lives to help us maneuver our way through the smoke-filled days we can’t seem to escape.
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