Herbal Protocols for Acute Climate Grief from Fire: Respiratory Support, Immune Strengthening, and Grief Relief
By Devorah Brous (@dev.brous) // fromsoil2soul.com
Herbal Protocols for Acute Climate Grief from Fire: Respiratory Support, Immune Strengthening, and Grief Relief
FromSoil2Soul Disclaimer: Herbal Remedies and Holistic Wellness
Herbal remedies integrate mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, aiming to restore dynamic balance. The following recommendations are intended to empower those needing immediate respiratory, immune, and adrenal support for grief. It is not a substitute for professional medical care, and not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or prescribe. Keep in mind that the herbs most easily accessible are the herbs to use, even if not mentioned below.
Respiratory Relief: Cooling Herbs
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Benefit: Clears mucus, soothes irritated lungs, supports respiratory health.
How to Use: Drink as a tea or tincture; use for steam inhalation to reduce irritation and support the respiratory system.
Tea Blend: Combine Mullein with Peppermint and Elderflowers for a respiratory-clearing tea.
Dosage: 1–2 tsp dried herb per cup of water, steep 10 minutes.
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
Benefit: A powerful demulcent that soothes mucous membranes and reduces inflammation.
How to Use: Steep Marshmallow in cold water for 4–8 hours for an infusion; add cinnamon and honey and drink throughout the day.
Tea Blend: Mix Marshmallow with Licorice root and/or Chamomile for a soothing blend.
Dosage: 1 tbsp dried root in 2 cups cold water for infusion.
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
Benefit: Coats and protects the throat and airways while easing irritation.
How to Use: Prepare a tea by mixing powdered slippery elm with honey and adding hot water.
Dosage: 1 tsp powdered bark per mug of hot water.
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Benefit: Soothes inflamed tissues, reduces irritation, and supports adrenal recovery.
How to Use: Brew a tea with licorice root or take as a tincture. Avoid prolonged use for those with high blood pressure.
Dosage: 1 tsp dried root per cup of water, steep 10–15 minutes.
Plantain Leaf (Plantago major)
Benefit: Cools and soothes inflamed airways, while promoting tissue healing.
How to Use: Brew as a strong tea.
Dosage: 1 tsp dried leaves per cup of water, steep 10 minutes.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) or Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Benefit: Opens airways and eases breathing.
How to Use: Inhale steam infused with a few drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree essential oil, or sip peppermint tea for cooling relief.
Steam Inhalation: Combine mullein, eucalyptus, and thyme in a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale slowly and deeply.
Dosage: Tear apart 3–5 leaves for steam inhalation.
Immune Support and Detoxification
Nettles (Urtica dioica)
Benefit: Supports detoxification and replenishes essential nutrients like iron and vitamin C.
How to Use: Prepare Nettle tea or use in infusions for daily hydration.
Tea Blend: Combine Nettle with Lemon Balm and Rosehips for a nourishing immune boost.
Dosage: 1 tbsp dried herb per cup of water, steep 10 minutes.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Benefit: Strengthens the immune system and aids recovery during stress.
How to Use: Add astragalus root to soups or simmer into a tea.
Dosage: 1 tbsp dried root per 2 cups of water, simmer for 20 minutes.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
Benefit: Provides antioxidants, supports immunity, and reduces inflammation.
How to Use: Take as a syrup or infusion to recover from smoke exposure.
Tea Blend: Mix elderberry with hibiscus and cinnamon for an immune-boosting tea.
Dosage: 1 tbsp dried berries, 1 stick of cinnamon per cup of water, simmer for 10 minutes.
Emotional Support for Acute Grief
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Benefit: Calms the nervous system and promotes emotional balance.
How to Use: Brew as tea and steep for a quick sense of calm.
Dosage: 1–2 tsp dried leaves per mug of water, steep 10 minutes.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Benefit: Soothes the respiratory system and alleviates tension or anxiety.
How to Use: Drink as tea to calm the body and reduce inflammation.
Dosage: 1–2 tsp dried flowers per cup of water, steep 10 minutes.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Benefit: Reduces stress and promotes deep breathing.
How to Use: Add lavender to tea blends or keep in your pocket, pinch the lavender flower or leaf and inhale deeply.
Dosage: 1 tsp dried flowers per cup of water.
Tea Blends for Grief Relief
Lung-Soothing Tea Blend
Herbs: Rosemary, Mullein, Marshmallow Root, Peppermint, Thyme.
Instructions: Steep 1 tsp of any herbs available into 2 cups of hot water for 10 minutes. Add honey to taste. Sip.
Grief Relief Cooling and Calming Tea Blend
Herbs: Rosemary, Marshmallow Root, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Lavender, and Licorice Root.
Instructions: Brew a handful of the blend in 3 cups of hot water. Strain, add honey, and sip throughout the day.
Immune Strengthening Tea Blend
Herbs: Rosemary, Nettles, Elderberry, Rosehips, and Astragalus Root.
Instructions: Simmer Astragalus root for 20 minutes, then add the other herbs and steep for 10 minutes. Add honey and drink daily.
General Tips:
Prioritize Hydration: herbal infusions, teas, or broths to flush out toxins.
Eat Cooling Foods: If possible, add cucumbers, melons, and aloe juice into your diet to counter heat.
Antioxidant-Rich Diet: Consume berries, citrus, and leafy greens to reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
Steam Inhalation: Combine Rosemary, Mullein, Peppermint, Thyme, Tea Tree and/or Eucalyptus in a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale deeply to open airways and soothe the lungs.
Restorative Breathing and Mindfulness Practices: Deep Square Breathing 4.4.4.4 beats to strengthen lung capacity and calm the nervous system.
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