Using Herbs to Breathe Better – The Okanagan Naturopath

We live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in southern British Columbia.

The environment resembles the Napa Valley of Northern California. The climate is a complex tapestry of semi-arid desert mixed with fertile soil for orchards and vineyards and temperate forests of pine, spruce and fir. Okanagan Lake divides the valley and attracts tourists for the sun, wine and fruit. I am truly fortunate to be able to work and play in such a beautiful geographic region.

However, the drastic change in weather conditions is a sad reality of the world we live in today. Climate change affects both air quality and purity everywhere. Wildfires have ravaged the Okanagan Valley for two decades. The recent fires in West Kelowna in 2023 and the Okanagan Mountain Park fire in 2003 are examples of firestorms that devoured homes and habitat on a scale never before seen.

Few would say that the quality of the air we breathe is deteriorating. Air pollution is a global problem that affects millions of people. Air contaminants from human activity include industrial emissions, automobile traffic, coal burning, domestic heating, shipping, construction, agricultural work, war and fires. Additionally, earthquakes, volcanic activity, forest and forest fires, and extreme temperature fluctuations can contribute to air pollution.

The most harmful particle forms are less than 10 micrometers in diameter. These particles are inhaled and can affect the bronchi and bronchioles and the action of the mucociliary tract, which usually helps expel them. Particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter pose a particular problem because they can be inhaled and lodged deep in lung tissue. Ultrafine particles are less than 0.1 micrometers in diameter and can actually be absorbed into the systemic circulation and lodged in tissues throughout the body.

Air pollution can contribute to airway and lung problems, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, emphysema, respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis and sinusitis, and lung cancer. . Air pollution also contributes to systemic diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, and can also be detrimental to the developing fetuses of pregnant women, as well as young children and frail elderly people. Sometimes the effect of environmental exposure is latent on the body and will manifest as disease years or even decades later.

As a naturopathic doctor, I am always looking for natural ways to improve lung and respiratory function. I used a lung formula that incorporates lobelia, peppermint, fenugreek, and wild cherry bark. Most patients enjoy the effects and it seems to work well. At the very least, it is a good natural expectorant that helps clear mucus and phlegm from the lungs.

Lobelia is a pretty plant that can reach one meter in height and is native to eastern North America. The distinctive small blue and purple petals and ease of growth make it a favorite among gardeners. It is a good expectorant and can help improve lung function and treat asthma and bronchitis.

Fenugreek is a culinary herb and spice used as a carminative and digestive aid. It has mild expectorant qualities and may help improve lung function.

Peppermint is a common aromatic herb that is widely used as an herb in cooking and teas as well as in a wide variety of over-the-counter cosmetics and counterirritant analgesic medications. Mint and menthol may improve lung function. It is also worth mentioning that large doses of menthol can cause irritation of the respiratory tract and cause asthma in some people.

Wild cherry bark is popular in traditional medicine as an expectorant, antitussive, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. It was a popular ingredient in cough syrups and bronchial formulas. Wild cherry bark has demonstrated an effective sedative effect on the cough reflex.

The combination of herbs is a good expectorant that helps expel mucous membranes and phlegm from the bronchopulmonary tract and sinuses. It can help relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi and improve air circulation.

In some patients, I have measured an increase of approximately 25-30% in office spirometry, as measured by FEV1, or forced expiratory volume. This can be a good complement to the use of bronchodilator medications. I have used it with patients on beta agonist inhalers as well as inhaled corticosteroids and have modified the formula by adding licorice and guafenesin to the formula.

No one can deny that the quality of the air we breathe is important for human health. As the climate changes and air pollution increases, the quality of the air we breathe decreases. As climate change and air pollution worsen, lung disease increases.

The search for natural supplements to improve lung function has been an interesting thought. An herbal blend of lobelia, fenugreek, peppermint, and wild cherry bark attempts to help clear the airways and improve lung function.

The information provided in this article does not constitute and is not intended to constitute medical advice. All information and content is for general information purposes only.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.