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We live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in southern British Columbia.
The environment is similar to Northern California’s Napa Valley. The climate is complex, with semi-arid desert mixed with fertile soils suitable for orchards and vineyards as well as temperate forests of pine, spruce and fir. Okanagan Lake bisects the valley, attracting visitors to enjoy the sun, wine and fruit. I am truly blessed to be able to work and play in such a beautiful geographical area.
However, drastic changes in weather patterns are a sobering reality of the world we live in now. Climate change affects air quality and purity everywhere. For two decades, wildfires have ravaged the Okanagan Valley. The recent 2023 fires in West Kelowna and the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Park fire are examples of fire storms that engulfed homes and habitats on an unprecedented scale.
Few would argue that the quality of the air we breathe is deteriorating. Air pollution is a worldwide problem affecting millions of people. Air pollutants caused by human activities include emissions from industry, automobile traffic, coal burning, home heating, shipping, construction, agricultural work, war and fires. In addition, air pollution can also be caused by earthquakes, volcanic activity, forest and wildfires, and extreme temperature swings.
The most harmful forms of particulate matter are those less than 10 microns in diameter. When these particles are inhaled, they affect the action of the bronchi and bronchioles and mucociliary tracts, which normally help to expel them. Particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter pose special problems because they can be inhaled and lodged deep in lung tissue. Ultrafine particles are less than 0.1 microns in diameter and can actually be absorbed into the systemic circulation and retained in tissues throughout the body.
Air pollution can cause airway and lung problems, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis and sinusitis, and lung cancer. Air pollution can also lead to systemic illnesses such as heart disease and stroke, and can cause distress to developing fetuses in pregnant women, young children and the elderly. Sometimes the effects of environmental exposures on the body are latent and 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 use a lung formula that contains lobelia, peppermint, fenugreek, and wild cherry bark. Most patients like the results and seem to work well. At the very least, it is a good natural expectorant and helps clear mucus and phlegm from the lungs.
Lobelia is a beautiful plant that can grow up to one meter tall and is native to eastern North America. The unique small blue and purple petals and ease of growth make it a favorite among gardeners. It is a great expectorant and can help improve lung function and treat asthma and bronchitis.
Fenugreek is an herb and culinary spice that has been used as a carminative and digestive aid. It has mild expectorant properties and may help improve lung function.
Peppermint is a common aromatic herb widely used as an herb in cooking and tea as well as in a variety of over-the-counter cosmetics and analgesic and counterirritant medications. Peppermint and menthol can improve lung function. It should also be mentioned that large doses of menthol can cause respiratory irritation and trigger asthma in some people.
Wild cherry bark is popular in folk medicine as an expectorant, antitussive, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory agent. It is a popular ingredient in cough syrups and bronchial formulas. Wild cherry bark has been shown to have a calming and effective effect on the cough reflex.
The combination of Chinese herbs is an excellent expectorant, helping to expel mucus and phlegm from the bronchopulmonary tract and sinuses. It can help relax bronchial smooth muscles and improve airflow.
In some patients, I have measured an increase in office spirometry (measured by FEV1 or forced expiratory volume) of about 25% to 30%. It can serve as a good adjunct to the use of bronchodilator medications. I have used it with patients using beta-agonist inhalers as well as inhaled corticosteroids, and I have modified the formula by adding licorice and guaifenesin to the formula.
No one can deny that the quality of the air we breathe is important to human health. As climate change and air pollution increase, the quality of the air we breathe decreases. Lung disease increases as climate change and air pollution worsen.
Finding some natural supplements to improve lung function is an interesting thought. A mixture of herbs such as lobelia, fenugreek, peppermint, and wild cherry bark attempt to help clear the airways and improve lung function.
The information provided herein does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to constitute medical advice. All information and content are for general information purposes only.
This article was written by or on behalf of the Outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.