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We live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in southern British Columbia.
The environment is similar to Napa Valley in Northern California. The climate is a complex tapestry of fertile soil suitable for orchards and vineyards, temperate forests of pine, spruce and fir trees, and semi-arid desert. Okanagan Lake bisects the valley and attracts tourists seeking sunshine, wine, and fruit. I am truly blessed to be able to work and play in such a geographically beautiful region.
However, dramatic changes in weather patterns are a harsh reality of the world we currently live in. Climate change affects both air quality and cleanliness everywhere. Wildfires have ravaged the Okanagan Valley for two decades. Recent fires in West Kelowna in 2023 and the Okanagan Mountain Park fire in 2003 were examples of firestorms that destroyed homes and habitat on a scale never seen before.
Few would argue that the quality of the air we breathe is deteriorating. Air pollution is a global problem that affects millions of people. Air pollutants from human activities include emissions from industry, motor vehicle traffic, coal combustion, domestic heating, transportation, construction, agriculture, war, and fire. Additionally, natural influences on air pollution include earthquakes, volcanic activity, forest fires, wildfires, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
The most harmful particulate matter is less than 10 micrometers in diameter. These particles can be inhaled and affect the action of the bronchi and bronchioles, as well as the mucociliary body that normally helps to expel them. Particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter are particularly problematic because they can be inhaled and lodge deep in lung tissue. Ultrafine particles are less than 0.1 micrometers in diameter and can actually be absorbed into the systemic circulation and lodge in tissues throughout the body.
Air pollution can cause airway and lung problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, emphysema, respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis and sinusitis, and lung cancer. Air pollution can also cause systemic diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, and can harm not only young children and the frail elderly, but also the developing fetuses of pregnant women. In some cases, the effects of environmental exposures can be latent in the body and manifest as disease years or decades later.
As a naturopath, I am always looking for natural ways to improve lung and respiratory function. I used a lung formula that incorporated lobelia, peppermint, fenugreek, and wild cherry bark. Most patients like 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 dainty plant that is native to eastern North America and can grow up to 1 meter in height. Its small, distinctive blue and purple petals and ease of growth make it a favorite of gardeners. It is effective as an expectorant, improves lung function and helps 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 that is widely used as a culinary and tea herb, as well as in various commercial cosmetics and as an analgesic and anti-irritant. Mint and menthol improve lung function. It should also be mentioned that consuming large amounts of menthol can cause inflammation of the airways and induce asthma in some people.
Wild cherry bark was popular in folk medicine as an expectorant, antitussive, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory. It was a popular ingredient in cough syrups and bronchial preparations. Wild cherry bark has been shown to have a calming effect on the cough reflex.
The herbal combination is an excellent expectorant that helps drain mucus and phlegm from the bronchopulmonary tract and sinuses. Helps relax bronchial smooth muscles and improve airflow.
In some patients, we measured approximately a 25-30% increase in office-based spirometry as measured by FEV (forced expiratory volume). Suitable as an adjunct to the use of bronchodilators. I use it on patients who are taking beta-agonist inhalers and inhaled corticosteroids, and I have modified the regimen by adding licorice and guaphenesin to it.
No one can deny that the quality of the air we breathe is important to human health. As the climate changes and air pollution increases, the quality of the air we breathe will decline. Lung diseases are on the rise with climate change and worsening air pollution.
The quest to find naturally-based supplements to improve lung function was an interesting foresight. A mixture of herbs such as lobelia, fenugreek, peppermint, and wild cherry bark can help clear your 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 was written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
