If you’re in Southern California right now, you probably feel the effects of the wildfires fueled by the Santa Ana winds. The smoky air makes it hard to breathe, and the poor air quality can leave you feeling drained and uncomfortable. During times like these, I turn to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for some practical, natural ways to support my health—and I wanted to share a few of these tips with you.
1. Drink Your Way to Healthier Lungs
In TCM, your lungs are seen as your body’s first line of defense against airborne irritants like smoke. Keeping them strong and hydrated is key. I love making these simple remedies at home:
Licorice Root Tea (Gan Cao): It’s great for soothing your throat and helping clear out toxins. Bonus: it’s naturally sweet!
Chrysanthemum Tea (Ju Hua): This is my go-to for cooling inflammation. It’s super refreshing, especially when the heat and smoke are overwhelming.
Pear and Honey Drink: Just simmer some sliced pears with a spoonful of honey. It’s like a warm hug for your lungs, perfect for easing dryness.
2. Eat Foods That Love Your Lungs
Certain foods in TCM are considered especially nourishing for your lungs and can help combat the dryness caused by smoky air. Lately, I’ve been keeping these staples on hand:
Asian pears: Juicy and hydrating, they’re like nature’s little lung soothers.
White fungus (Yin Er): Think of it as a collagen-packed treat for your lungs and skin.
Radishes: They help clear out any phlegm buildup and feel surprisingly light and refreshing.
3. Try a Little Acupressure
I know not everyone is into acupressure, but hear me out—it's easy, and it works! When my chest feels tight or my breathing feels off, I massage these points:
Lu 1 (Zhongfu): Right below your collarbone. It’s amazing for clearing that heavy feeling in your chest.
St 36 (Zusanli): This one is below your knee and great for boosting energy and immunity. A quick rub here always leaves me feeling recharged.
4. Stay Hydrated and Detoxify Naturally
We all know hydration is important, but during fire season, it’s critical. I’ve been sipping on:
Warm lemon water—it’s simple and helps flush out toxins.
Barley water—a TCM favorite that helps clear heat and calm the body.
Both are easy to make and surprisingly comforting.
5. Purify the Air Around You
If you’re spending most of your time indoors (smart move!), diffusing essential oils can help make the air feel fresher. My top picks are:
Eucalyptus oil: Great for clearing up stuffy noses.
Tea tree oil: Helps purify the air and give your immune system a little boost.
6. Don’t Forget Your Skin
Your skin is another layer of defense against smoke, so keep it protected. I’ve been moisturizing more often and using an N95 mask when I have to go outside. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
7. Rest, Recharge, and Strengthen Your Immunity
These smoky days can take a toll, so don’t push yourself too hard. Rest when you can, and try adding immunity-boosting foods to your meals. One of my favorites is ginseng chicken soup—it’s delicious, comforting, and gives your body the support it needs.
8. Breathe and Move with Qi Gong
When I’m feeling sluggish or overwhelmed, a little Qi Gong can do wonders. The slow, mindful movements help me feel more grounded and less stressed—and they’re great for opening up your lungs.
Take Care of Yourself This isn’t an easy time, and we’re all doing our best to stay healthy. Whether you try one or all of these tips, I hope they help you feel a little more comfortable while we ride out the fires. And hey, if you have your own tips or remedies, share them—I’d love to hear what’s working for you!
Stay safe and take care of yourself and your loved ones. We’ll get through this together.
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