Supporting Your Body During Wildfire Smoke Exposure

Wildfire smoke contains fine particles, toxic gases, and heavy metals that can significantly irritate your respiratory system and impact overall health. A 2022 study analyzing California wildfires over 13 years revealed alarmingly high levels of hazardous substances such as lead, arsenic, chromium, copper, nickel, aluminum, and zinc during certain fires. Recent research further emphasizes the health risks, with a 2024 study linking long-term exposure to wildfire smoke with an increased risk of lung cancer and brain tumors. Additionally, a 2023 study highlights that inhaling wildfire smoke can lead to chronic respiratory conditions, cardiovascular issues, and even dementia. These findings underscore the importance of protecting your body from both immediate and long-term health risks associated with wildfire smoke. 

Furthermore, the Air Quality Index (AQI) only measures common pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, but it does not account for heavy metals (e.g., mercury, lead, cadmium) and toxic chemicals (e.g., dioxins, benzene). These substances, often released during wildfires or industrial activity, may adhere to particulate matter, increasing health risks without being explicitly reflected in the AQI. For information on heavy metals and toxins, specialized monitoring or environmental reports are required. Below, I outline supplements, herbs, and holistic strategies to help support your body during exposure.


1. Supplements

To counteract the harmful effects of wildfire smoke, consider incorporating these essential supplements:


2. Herbs and Adaptogens

Herbs can play a significant role in reducing inflammation, soothing respiratory tissues, and supporting detoxification. Use them as teas, tinctures, or powders:

  • Mullein: Soothes the respiratory tract and reduces inflammation.

  • Licorice Root: Calms irritated airways and acts as an anti-inflammatory (avoid if pregnant or with high blood pressure).

  • Reishi: Protects lung tissue, reduces inflammation, and boosts immunity. Found in Lung Formula below.

  • Astragalus: Strengthens the immune system and supports lung health.

  • Green Tea: A potent antioxidant that supports detoxification (3 cups daily).

  • Thyme: Antibacterial and excellent for clearing congestion. Found in Lung Formula below.

  • Milk Thistle: Enhances liver detoxification for processing toxins efficiently.

  • Oregano Oil: Provides powerful antioxidants, reduces inflammation, and protects against respiratory infections.

  • Elderberry: Sooths and supports respiratory health and reduces duration and severity of respiratory infections.
  • Lung Shield: Helps rebuild and repair damaged lung tissues and contains many of the herbs + more listed above. Great option if you want to invest in just one product.

 

3. Holistic Practices

Incorporate these practices to help your body manage wildfire smoke exposure:

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water with electrolytes to flush toxins and keep mucous membranes moist. Honey is great too!

  • Steam Inhalation: Use eucalyptus or peppermint oil in hot water to soothe airways and clear congestion.

  • Air Purifiers: Use HEPA filters to reduce indoor particulate matter.

  • Neti Pot: Rinse nasal passages with saline to clear out particles and reduce inflammation.

  • Eye Drops: Provides immediate relief and sustained hydration from smoke and dry air. My favorite homeopathic eyedrops are HERE

  • Mindful Breathing: Practice diaphragmatic breathing to strengthen lung function.

  • Detoxifying Foods: Incorporate cilantro, apples, ginger, garlic, fermented foods and warm lemon water to support detoxification.

 

4. Lifestyle Adjustments

Take proactive steps to minimize exposure and protect your health:

  • Limit Outdoor Exposure: Stay indoors with windows and doors shut. Ensure your air conditioner isn’t pulling air from outside, and do the same for your car by using the recirculate air option.

  • Wear an N95 Mask or Respirator: If you must go outside, wear a high-quality mask that filters fine particles.

  • Protect Your Skin: Use The Golden Secrets Heal All Oil to repair and protect skin exposed to pollutants. This oil provides antioxidant protection, soothes inflammation, strengthens the skin’s barrier, and hydrates to combat dryness

  • Protect Your Lips: Use The Golden Secrets Coconut Lip Balm to create a barrier to lock in moisture and prevent pollutants from penetrating. Lips lack the protective outer layer of skin and oil glands found elsewhere on the body, making them highly vulnerable to dryness, cracking, and irritation.

  • Change Clothing: Wear protective clothing like a hazmat suit or long-sleeved jumper outside, and remove it immediately upon entering your home.

  • Shower After Being Exposed: Rinse off particles that may settle on your skin and hair.

  • Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Include foods like berries, Citrus fruits, Avocados, cruciferous vegetables, sweet potatoes, beets, olive oil, coconut oil, garlic, nuts, green tea, bone broth, and fermented foods to reduce inflammation.


Take Action for Your Health

Wildfire smoke exposure can have serious health implications, but by incorporating these strategies, you can minimize its impact and safeguard your well-being. From essential supplements to holistic practices, each step helps protect your body against the harmful effects of fine particles, toxic gases, and heavy metals in the air. Together, we can face this challenge and emerge stronger, healthier, and more resilient.

Stay safe, stay proactive, and take care of yourself and your loved ones. Share this with anyone affected.

Many of the links I've shared above are from my Amazon storefront to make it as easy as possible for you to access what you need. Although I typically prefer loose-leaf tea, I chose to share green tea in convenient tea bag form for added simplicity. My goal with these choices is to help lighten the load, especially during challenging times. For more recommendations and my complete lists, feel free to explore my personal website HERE or check out my Amazon Storefront