Another unfortunate consequence of the bushfires is this horrible smoke that is blanketing Sydney at the moment. With the air quality getting worse, the bush fire smoke is especially problematic for anyone with respiratory or heart conditions. Even if you are generally healthy, when the air is thick with ash, it can make you sick. Symptoms can include coughing, stinging eye, scratchy throat, and irritated sinuses. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms a naturopath may be able to help.
Some of the “medicines” that a naturopath has available include herbal lung tonics. A tonic is something that restores and revitalises something. Herbs like Plantago lanceolata, ribwort, have historically been used as an anti-inflammatory (Fisher, 2009; van Wyk & Wink, 2012). It can be useful in respiratory conditions, such as asthma, hayfever, sinusitis, and bronchitis (Fisher, 2009). It contains flavonoids which are anti-inflammatory, mucilage which is also soothing and anti-inflammatory, and tannins which have a mucous reducing action (Fisher, 2009; van Wyk & Wink, 2012).


Other tricks for staying healthy in poor air quality-

*Stay indoors as much as possible.
*Drink plenty of filtered water.
*Increases your antioxidant intake (never a bad idea really!) by increasing fresh fruit and vegetables, especially those that are bright coloured like blueberries and carrots.
*If your sinuses or throat are irritated you can flush them/gargle with saltwater. Word of warning when flushing your sinuses, this can feel horrid when you’re doing it, but great after.
*A good quality herbal tea, with ginger and turmeric, or you can find a nice cold and flu blend, will help to clear your sinuses and lungs.


Book an appointment online today to find out how a naturopath can help.

And remember, if your symptoms are getting really bad or you suffer from asthma or any other respiratory or heart conditions, see your doctor straight away.

Fisher, C. (2009). Materia Medica of Western Herbs. London: Vitex Medica.
van Wyk, B.-E., & Wink, M. (2012). Medicinal Plants of the World (5th ed.). Pretoria: Briza Publications.