Supporting the lungs, liver and immune system after exposure to wildfire smoke and air pollution

Written By Azita Moallef

After exposure to wildfire smoke and air pollution, it’s important to support your lungs, liver, and immune system to clear toxins and reduce inflammation. Here’s a holistic approach based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda:

1. Herbs & Supplements for Lung Detox

TCM Herbs:

  • Yu Xing Cao (Houttuynia cordata) – Clears heat and toxins from the lungs

  • Bai He (Lily Bulb) – Moistens dry lungs and soothes cough

  • Huang Qi (Astragalus) – Strengthens lung Qi and immunity

  • Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Bark) – Helps clear phlegm and supports lung function

  • Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome) – Clears heat and soothes irritated lungs

Ayurvedic Herbs:

  • Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) – A powerful lung detoxifier

  • Licorice Root (Yashtimadhu) – Soothes the throat and reduces inflammation

  • Turmeric & Black Pepper – Anti-inflammatory, detoxifying for lungs and liver

  • Triphala – Supports detoxification through the gut and reduces oxidative stress

Western Supplements:

  • NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) – A precursor to glutathione, helps break down mucus and detox lungs

  • Quercetin – A natural antihistamine that reduces inflammation

  • Vitamin C & Zinc – Supports immunity and lung repair

  • Chlorophyll or Spirulina – Detoxifies heavy metals and supports oxygenation

2. Foods to Cleanse the Lungs

  • Pears & Apples – Moistening and detoxifying for the lungs

  • Cruciferous Vegetables (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale) – Support detoxification pathways

  • Ginger & Garlic – Help break down mucus and reduce inflammation

  • Radish & Daikon – Clears phlegm and supports lung function

  • Miso & Fermented Foods – Help restore gut-lung connection

3. Lifestyle & Breathing Practices

  • Neti Pot with saline – Clears out particulate matter from sinuses

  • Steam Inhalation with eucalyptus or thyme essential oil – Opens airways

  • Pranayama (Yogic Breathing) – Focus on Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing)

  • Qi Gong Lung Exercises – Gentle movements to strengthen the lungs

4. Hydration & Teas

  • Mullein Tea – Helps clear mucus and repair lung tissue

  • Ginger + Honey + Lemon Tea – Anti-inflammatory and soothing

  • Peppermint Tea – Opens airways and supports clear breathing

Here are some TCM formulas and Ayurvedic herbal blends to help detox the lungs after wildfire smoke exposure:

🌿 TCM Herbal Formulas for Lung Detox

Qing Fei Pai Du Tang (清肺排毒汤) – “Lung Clearing and Detoxifying Decoction”

  • Originally used for respiratory infections, it helps clear heat, expel toxins, and strengthen lung function.

  • Key herbs: Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Ma Huang (Ephedra), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), and Sheng Jiang (Ginger).

  • Good for clearing phlegm, inflammation, and deep lung congestion.

Xuan Bai Cheng Qi Tang (宣白承气汤) – “Clear Phlegm from the Lungs”

  • Helps clear heat and damp-phlegm in the lungs, especially useful if you have a persistent cough or mucus buildup.

  • Key herbs: Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Root Bark), Gua Lou Ren (Trichosanthes Seed), and Da Huang (Rhubarb Root).

Bu Fei Tang (补肺汤) – “Tonify the Lungs”

  • Supports lung Qi and strengthens respiratory function after smoke exposure.

  • Key herbs: Ren Shen (Ginseng), Huang Qi (Astragalus), and Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia).

Mai Men Dong Tang (麦门冬汤) – “Lung Yin Nourishing Formula”

  • Helps moisten dry lungs and reduce inflammation, especially if smoke exposure has led to a dry cough or throat irritation.

  • Key herbs: Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon), Ban Xia (Pinellia), and Da Zao (Jujube Date).

🌿 Ayurvedic Herbal Blends for Lung Detox

Sitopaladi Churna – Classic Ayurvedic formula for clearing mucus and improving lung function.

  • Key ingredients: Bamboo Manna, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Pippali (Long Pepper), and Rock Candy.

  • Acts as an expectorant and strengthens the immune system.

Talisadi Churna – Strengthens respiratory function and helps clear congestion.

  • Key ingredients: Talispatra (Abies Webbiana), Pippali, Black Pepper, and Ginger.

  • Excellent for lingering cough, bronchial irritation, and lung weakness.

Vasaka (Adhatoda Vasica) Tea or Capsules

  • Known in Ayurveda as one of the most powerful lung detox herbs.

  • Helps clear phlegm, reduces inflammation, and improves oxygenation.

Licorice & Ginger Decoction

  • Boil Licorice Root (Yashtimadhu) and Fresh Ginger in water for 10 minutes.

  • Helps soothe throat irritation, clear mucus, and support lung healing.

Contact me to find what specific herbal formulations or recipes are best for your constitution and to fine tune the dosages for you

to receive professional grade herbs and supplements, you may create an account under my dispensary and receive 15% discount: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/amoallef/store-start

Azita Moallef
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