The Horse Herbalist

Home herbal remedies for smoke filled air

So much of Australia is or has been on fire. Thank goodness for all our fabulous dedicated enduring firies.

Lungs and airways are being assaulted as we breathe the smoke laden air, particularly as the fires burn for extended periods of time in many areas.

Here are my quick tips on which herbs that can help you and your horse’s respiratory systems.

Aniseed – Pimpinella anisum. Aniseed relieves spasmodic cough, will help clear the lungs.

Echinacea – angustifolia or purpurea. Echinacea boosts the immune system and is indicated in all airways dis-eases like cough, cold, conjunctivitis, sinusitis, bronchitis.

Fennel – Foeniculum vulgare. Another useful herb which helps to clear excess mucus and rubbish from the lungs and airways.

Liquorice root – Glycyrrhiza glabra. (not to be confused with the confectionary which goes by the same name). Liquorice is anti-inflammatory and protects the mucus linings. It helps to open up the airways and relieves spasmodic coughing.

Marshmallow root – Althaea officinalis. Marshmallow root soothes and lines so will help to relieve cough and protect the airways.

Nasturtium – tropaeolum. Nasturtium leaves and petals are prized in Guatemala for relieving coughs and colds. Highly nutritious.

Thyme – Thymus vulgaris. Should be one of your first ‘go to’ herbs for any respiratory problems. It will clear any infections in the airways as it contains antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It heals sore throats, colds, coughs.

How to use:
If you have any or some of the herbs above growing in your garden or nearby then put a good handful into a teapot or stainless steel saucepan, pour over water that is just off the boil, (4-6 cups full), and let stand. Humans can drink it as a hot or cold tea, for horses, wait until its cold and pour a cup full, including the herb itself, over the feed. For horses who are smoke affected do this 2-3 times daily for a few days and then reduce to 1-2 times a day for at least 3 weeks for best results.

Making tea with any herb releases all the water soluble properties into the water so those properties are instantly available to you or your horse rather than having to go through the digestive system.

You can also add raw Australian honey for its soothing and healing properties. (be sure to source pure, raw local honey as many supermarket bought honeys are not pure, and are certainly not raw).

 If you don’t have access to any fresh herbs then either go to your qualified herbalist who will make you a good brew or purchase good quality dry herbs from your health store or reputable dry herb business. Do not rely on culinary herbs from the supermarket for any medicinal value.

For the horses, it’s a good idea to give one or a combination of these herbs if they have been in smoke areas even if you can’t see any respiratory symptoms. Remember the old adage ‘a stitch in time……’

If you only have one herb to use then make it Thyme officinalis.

And, if you want the ease of using a pre-prepared treatment, my unique herbal mix Cough It Up could help.

Stay safe everyone, and take care.