Best Herbal Teas to Clear Heat and Toxicity: Natural Remedies for Respiratory Health During California Fires
January 12, 2025
I had such a heart-warming message come in last night on Instagram requesting something to help with the hot and toxic air quality in and around the LA area where the fire is burning this year (early 2025).
This is really something I can help with and will continue to make suggestions on teas and soups, although for quick, effective, and daily recipes, I would suggest teas. They are easy to make, can be stored in the fridge for a few days, and suitable for any time of the tea (not just as a soup for dinner).
Thank you, Wendy, for prompting this post!
What we are addressing:
Cool the body.
This is important when external (and internal) conditions are hot and full of yang (active, heat). When it’s too hot, there is a lot of yang and this can enter our body, creating imbalances. So we want to be conscious of rebalancing it with reducing yang in our body.
Clear wind-heat from the body.
Wind-heat is the first level of pathogens to enter as it resides outside our body. This can show up as cold limbs, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, or fever. This means, too much yang in the body. And as it’s external to internal, it usually hits our lungs first (as point of entry). So we want to be sure we are addressing support to the lungs.
Clear toxicity.
This is often associated with wind-heat, but also very present in conditions of fire and smoke. These pathogens typically enter through our nose and mouth, which is why herbs that strengthen and clear the lungs are useful.
Moisten the lungs and throat.
Due to the dry wind-heat conditions externally, this will enter the lungs and change the balance of the lungs. To rebalance, moisten, protect, and clear the lungs and throat.
Moisturize the body.
It starts in the lungs (as the pathogens and excess yang enter) and if not addressed, will eventually make its way throughout the body. It’s important also to keep the skin moisturized, especially during hot and dry conditions to keep the whole system balanced.
TEAS OR SOUPS TO CLEAR HEAT, DISPEL TOXICITY, AND MOISTEN THE LUNGS
What I use for teas:
I have this stove top safe glass tea pot that can strain the ingredients and keep them separate. Perfect for a quick tea with minimal cleaning!
Alternatively, I also use these single use eco friendly recyclable teabags to put in my dried ingredients and steep in boiling water. Perfect for on the go!
Licorice root is another staple in my pantry used for soups and teas! It’s neutral and perfect for Qi deficiency!
These dried goji berries (or wolfberries) are perfect for both teas and soups!
You can use both large chrysanthemum or baby buds. They are both amazing to cool the body, clear toxicity and moisten lungs.
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