A resounding theme in 2020 has been the lungs and respiration. From the international respiratory virus pandemic to George Flloyd and his last words, “I can’t breathe,” to the horrific fires all over the western United States. Interestingly grief and sadness are emotions often associated with the lungs.  
 
The lungs and skin are intimately related in many facets of medicine.  They are the only two organs that are directly exposed to atmospheric oxygen!
 
Does the skin breathe? Yes, it does! One of the main functions of our skin is respiration. It has been known since 1851 that atmospheric oxygen is taken up by the human epidermis. There are various cells in the skin that uptake oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.  
The skin cells require oxygen that they receive both from the atmosphere around them and the lower layers of the skin. Of course, because we are not amphibians, the contribution to total respiration is negligible. It is not the same action as when we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. There is a robust connection between the lungs and the skin. They are the only two organs that are directly exposed to atmospheric oxygen!
 
Generally, the liver and the entire digestive system are intimately related to various acute skin issues. Traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Western herbal medicines all regard a powerful connection between the lungs and the skin. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that the amount of pollution women were exposed to correlated with the depth of wrinkles! We know that pollution and smoking damage the skin and weaken the lungs, and put us at risk for illness. Working to reduce our carbon footprint is one hugely important thing we can do to help restore the air, but on a more immediate basis, there are things we can do to support our lungs right now.  
 
Western herbs for lung support:
 
Thyme: A natural expectorant meaning it breaks up congestion and treats coughs, this herb is antimicrobial and helps to fight off infection.  Thyme tea with honey is fantastic! (contraindicated during pregnancy)
 
Elecampane:  Part of the sunflower family, this beautiful tall flowering plant is a favorite of many! This is a very strong expectorant helping to relieve mucus and congestion and soothing for coughs. This makes a lovely tea or can me infused into honey! (contraindicated during pregnancy and breast feeding)
 
Yerba Mansa: is one that can be used during pregnancy and is fantastic for cold and flu season. This beautiful herb can help to reduce congestion and inflammation in the mucus membranes!  This can be prepared as a tea or a tincture for lung support!
 
My favorite essential oils to diffuse for lung support:
 
Ravintsara: I can’t talk about this essential oil enough.  Inhaling it completely clears the respiratory tract.  It is powerfully antiviral and decongestant. 
 
Rosemary: breaks up congestion as well as reduces inflammation.  Bonus:  rosemary is also known to boost brain power!  I diffuse this often while I am working!
 
 
What are you doing to support your lungs and to support your skin?  Share in the comments!

Restorative Fire Cider Recipe Fire Cider is a fold herbal remedy popularized by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, but has been made for generations as a general health tonic, and is especially helpful to boost immunity during cold and flu season.  It helps to warm the body, aids digestion, lowers blood sugar, boosts metabolism, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and more! 







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Ingredients

• organic unfiltered raw apple cider vinegar
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 10 cloves of garlic, crushed or chopped
• 1/2 cup freshly chopped horseradish root
• 3 organic jalapeño peppers, chopped
• 1 organic lemon, zest, and juice
• 1 medium organic orange, sliced
• 6-8 sprigs of fresh rosemary (dried will do if you don't have fresh)
• 3 Tablespoons peeled and chopped ginger root
• 2 Tablespoons freshly chopped turmeric root (1 Tablespoon turmeric powder if you don't have fresh)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
• 2 Tablespoons whole peppercorns
• 1/4 cup dried whole elderberries
• 1/4 cup raw  local honey

Less is more here, since you're trying to get people to visit your site.

1. Add elderberries, peppercorn, ginger, horseradish, onion, garlic, jalapeño peppers, lemon zest, orange, and juice, rosemary, turmeric, and cayenne powder into a one quart-sized mason jar. 
2. Cover ingredients with Apple Cider Vinegar, be sure to completely submerge to prevent it from going bad.
3. Shake the jar and place it in a cool, dark place. Every two days, shake it again.
4. Allow to do its magic for one month, at the end of the month, strain the liquid and transfer to a clean jar.
5. Add honey to the liquid.
6. Taste your fire cider and add more honey if needed until you reach your desired sweetness.
7. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator or a cold, dark place.
8. Drink 1-2 Tablespoons daily or when needed.