
My husband and I have been evacuated from our home in Ojai, CA since Tuesday, December 5th due to the Thomas Fire. As of writing this on December 13th, the fire is 237,000 acres and is 25% contained. As most of you know, I am nearly 6 months pregnant which has made this time extra tender.
As we prepare to return home soon (hopefully) we are preparing ourselves to stay well protected from the ash and smoke in our beloved valley. Compiling this list helped me feel a little more calm about our return and clear on how we can keep our systems supported.
This list is a mixture of recommendations from various sources including Drs. (via posts in Thomas Fire community FB groups), 9/11 survivors who dealt with smoke for weeks, herbalists, and general wellness practices I use.
I wanted to compile this list to make shopping easier for all of us and as a means for easily referencing daily practices to help our systems.
This is a general list from many sources. This is not a comprehensive list and should be filtered through your own physicals needs.
There is a PDF of the list available for download at the bottom of this post if you would like to print and/or save this information.
General Supplements:
- Vitamin C 1-3000 mgs per day in divided doses
- Vitamin E at least 200 IUs
- Alfa Lipoic Acid 2-600 mgs
- N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) 4-600 mgs twice per day
- Vitamin A 10,000 units
- Vitamin D
- Antioxidants in any form (greens, green powders, berry powders, green tea, etc.)
- Any lung expectorant tonics/herb formulas you can fin
Herbal Lung Support:
- Mullein
- Osha
- Eucalyptus
- Lungwort
- Oregano
- Licorice Root
- Hyssop
- Red Clover
- Nettle
Mushrooms for Lung Support:
- Reishi
- Cordyceps
Eye Support:
- Pleo Muc homeopathic eye drops from Germany (available on Amazon)
- Similasan eye drops
- Very diluted Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in Filtered Water dropped into the eyes
- General OTC drops like Visine can also help with inflammation and lubrication
Adrenal Support:
- Trace Mineral Supplement (usually available as drops that can be added to water)
- Magnesium
- Herbs/Oil: Lemonbalm, Valerian, Passionflower, Lavender
- Any herbs/tonics/herbs for anxiety and/or adrenal support
Serotonin Support:
- 5-HTP 50-100mgs taken in the evening
- L-Tryptophane 500mgs taken in the evening
- L-Tyrosine 500-1000mgs taken in the morning
Daily Practices:
- Wear N95 Mask & Goggles outside
- Beeswax Salve at bottom of nostrils (under N95 mask)
- Coconut Oil Pulling
- Salt Water Gargle before eating/drinking (or at least 2X per day)
- Neti Pot Sinus Rinse
- Stay well hydrated - more than usual
- Nightly shower to rinse ash/smoke from hair
- Shoes off before entering your living space
- Wash clothing regularly
- Vacuum living space regularly - preferably with a HEPA filter (dusting is not enough)
- HEPA filter air purifier
- Wash all food that has been on counter and/or outside thoroughly
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Safe:
- Wish Garden makes nice pregnancy safe herbal formulas including Cold Season (good for respiratory health), Immune Boost, and Stress Relief (available on Amazon and *potentially* at Rainbow Bridge)
- Mushrooms: Reishi & Cordyceps
- Herbs: Nettle Leaf, Wild Cherry Bark, Elderflower, Milky Oat Tops, Oatstraw
- Immune Boost: Elderberry Syrup, Bone Broth, Probiotics, Apple Cider Vinegar shot with Garlic, Lemon, Onion
- Vitamins & Supplements: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), Antioxidants (greens, green powders, berry powders, etc.)
- Adrenal Support: Trace Mineral Supplement, Magnesium, Lemonbalm, Lavender, Chamomile, Plus the tools listed below
- Eyes: *Very* diluted Apple Cider Vinegar in Filter Water as eye drops, I am not clear on the other eye drops listed above
- All Daily Practices listed above are safe
Easy & Free Tools for Activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System:
- Speak Slowly
- Move Slowly
- Speak in a deeper tone of voice
- Breathe deep and slowly if the air allows
- Give a gentle shake/rock to your body (think of a baby being rocked to sleep)