Pollution data reports of 2018 show that Malta’s pollution problem is more than twice as bad as other EU countries. This reduces the quality of life for the habitats of Malta and sometimes even leads to serious illnesses and death. These shocking results often leave us wondering if there was anything that we could do to protect our lungs and our health.
Apart from the obvious of trying to reduce pollution ourselves by perhaps car-pooling, avoiding or reducing smoking and such, there are actually quite a few other natural remedies that one can do to clear out the lungs and help reduce the symptoms of asthma, allergies, sinuses and more.
I am not a doctor and the following methods have not been approved by the FDA, so do your own research and seek professional help where necessary before trying out any of the below-mentioned remedies.
EARTHING
Let’s start with a concept that may sound utterly crazy to most people – Earthing. This totally cost-free habit may just be the start of our pollution problem. So what is Earthing?
Earthing is simply the act of walking barefoot on Earth. Think about it, when was the last time that you found yourself in a field of grass or soil and took your shoes off, and allowed yourself to soak in the feeling of the ground beneath you?
Grant it, in Malta we do lack a few of these places but we can still find a few spots where we can take our shoes off and take a slow walk becoming one with the Earth.
A scientific study was conducted on those who practiced Earthing for a few minutes a day where they discovered that the practice showed significant improvement in releasing inflammation from the body and in aiding overall inner body healing.
Backed up by science, no matter how crazy it sounds, I suggest you head over to a field and take your shoes off. Allow your feet to soak in the Earth and then walk, or dance, around. Don’t let anyone watching put you off – our ancestors were always barefoot and they were more in tune with our planet than we currently are.
REDUCE SMOKING OR SMOKE BETTER
A great majority of the population on the Maltese Islands are smokers. Even though smokers know how damaging smoking is to the human body, most cannot help but smoke nonetheless.
If you are a smoker, now you can ditch the tobacco and smoke something better. Some herbs can be smoked. Herbs give off their unique flavor and health benefits not just when they are infused in a tea or infusion, but also via their smoke.
This option is not to be done for people who are non-smokers as smoke is still not ideal for the lungs, however, it beats the alternative, tobacco, long enough to stop missing the nicotine and then eventually stop the herbal smokes altogether too.
You can shop for two of our lovely Herbal Smoke Blends below:
EUCALYPTUS OIL
In previous times, our ancestors used to use Eucalyptus successfully as a treatment for asthma and as a way of clearing congestion from the lungs. Nowadays, you may find Eucalyptus Oil at any local Pharmacy. Here is how to use it:
- Fill up a sink or basin with boiling water and add a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil to it.
- Inhale the scent of the steam then grab a towel and place it on top of your head to make sure that no steam is escaping from the sink.
- This circulation of hot steam with Eucalyptus scent may clear up your nose, release tension and headaches.
- If you suffer from sinuses, you may proceed by using a Neti Pot. You may find plenty of research about that online.
We are also totally in love with our Eucalyptus Salve which you can keep handy with you and use on your temples, under your nostrils, or even on your lips whenever you need a quick breath of freshness. Find it in our store:
MULLEIN TEA & PRANAYAMA TEA
Herbs have been used for centuries to help people breathe better. One particular herb known as Mullein has long been popular for use in addressing coughs, bronchitis and asthma due to its ability to tone mucous membranes and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
You can find Mullein Tea in our shop just as a wonderful herb on its own or even in our custom blend called Pranayama Tea which contains a variety of other lovely herbs that help support better breathing and resilience. Find our Teas in the links below:
MULLEIN TINCTURE
For anyone seeking something stronger than a Tea, look no further than our Mullein Tincture. Tinctures are extracts that are made from part herb and part alcohol. The alcohol extracts all the properties of the herb, resulting in a really potent solution.
To gain the most benefits out of the Tincture simply add a few drops to a glass of water or juice daily. Find our best-seller Tincture here below:
Our advise is to always try a few of the above options and see what works best for you. Let us know if you would like any help in finding what might be the best fit for you or if you prefer to have something custom made for you!