2020, I want to quit you! Fire Season Edition

Now that fires have been added to our 2020 disaster list, we wanted to check in with everyone to see how you're doing.  

Below are office updates, our favorite fire season tips and an offer of support. 

Office Updates

• We are currently open Tuesday thru Saturday 
• With the new smoke in the air -  we are watching the air quality closely.  You can too by clicking here
• We follow strict CDC guidelines to keep you safe as well as running our air purifiers with UVC light on full blast 
• Tele-Med appointments are still available
• Acupuncture is a great way to boost your immune system and calm stress - click here to see our schedule.
• Curbside pick up for herbs and supplements is still available on Tues and Thursdays at 71 Ellis
• We will let you know right away if we need to reschedule appointments due to the fires and please do the same if you can't make your appointment 

Fire Season Tips 

• We all have masks this year but probably not the right kind.  We have N95 masks (FDA registered) available for $3 each.
• Take extra immune support as your body is recognizing the new stressors. Things like cough, sinus congestion, and dry, red or watery eyes are examples of ways our immune system lets us know it's under stress and trying to rid our body of the junk we're being exposed to. If you can't come into the office 
• Remain indoors. Yeah, you won’t hear us say that very often but it can be very important to avoid unnecessary exposure to more smoke.
• Don’t increase particulate matter in the air – This includes not lighting candles, cooking food at high temperatures on the stovetop, and not vacuuming. All of these activities either increase or create particulate density and circulation in the air.
• HEPA filters or even air conditioners with filters cut down on particulate matter in the air indoors. Do NOT use an air conditioner or swamp cooler if it doesn’t have air filters or it will only suck in smoke and make breathing conditions worse inside.
• Avoid unnecessarily exerting yourself. Heavy breathing means you’re going to suck in more smoke. Avoid it if possible.
• Stay hydrated. Detoxifying and cooling teas like dandelion or mint are especially helpful.
• If your system tends towards asthma, respiratory conditions, or you have a chronic health issue or weakened immune system please be extra careful

Top 6 Things You Can Do Now - available for pick up or shipping

• Taproot Medicinal Syrups - Our favorite is the Lung Support and Stabilizing syrups for $24
• Chinese Herbs: we love our Immune+ formula because it not only has immune system herbs but also Reishi and Cordyceps mushrooms. Perfect support for modern stressors. $25
• Vitamin C: Smoke causes inflammation via oxidative damage so antioxidants will be very helpful during this time. We carry Thorne Vitamin C for $23
• Vitamin D3: Supporting the immune system with vitamin D is especially important when dealing with smoke inhalation, and for those who have been diagnosed with a deficiency.
• Whenever the body is under stress it requires extra vitamins and minerals. This is an important time to choose high quality whole foods. Nutrient-dense foods such as brightly colored fruits and vegetables will provide a mixture of natural antioxidants and Polyphenols. Foods containing flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features that may provide additional lung protection.  These foods include: strawberries, green tea, black tea, brussels sprouts, beans, onions and apples.
• Eating pears (check out our recipe here) can calm a scratchy throat and dry cough, especially when boiled or sautéed with honey. When you cut one in half, notice how white and lung shaped they are!

Any questions - just let us know! We're here to help.

Best 
Elanita and Jennifer 


photo credit NPR