Practical and natural ways to make smoky mountain days a little easier.
There are certain things you learn when you live in the mountains. The weather forecast is more of a suggestion. An elk standing in the road has absolutely nowhere it needs to be. And when wildfire smoke rolls into the Estes Valley, you learn to adjust.
Sometimes the fire is nearby. Sometimes the smoke has traveled hundreds of miles to find us. Either way, we know when it arrives. The mountains get hazy, the sun turns orange, the air smells like a campfire nobody asked for, and our eyes, noses, and throats may start complaining.
Wildfire smoke is an unfortunate reality of summer in the West. Fortunately, there are plenty of things we can do to make smoky days a little easier.
Colorado Has Deep Herbal Roots
Herbal wellness isn’t exactly new around here. Colorado has a long history of herbalists, naturopathic practitioners, natural-food advocates, and people who simply incorporate plants and traditional remedies into everyday life.
Herbal teas and tinctures are particularly popular for respiratory comfort. Mullein is one of the best-known herbs traditionally used for respiratory support. Osha has especially deep connections to the Rocky Mountain West, while herbs including elecampane and yerba santa also have long histories of traditional use.
One of the herbal brands we carry at Shining Moon has roots in this very Colorado tradition. WishGarden Herbs began in Boulder in 1979 during a resurgence of herbalism and natural wellness in Colorado. The company remains woman-owned and family-run today, producing its herbal formulas in Louisville, Colorado.
One of those formulas is Deep Lung Bronchial Support, a nine-herb tincture that includes mullein, elecampane, osha root, yerba santa, yarrow, hawthorn berry, angelica root, yerba mansa, and garlic. WishGarden developed the blend for respiratory support during environmental challenges such as smoke, pollution, and altitude.
Deep Lung is one of several WishGarden remedies available at Shining Moon and one we’re especially glad to have on the shelf when smoky conditions arrive in the mountains.
Himalayan Salt Lamps
Salt-based wellness practices have a long association with respiratory comfort, and many people use Himalayan salt lamps as part of their routine for creating a comfortable indoor environment. And there is something wonderfully calming about the warm amber light of a salt lamp when you’re spending more time inside. On those strange summer evenings when smoke has erased the mountains from view, we’ll happily take a little extra warmth and comfort indoors.
The practical and natural approaches don’t have to compete with each other. Keep the windows closed when conditions call for it. Run the air filter. Stay hydrated. Make some tea. Reach for the herbal remedies that are part of your wellness routine. Turn on the salt lamp.
Take Care of Yourself on Smoky Days
Living in Estes Park means learning to work with whatever the mountains throw our way. A thunderstorm rolls over the Divide; we get off the trail. A snowstorm arrives, we find the shovel. An elk decides to hold a meeting in the middle of Elkhorn Avenue, we wait.
When wildfire smoke arrives, we adapt to that, too. Keep an eye on the air quality, reduce your exposure, take care of your indoor air, and give yourself a little extra care until the skies clear and those beautiful mountain views come back.
And if natural wellness is part of how you do that, stop into Shining Moon Boutique in downtown Estes Park. You’ll find WishGarden herbal remedies, Himalayan salt lamps, and other natural-wellness products to help make smoky mountain days a little more comfortable.
