My dear Portlanders, we’ve been through so much.

We’ve certainly developed a new set of wellness and self care needs over the last seven months, haven’t we? Our stress levels have been higher, our sleep has fluctuated, our ability to move our bodies has been limited at times, and now our beloved state is suffering from extreme loss. With so much collective grief we must do our best to keep ourselves well and remain grateful for all we have. Incorporating new wellness practices to keep you and your loved ones feeling their best is essential now. Here are my favorite practices to help combat the effects of smoke and stay positive through it all.

The most simple use of plants to heal a space. Detoxify the air in your home, freshen the air you and your loved ones are spending so much time in, and create a delicious aroma that carries through every inch of your living space. I prefer fresh herbs to dry, but either work and offer relief in similar ways. If you should have access to fresh, I suggest Rosemary first and foremost. In addition to it’s clean aroma and ability to purify the air we breathe, Rosemary can also help improve cognitive function and help shield us from free radicals. Other favorites are Thyme, Sage, Fennel, and Cedar just to name a few. Simmer whatever fresh herbs, citrus peels, and seeds you have available on the stovetop. Be sure to simmer on low/medium to allow the freshness of the mix to be used thoroughly without boiling or burning. Stay aware of the amount of water in the pot and add more as needed. I’d recommend at least half a pot to start and never letting it simmer down below two inches of water. I used Rosemary, Thyme, and lemon peel today and it made my little home feel so sweet and refreshed! For folks with pets or young children in their home, be aware that simmering some herbs (just like diffusing certain essential oils) is not recommended. Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Lemon Verbena are examples of plants to be avoided around kiddos, pups and cats.

Medicinal plants offer a wide array of healing. For easing and repairing the effects of stress and nourishing the nervous system I often combine herbs from two categories: Adaptogenic herbs and Nervine herbs. Adaptogens help strengthen our ability to respond to stress of any kind. This special group of plants, roots, berries and mushrooms helps us adapt better to instances of increased stimulation or stress, creating better stamina when taken consistently. My most cherished Adaptogenic herbs are Tulsi (Holy Basil), Reishi mushroom, Gotu Kola, Schizandra berry, and Rhodiola.

Nervines are herbs that specifically help support the nervous system. As a trauma survivor, I gravitate towards these allies more than all others. As a trauma-informed practitioner I suggest clients look into this helpful group of plants quite often. Some Nervines can even relieve muscle tension, calm an anxious mind, boost your mood and cognitive function. I’ll give you an example of a need for Nervine support. If noises make you jump and it takes a moment to calm down or shake it off, Nervines will help. My favorites are Milky Oats (Oat Tops) or Oat Straw, Lemon Balm, Skullcap, Lavender, Chamomile and Passionflower.

Although these plants offer gentle healing, some may be more or less appropriate for your unique needs or constitution. Please do your research or consult an herbal medicine practitioner prior to experimenting.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the world of medicinal herbs, please let me know. I can recommend a local herbalist, books, and other resources as well as a list of my favorite, local herb shops that sell them.

Cleanse, protect, hydrate. Sounds pretty normal, right? Well there are a few differences between caring for our skin a week or two ago versus now. Increasing your topical antioxidant application is crucial, to start. The smoke and pollution caused by the fires can cause damage to our tissues, of all layers and types. Now is the time to increase our skin’s natural defenses.

My favorite nutrient and antioxidant rich treatment serum is Heart of Gold’s Oxford Comma Antioxidant Serum. Protective, tonifying and soothing, this bottle is full of potent healing. It’s star ingredients are aronia berries, hibiscus and schizandra berries. In Heart of Gold’s creater’s own words, “It's jam-packed with actives, yet it plays nice with even very sensitive skin, as berries are naturally anti-inflammatory.” Treat your summery, smokey and slightly stressed skin to this potion if it calls to you. Email me here to purchase a bottle.

Another skin care suggestion involves your cleansing routine. If you’ve been out and about in this smoke, I highly recommend thoroughly cleansing and giving generously to your skin upon your arrival back home. With your hair off of your face (the smoke can really hold onto your hair, as well), gently massage your cleanser into your skin with additional attention then you normally might. Treat with a serum then apply an oil and/or balm, depending on your needs. Get that smoke off of your skin, face and body alike, whenever you are able. Now is a great time to be extra generous with our hygiene and self care.

My two most favorite cleansers in the world are Heart of Gold’s Sea Change Cleansing Balm and Astral Traveler Cleansing Fluid. They can both be used on a majority of skin types, although certain skin characteristics usually make one more appropriate than the other. To purchase or inquire about which cleanser would be best for you, contact me here.

One additional recommendation to treat the skin is with a facial steam. If you can spare a bit of the fresh herbs from your stovetop simmer, set them in a large bowl, pour hot water over them, and place your face at a safe distance to receive the herb steam with a towel draping over you and the bowl. It’s important for me to caution you against two things with at home steaming.

1)Please be sure that the water is an appropriate temperature. Far from boiling, facial steam water should bring gentle warmth and comfort to the skin. Using hotter water won’t be more effective and can possibly harm the delicate skin on our face and neck. So be cautious and know that you can always add more hot water if it feels to cool to start.

2)Be sure to steam for no longer than fifteen minutes at a time. Depending on the oil balance within your skin, steaming for long stretches can be less productive.

Chamomile, Calendula, Rosemary, Yarrow, Thyme and Rose petals are my favorite ingredients to use in this type of skin treatment.

Smoke & Stress & Our Skin