Although we live on a Caribbean island where traditionally we enjoy abundant greenery and sea breeze
(meaning the air is supposed to be relatively fresh), it’s hard not to realise that in recent years our air
quality leaves a lot to be desired.

Whether it’s the construction dust, Saharan dust or ”chemtrails”, pollution assails us at every turn. For
the less hardy and more vulnerable sections of the population, this can be extremely debilitating,
causing a number of long term health challenges.

Thankfully, we don’t have to be at the mercy of this ubiquitous phenomenon. We can fight back and
safeguard our health and that of our loved ones.

OPENING THE AIRWAYS

– Menthol crystals can be used in a steam treatment to open the airways. Sprinkle a few crystals in a
basin filled with hot water, and place your head, covered with a towel, a few inches above the water and
inhale for 15 – 30 minutes. Though not as penetrating, when commuting you can also inhale directly
from the vial.

– Peppermint oil – add a few drops to a tissue or in the inside of a mask when venturing outside to
relieve congestion.

EYE & EAR CARE

Salt water makes an excellent eye bath for gritty eyes. Apply a couple drops of hydrogen peroxide or
castor oil into your ears.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

– Drink mullein, nettle, peppermint and horehound, dandelion herbal infusions to keep the air passages
clear.

– Horsetail and ashwagandha will strengthen the body to relieve the inflammation aches and weakness.
They can be taken in tea form or capsules, according to your preference.

– Vitamin C rich foods are essential for collagen production, iron absorption, and immune function:

Bajan cherries (acerola) (1,600 to 1,770 mg per 100 grams)

Guavas (228 mg per 100 grams)

Citrus fruit – oranges, grapefruits and lemons (the peel has the highest potency)

Pepper (the fresh one in sweet and hot varieties or ground cayenne pepper) adds zest to a range of
sweet and savoury foods.

Kiwi (one medium green kiwi contains 64 mg – 90 mg)

Strawberries (89 mg per cup)

Broccoli (approx. 89 mg per cup)

– Sea moss and kelp are rich in minerals, and will counter the ill effects of polluted dust particles, so be
sure to add them to your food and drinks.

– Turmeric and ginger are excellent, trusted anti-inflammatories. You can use the fresh form, powder or
the liquid extract, which offers maximum potency.

– Black seed oil (from black cumin seeds) – a potent time-proven anti-inflammatory that treats a gamut
of ailments.

– Raw honey – loaded with antioxidants, the anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated nasal
passages and throats, while helping to break up and thin mucous in the chest. Local raw honey may help
build up a tolerance to airborne allergens, reducing sneezing and nasal congestion.

A spoonful of honey is highly effective at coating the throat and reducing nighttime coughing, promoting
better sleep during a cold or upper respiratory infection.

Take one to two teaspoons on its own or stir into warm water, herbal tea or lemon juice. (Boiled water
can destroy beneficial enzymes.)

– Avoid mucous producing foods such as dairy products, soft nuts and foods with gluten e.g. wheat and
oats, which congest the air passages.

BREATHING

Taking slow, deep cleansing breaths helps keep the airways clear.

Stretch out on the floor with your feet slightly apart, arms away from the body, toes pointing outward
with palms facing the ceiling. This position is ideal for the fullest possible expansion of the rib cage
because your chest, ribs and shoulders are completely relaxed.

Now, try to visualize a small cork floating on your navel, rising and falling perfectly evenly with the
movement of the waves. But, of course, observing your breathing is difficult to accomplish because, as
soon as you focus on it, this acts disturbs the rhythm.

In this same position, inhale through the nose with a slight whistling sound. The stomach swells. Focus
on FEELING the air, and follow the air pathway through your nose, throat and larynx, finally making its
way to the lungs.

With your lungs full, hold your breath a moment, then exhale again through the nose, tightly closing
your mouth. The stomach will automatically be sucked in as you do this.

You should practise this kind of breathing often – in different weather, standing, sitting or lying in bed.
This type of breathing massages the viscera, controls our impulses and psyche, and helps to regulate all
the body’s natural functions.