3 Steps to Protect Your Health from Your Hobby

Do you have a hobby that you love but may not be good for your health? Whether you enjoy fixing cars, woodworking, running, cycling or jewelry making. Your hobby may be stressing your respiratory health more than you know. For me, I love to paint with pastels. The vivid color in pastels come from cadmium and other toxic metals, and when applied, produce a lot of dust, not so great for my lungs. I have tried other mediums yet nothing intrigues me like the pastels. So despite the health risks, I slap on a face mask, ensure I have good ventilation, take herbal chelation for the heavy metals and love my time painting.

So what can you do naturally to protect yourself?

1. Breathe through your nose, not your mouth

Runners, cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts pay extra attention to heating the air you breathe. Hairs in our nose trap impurities and slow down and heat the cold air so it does not irritate our respiratory tissue. Mouth breathing sends cold air directly to the respiratory tissue causing shock and irritation. If you are a mouth breather, use a scarf or face mask to heat the air you are breathing in.

  2. Use "Tree" essential oils.

Woodworking, Stain glass artist, furniture restorers, antique collectors surround themselves with dust, mold and air particulates which cause irritation to the lungs.

Eucalyptus, Pine, Fir, Tea tree, Sage, Cedarwood, and Juniper Berry essential oils aid in relaxing and strengthening respiratory function.

Put a few drops on a tissue and pack it into your pillow case to breathe easier in your sleep. Put a few drops on a washcloth and place it in the corner of your shower to infuse the steam. Add a few drops with castor oil for a chest rub and cover with a heating pad.

Our favorite From Scratch Wellness in-house therapy for respiratory health is Raindrop Therapy. This technique uses a series of essential oils along the spine with alternating hot packs and inhalants to soothe and clear air pathways. Schedule a session today! 

3. Chelate the metals.

Whether you love fixing cars, metalworking, jewelry making or painting like me. Heavy metal binder like Chlorella, EDTA, various algaes and sea vegetables may aid in removing the metals so they do not lead to health issues later on.

Incorporate more sea vegetables into your diet with these recipes here!