Protecting the Lungs in an Era of Fine Dust — A Korean Medicine Approach

Days when breathing itself is risky

Ultra-fine dust (PM2.5) consists of particles 2.5 μm or smaller in diameter that pass through the bronchi and penetrate all the way to the alveoli. From the alveoli they enter the bloodstream and provoke systemic inflammation; long-term exposure raises the risk of COPD, lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Lung protection in Korean medicine: Moistening the lung (潤肺) and tonifying qi (補氣)

• Moistening the lung: Maintain ample fluids (mucus) in the lung mucosa to enhance fine-dust clearance — Ophiopogon (麥門冬), Rehmannia (生地黃), Asparagus (天門冬)
• Tonifying qi: Replenish lung qi to bolster defense function — Ginseng (人蔘), Astragalus (黃芪)
• Clearing the lung: Expel heat-toxin (熱毒) already deposited in the lung — Mulberry root bark (桑白皮), Houttuynia (魚腥草)

Korean medicine care during fine-dust season

During heavy fine-dust periods (March to May in spring), taking a lung-moistening herbal formula for 4 to 6 weeks reduces the frequency of cough and phlegm and eases respiratory discomfort. Combining it with Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏) tonifies the lung and the spleen-stomach simultaneously.

Daily defenses

• Wear a KF94 mask whenever fine-dust levels are "unhealthy" or worse
• Rinse the nasal passages after coming home to remove dust adhering to the mucosa
• Use an indoor air purifier and time ventilation for low-pollution hours
• Increase fluid intake to keep the mucous membranes moist