Smoking causes many health problems for the smoker. One of the main problems is the accumulation of toxic material in the body and, in particular, in the lungs. This toxic material is an irritant that causes inflammation and degradation of lung tissue. Quitting smoking is the only treatment, but herbs can help the body get rid of toxic material. Herbs can also relieve tension and stress that is often experienced during the quitting process.
The following herbs provide a variety of benefits that can be helpful when you quit smoking. They can help in:
- cleaning your lungs, which helps you breathe easier.
- cleansing the liver and kidneys so that toxins accumulated in the body due to smoking can be eliminated.
- allowing you to remain calm and relaxed, so you can take control of your life.
- improving the health of your cardiovascular system will help with healing.
Herbs that can help during and after quitting smoking
Herbs aren’t the only help you need to quit smoking. For comprehensive assistance throughout the entire process, join the Growerz.com Smoking Cessation Program; they will help you get your life back.
Coltsfoot (aerial) Tussilaga farfara.
Coltsfoot combines an expectorant effect with an antispasmodic action. There are also helpful levels of zinc in the leaves and this is helpful for its anti-inflammatory effects. Coltsfoot:
- It can be used in chronic or acute bronchitis, irritating cough, whooping cough and asthma.
- the expectorant effect makes it useful in any respiratory condition, including chronic states of emphysema.
Hellenium (root) Inula helenium.
Hellenio:
- It is used specifically for irritant bronchial cough or when a large amount of cold develops, as in bronchitis or emphysema. The herb has an expectorant that is accompanied by the stimulating effect of essential oils. It also has an antibacterial effect.
- It can be used in asthma and other allergic conditions such as hay fever. It has also been used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
Notes on Hellenium
- The small amounts used for cooking are generally safe, but do not use them internally in medicinal doses during pregnancy.
- Hellenium pairs well with pony’s foot, white horehound, pleurisy root, and yarrow for respiratory conditions.
Fenugreek (seed) Trigonella foenum-graecum.
Fenugreek:
- has great use in local healing and reducing inflammation
- It can be taken to help bronchitis and as a gargle to relieve sore throats. An infusion of the seeds can reduce fever.
- It contains bitters that make it useful to calm digestive disorders.
- drunk as an infusion made from the seeds it acts as a general tonic.
Horehound (aerial) Marrubium vullgare. It is also called white horehound.
Horehound is a valuable herb for treating bronchitis when there is a non-productive cough. It combines the action of relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchi at the same time that it promotes the production of mucus and therefore expectoration.
Hyssop (aerial) Hyssopus officinalis.
Hyssop has an interesting range of uses that are mainly associated with its antispasmodic actions. Hyssop:
- It can be used in coughs, bronchitis and chronic catarrh. It is useful as a hot infusion in the early stages of colds and flu. The infused oil can also be rubbed on the chest to cough. Hyssop can also be combined with eucalyptus or thyme oil or both.
- It can be used in states of anxiety and stress and has been used in the treatment of hysteria and petit mal (a form of epilepsy, but be careful with strong infusions).
- As an infusion of flowers or leaves, or both, it has uplifting and stimulating properties.
Licorice (aerial and root) Glycyrrhiza glabra.
Licorice is a remarkable herb with an affinity for the endocrine system.
It is similar in structure to the hormones of the adrenal gland, giving it effects similar to cortisone (but without the side effects). It is used as:
- anti-inflammatory, which means it’s good for aches and pains, including arthritis.
- antiallergic for the relief of hay fever, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma.
- expectorant for the relief of irritating coughs, asthma and respiratory infections.
- It has an effect similar to aspirin in relieving fever and pain, such as headaches.
- It has the ability to improve resistance to stress. It should be taken into account in times of physical and emotional stress and when you feel tired and exhausted.
Mullein (aerial) Verbascum thapsus.
Mullein is a very useful remedy for the respiratory system and can be used in most conditions that affect breathing. Mullein:
- It is ideal for toning the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, reducing inflammation and thus facilitating expectoration. This is particularly helpful in bronchitis where there is a cough associated with pain. Mullein can be combined with horehound or thyme or both for greater efficacy. An infusion of mullein oils can be used as a chest massage for bronchitis. The flowers can be gargled to relieve sore throats.
- Since an infusion made from the leaves is weakly sedating and relaxing, it is useful as an aid to induce sleep.
Mustard (seed) Brassica alba and Brassica nigra.
Mustard has a stimulating action on circulation and the respiratory system and can be used to clear the airways. Mustard greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and E and can be added to salads. Eating fresh mustard greens will purify and strengthen your blood.
Nettle leaves (aerial) Urtica dioica.
Nettle leaves are used for the urinary system and strengthen and support the entire body. It is very rich in chlorophyll. Nettle leaves:
- have a stimulating effect on the bladder and kidneys and help cleanse the body of toxins and waste and
- clears catarrhal congestion in the bronchi
Sage (aerial) Salvia officinalis.
Sage:
- It is highly antiseptic, which makes it an excellent remedy for colds, fevers, sore throats, and in cases of tonsillitis, bronchitis, colds, and sinusitis. It should be taken when there are signs of infection. It also has astringent properties that make it useful in reducing phlegm. The herbal infusion can be used as an inhalation and mouthwash. As a mouthwash it can be used for swollen and bleeding gums, swollen tongue and generalized inflammation of the mouth and ulcers.
- It will boost the immune system and help prevent infections and autoimmune problems. It also acts as a tonic for the nervous system and has been used to improve strength and vitality.
- It is a good digestive remedy since the volatile oils have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the intestines and the bitter ones stimulate the appetite and help to cleanse the liver. It stimulates the flow of digestive enzymes and bile, calms the stomach, relieves colic, nausea and liver discomfort.
- It has powerful antioxidant properties, reducing the number of free radicals and thus helping to slow down the aging process.
Notes on the sage
- Do not use sage during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The small amounts used for cooking are generally safe.
- Do not take medicinal doses internally if you are epileptic.
- In therapeutic amounts it can increase the sedative effects of medications.
- Do not take it if you have hypoglycemia.
- It is considered safe when used as a spice.
Skullcap (aerial) Scutellaria laterifolia.
Skullcap is a powerful immune booster, especially for the upper body. It is used to help speed recovery, relax nervous tension, and renew the nervous system. Skullcap is rich in minerals necessary for the nervous system. It is useful for the strengthening and support that is provided in times of stress and is a remedy for:
- nervous tension,
- Headaches
- agitation,
- anxiety,
- insomnia,
- hysteria,
- exhaustion and
- depression.
Thyme (aerial) Thymus vulgaris
Thyme:
- it is a powerful antiseptic that can be used both internally and externally. Improves the immune system’s fight against bacterial, viral and fungal infections. It is useful in colds, flu, gastroenteritis, candida, cystitis and salpingitis.
- It has a bronchial relaxation effect that helps in asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough. Its expectorant action increases the production of mucous fluid and helps displace phlegm.
- It acts as a liver cleanser and will help remove toxins from the body.
- It can be used as a gargle in laryngitis and tonsillitis, relieving sore throats and calming irritable coughs.
The small amounts used for cooking are generally safe, but do not take them in medicinal doses during pregnancy or if you have liver or kidney disease.
Yarrow (aerial) Achillea millefolium.
Yarrow is a versatile remedy. Contains volatile anti-inflammatory and antiseptic oils, astringent tannins, also astringent and antiseptic resins and silica that favors tissue repair. Due to these yarrow properties:
- It can be used to treat infections and inflamed conditions such as gastritis and enteritis. Taken hot, it is excellent for relieving fever, cold and flu, cough, and sore throat.
- can be used as a tonic for the nervous system.
Notes on yarrow
- Avoid using yarrow during pregnancy.
- It can cause a severe hypersensitivity reaction in a small number of people. Be very careful the first time you use it and never use it if you are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family to which yarrow belongs.
- Do not take it internally if you are taking blood thinning medications.
These herbs will help flush out the toxins that build up in the lungs and the rest of the body when you smoke. Therefore, they are a valuable aid to your recovery when you quit smoking. You will find these herbs in an easy-to-use herbal respiratory aid. These herbs have many additional benefits in addition to those mentioned and will be invaluable in regaining your health as a non-smoker.
However, herbs alone are not the only support you need to quit smoking. You need comprehensive support throughout the process for a successful and long-term quit-smoking outcome. You’ll find the support and assistance you need to quit smoking at Growerz.com.