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 breakdown of lung tissue. Quitting smoking is the only treatment, but herbs can help the body eliminate the toxic material. Herbs can also relieve tension and stress often experienced during the quitting process.

The following herbs provide a variety of benefits that may be helpful when you quit smoking. They can help in:

• Lung cleansing thus helping you to breathe more easily.
• Cleansing of the liver and kidneys to eliminate toxins accumulated in the body from smoking.
• 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 support throughout the process, join the Growerz.com Quit Smoking 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 useful levels of zinc in the leaves and this is useful for its anti-inflammatory effects. Coltsfoot:

• It can be used in chronic or acute bronchitis, irritant cough, whooping cough, and asthma.
• the expectorant effect makes it useful in any respiratory condition, including chronic states of emphysema.

Elecampane (root) Inula helenium.

Elecampane:

• It is used as a specific for irritating bronchial cough or when a copious amount of catarrh forms, 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 elecampane

• Small amounts used in cooking are generally safe, but are not used internally in medicinal doses during pregnancy.
• Elecampane pairs well with coltsfoot, white horehound, pleurisy root, and yarrow for respiratory conditions.

Fenugreek (seed) Trigonella foenum-graecum.

Fenugreek:

• has great use in local healing and reduction of inflammation
• It can be taken to help with bronchitis and as a gargle to soothe a sore throat. An infusion of the seeds can reduce fever.
• it contains bitters that make it useful for calming upset digestion.
• drunk as an infusion made from the seeds it acts as a general tonic.

Horehound (aerial) Marrubium vulgare. It is also called white horehound.

Horehound is a valuable herb for the treatment of bronchitis when there is a non-productive cough. It combines the action of relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchi while favoring 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 cough, 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 for a chesty 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, leaves, or both, it has uplifting and stimulating properties.

Liquorice (aerial and root) Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Licorice is a remarkable herb with an affinity for the endocrine system.

It is similar in structure to adrenal gland hormones giving it similar effects to cortisone (but without the side effects). It is used as:

• anti-inflammatory, which means it’s good for aches and pains, including arthritis.
• anti-allergy for the relief of hay fever, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma.
• expectorant for relief of irritating cough, asthma and chest infections.
• It has an effect similar to that of aspirin in relieving fever and pain, such as headaches.
• It has the ability to improve resistance to stress. It should be taken into account during times of both 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 respiration. Mullein:

• It is ideal for toning the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, reducing inflammation and thus facilitating expectoration. This is particularly useful in bronchitis where there is a cough associated with pain. Mullein can be combined with horehound or thyme or both for greater effectiveness. An infusion of mullein oils can be used as a chest rub for bronchitis. You can gargle with the flowers to relieve a sore throat.
• As an infusion made from the leaves is weakly sedative and relaxing, it is useful as an aid to induce sleep.

Mustard (seed) Brassica alba and Brassica nigra.

Mustard has a stimulating action on the 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 the 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 wastes 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, catarrh, and sinusitis. It should be taken when there are signs of an infection. It also has astringent properties that make it useful for reducing phlegm. The herbal infusion can be used as an inhalation and as a mouthwash. As a mouthwash it can be used for swollen and bleeding gums, swollen and inflamed tongue and generalized mouth 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, settles the stomach, relieves colic, nausea and liver ailments.
• It has powerful antioxidant properties, reducing the number of free radicals and thus helping to delay the aging process.

notes on sages

• Do not use sage during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Small amounts used in 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 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 that are necessary for the nervous system. It is useful for strengthening and providing support in times of stress and is a remedy for:

• nervous tension,
• headache,
• hustle,
• anxiety,
• insomnia,
• hysteria,
• exhaustion and
• depression.

Thyme (aerial) Thymus vulgaris

Thyme:

• It is a powerful antiseptic that can be used both internally and externally. Enhances the immune system’s fight against bacterial, viral and fungal infections. It is useful in colds, flu, gastroenteritis, candidiasis, cystitis and salpingitis.
• It has a relaxing effect on the bronchi which helps in asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough. Its expectorant action increases the production of fluid mucosa and helps displace phlegm.
• it acts as a liver cleanser and will help remove toxins from the body.
• It can be used to gargle laryngitis and tonsillitis, soothe sore throats, and soothe irritable coughs.

The small amounts used in cooking are generally safe, but do not take them internally in medicinal doses during pregnancy or if you have liver or kidney disease.

Yarrow (aerial)Achillea millefolium.

Yarrow is a versatile remedy. It contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic volatile oils, astringent tannins, resins that are also astringent and antiseptic, and silica that promotes tissue repair. Due to these properties yarrow:

• It can be used to treat infections and inflammatory conditions such as gastritis and enteritis. Taken hot it is excellent for removing fevers, colds and flu, coughs and sore throats.
• It can be used as a tonic for the nervous system.

Notes on yarrow

• Avoid using yarrow in pregnancy.
• May 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 internally if you are taking anticoagulant medication.

These herbs will help eliminate toxins that accumulate 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 beyond 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 you to have a successful long-term outcome in quitting smoking. You’ll find the support and assistance you need to quit smoking at Growerz.com.