According to the Mayo Clinic, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths and that people who smoke are at greatest risk. Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of developing lung cancer. There are herbal remedies that have been suggested to help with quitting smoking and healing the lungs. The herb lobelia, also known as Indian tobacco, has a history of helping nicotine addiction, due to its active ingredient of lobeline. Lobeline may have a similar effect on the body as nicotine, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. There are also numerous herbs that have expectorant qualities, which help dislodge mucus and other build up within the lungs. Please check with your doctor before taking herbal treatments.
Step 1
Fill a large pot with approximately 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
Step 2
Add herbs to the pot immediately and cover. Let the herbs steep for 10 to 20 minutes.
Step 3
Strain the herbs and pour into a glass jar. Sweeten the tea with honey if desired.
Step 4
Pour the tea into a mug and sip through out the day. Store the remaining tea in the refrigerator, refilling your mug as desired.
Step 5
Make the tea fresh every morning. If no adverse reactions occur, continue to drink every day for several weeks.
Tips and Warnings
- The herbs lobelia, mullein, marshmallow, wild cherry bark, and pleurisy root are all expectorant herbs. Lavender and lemon balm are for the nervous system and there to aid in relaxation for the stress that quitting smoking can cause. You can substitute other expectorant herbs if those are not all available at your local health food store. Lobelia and other herbs can also be taken as a tincture or in capsules.
- Be careful not to use too much lobelia in your tea. Lobelia is a potentially toxic herb and can cause many side effects such as nausea and sweating. Pregnant or nursing women should not take lobelia. Quitting smoking and healing the lungs is a serious matter, therefore it is important to check with your physician before taking herbal supplements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved herbs in helping with quitting smoking or healing the lungs.
Things You'll Need
- 2 parts lobelia loose herb
- 2 parts mullein loose herb
- 1 part marshmallow loose herb
- 1 part wild cherry bark loose herb
- 1 part pleurisy root loose herb
- 1 part lavender loose herb
- 1 part lemon balm loose herb
- Cooking pot with lid
- Strainer
- 2 quart glass jar with lid
- Mug
