Tobacco is a substance that contains more than 4,000 toxic chemicals, including nicotine, which is highly addictive. Other chemicals include carbon monoxide, ammonia and radioactive particles, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Although smoking cessation can be difficult, the Balches and other herbal healing advocates believe that certain herbs may increase your chances of quitting smoking. Check with your physician before using any herb for smoking cessation.
Step 1
Add fresh ginger to stir fry dishes, soups, casseroles and stews. This herb may help increase perspiration, helping your body flush out accumulated toxins from cigarette smoke, according to the Balches. Removing toxins quickly may help speed the withdrawal process and reduce your risk of relapse. Talk to your doctor before using ginger -- this herb may cause stomach irritation.
Step 2
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tbsp. of ground valerian root. Let it steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink up to 3 cups of the tea per day. Valerian root is a tranquilizer and sedative, and may help ease the symptoms of tobacco withdrawal, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs." Valerian root may cause drowsiness and headaches. Contact your doctor if you plan to use this herb to help you quit smoking.
Step 3
Take a 250 mg milk thistle supplement once per day. Silymarin, the primary chemical compound in this herb, may help prevent liver damage caused by toxins in cigarette smoke, according to the Balches. This allows your liver to function properly, and to clear cigarette-related toxins from your bloodstream. Milk thistle may occasionally cause diarrhea, so check with your physician before using this herb.
Step 4
Simmer 1 tbsp. ground slippery elm bark in hot water for 15 minutes. Strain and drink the resulting tea once per day. Slippery elm bark may help relieve cough and congestion caused by smoking, allowing you to breathe more easily and enjoy the benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle more quickly. Although there are no known side effects associated with this herb, ask your doctor if you should use slippery elm as part of a smoking cessation plan.
Tips and Warnings
- Enhance your herbal regimen by consuming at least 64 ounces of water per day. This may help flush cigarette-related toxins from your body, enhancing your energy and speeding the healing of your lungs, liver and kidneys.
Things You'll Need
- Ginger
- Valerian root
- Milk thistle supplements
- Slippery elm bark
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1991
