If you've recently quit smoking, you may already notice that your ability to breathe has improved, you're coughing less and your body is producing less phlegm. In fact, you can expect improved lung capacity in just a few months after you quit smoking, according to the National Cancer Institute. Even though your body has an amazing ability to heal itself, you can take steps to facilitate the process of rebuilding your lungs. Always consult your doctor before using any alternative or herbal remedies.
Step 1
Chew a piece of licorice root or drink a cup of licorice root tea. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, licorice has been used as a traditional remedy for upper respiratory problems and may have demulcent, which means soothing, and expectorant, meaning it helps to break up phlegm, properties. This may help to heal your lungs by facilitating the removal of excess phlegm while soothing a sore throat and the respiratory tract.
Step 2
Limit your exposure to outdoor air pollution. This includes minimizing your exposure to exhaust, gasoline or paint fumes, according to YourLungHealth.org. Irritants in the atmosphere can adversely affect your lungs ability to heal, causing increased mucus production and soreness or a hacking cough.
Step 3
Take a daily goldenseal herbal supplement. According to naturopathic doctor Donald Lepore in his book "The Ultimate Healing System: The Illustrated Guide to Muscle Testing & Nutrition," goldenseal helps to eliminate tar from your lungs and acts as an expectorant, facilitating the removal of thick, green or yellow phlegm from your lungs.
Step 4
Eat plenty of B-complex vitamin foods. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," B-complex vitamins are depleted from your body when you smoke, which has been linked to lung and throat cancer. According to a 2010 study funded by the World Cancer Research Fund, increasing your B vitamin intake can decrease your risk of lung cancer. Good dietary sources of B-complex vitamins include liver, dairy products, brown rice and soybeans.
Step 5
Ask friends and family who smoke to avoid doing so when you're present. According to Balch, eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke can help to rebuild your lungs more quickly and help you fight any cravings you may have to start smoking again.
Things You'll Need
- Licorice root
- Goldenseal herbal supplement
References
- National Cancer Institute: Smoking Cessation
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Licorice
- YourLungHealth.org: Minimizing the Effects of Outdoor Air Pollution
- "The Ultimate Healing System: The Illustrated Guide to Muscle Testing & Nutrition"; Donald Lepore; 1998
- World Cancer Research Fund: B Vitamin Levels Linked to Reduced Lung Cancer Risk
