You’re ready to quit smoking (good for you!), but your lungs are probably also in need of a detox. With the tea described below, you can give your lungs a good cleansing detox, help curb withdrawal symptoms, and quit smoking for good. We all know, of course, that it’s not always easy to quit smoking. And it’s no secret that smoking isn’t good for the body, yet those who smoke become so hooked that they often can’t quit without the right help. According to the American Lung Association, smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, causing over 438,000 deaths per year. Sadly, the ones holding the cigarettes aren’t the only ones in danger. Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard, causing more than 41,000 deaths each year.
One of the main reasons smokers continue to smoke is nicotine, a chemical in cigarettes that causes addiction. Over time, the body gets used to having nicotine, but there’s a catch. The more you smoke, the more nicotine you need in order to feel “normal.” When the body doesn’t get nicotine, it can cause symptoms of withdrawal including:
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea
- Moodiness and irritability
- Restlessness
- Trouble thinking and concentrating
While most physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal disappear in a few days or weeks, cigarette cravings may stick around longer, making it difficult not to give in. Figuring out what your triggers are is one step toward toward ending your addiction. You can also arm yourself with natural remedies, such as this lung-detox tea.
Why a Lung-Detox Tea? Why Not Just Use a Patch or Gum?
While there are plenty of gums, patches and other items that are marketed to help smokers become smoke free, may people find they do not work as well as they hoped they would. Furthermore, these conventional solutions offer no health benefits to your body. Natural remedies, however, which are full of health benefits, are often the best route. Why offer your body more poison when you can offer it healing, wholesome tea, instead? Truly, the secret to your quitting success may actually be in a simple yet effective recipe that contains minimal yet helpful ingredients.
Ginger Root
Ginger root is fantastic for improving lung health in several aspects. It’s also great for those who are trying to quit smoking. For example, many natural and herbal aids to help people quit smoking include ginger ingredients, because of its ability to help ease nausea. Nausea is often a symptom of nicotine withdrawal, so ginger root comes in handy. Ginger also helps improve circulation to the lungs and reduces inflammation. Additionally, ginger helps the lungs in other regards, such as clearing away mucus, making it easier to breathe. It may also help open up airways during an asthma attack.
Turmeric
Smoking causes plaque build-up in the lungs and increases a person’s risk for many different types of cancer. Studies have shown that the curcumin in turmeric ( click here for International products ) has strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancerous and anti-toxicity properties. It can help remove harmful toxins from the body while protecting organs from further damage.
In fact, there is a laundry list of lung-related conditions turmeric can help ease. These conditions include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), emphysema, pneumonia, pleurisy, and lung fibrosis. As such, to promote the general health of your lungs, it’s a good idea to include turmeric in your every-day diet. To quit smoking and repair lung damage, use turmeric in this great detox tea (scroll down for recipe)!
Onions
Another superb ingredient for your lung-health tea is onions. Onions are an excellent source of quercetin. They offer a great deal of health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, relieving colds and coughs, and fighting infection. Additionally, studies have found that certain flavonoid compounds, including catechin, quercetin and epicatechin, may help to prevent lung cancer in tobacco smokers. Flavonoids are plant pigments that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Onions are also an excellent food for detox in general. Their sulfur compounds and amino acids help flush out toxins from your body.
You may also wish to include pure, raw honey in your home remedy tea. Not only will this add a note of sweetness, but it will also offer additional nutritional benefits. Honey is great for lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol, and it contains antioxidants, which can help prevent several diseases. Honey also has strong antibacterial properties. This comes into play with respiratory tract infections, making honey also beneficial for the health of your lungs. Just be sure you use raw, organic honey to really give your body the best advantage possible.
Use this home remedy to kick your smoking habit and to get your lungs back to optimal health!
Ingredients:
- 1 small piece of ginger root
- 400 grams of clean, chopped onions
- 2 teaspoons of turmeric ( click here for International products )
- 1 liter of water
- Honey to taste if preferred
Directions:
- Bring a pot of water to boil, then add the ginger root and onion.
- Grate some more ginger into the water and add the turmeric.
- Bring the temperature down and let the ingredients boil for several minutes.
The longer the mixture boils, the more intense the flavor will be. If you’re sensitive to strong or spicy flavors, you may want to slightly dilute it. Drink this mixture twice a day or after every time you smoke, to help clear your lungs. Try to go as long as possible without smoking, and drink as much of this mixture as you can. The longer you let your lungs take a break, the more time they have to strengthen and heal. When you’re finally ready to stop smoking, keep this drink with you in times of weakness! You can also continue to drink it to promote overall lung health. This may come in handy if you have asthma, COPD, emphysema, or another lung-related health issue.
Even after you’ve kicked your smoking addiction, keeping ginger and turmeric in your diet is a great step toward building a healthier you. These two ingredients are absolutely chock-full of health benefits that extend beyond the lungs. Check out the video below for a simple turmeric ginger recipe!
Sources:
The Spirit Science
American Lung Association
Smoke Free
Smoke Free
Livestrong
Turmeric for Health