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Health benefits of smoking vary amongst different varieties of herbs. Smoking is typically the inhalation of smoke obtained while burning cured tobacco leaves. Though cigarette smoking is injurious to health, smoking herbs is thought to be beneficial to the overall health and vitality. Lobelia, commonly known as the Indian tobacco, is very effective in quitting the smoking habit and is very much like the real nicotine sans its addictive properties. Smokers are benefited by using cigarettes made of lobelia in betel leaves as it is purely herbal with no side effects.
Health benefits of smoking are rarely talked because smoking is one of the most common causes for health problems and death. However, it has been noted that smoking can reduce the occurrence of some conditions like endometrial cancer, ulcerative colitis, Kaposi's sarcoma, breast cancer, preeclampsia, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and atopic disorders such as allergic asthma. Often referred to as protective effect, this mechanism is attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of nicotine, which interferes with these conditions. The scientists from Tornblad Institute have invented recently that pregnant mothers, indulged in smoking, gave birth to babies with decreased neural defect risks.
There are many natural herbs which contains no nicotine, which on smoking can reduce the craving of the smokers and is considered to be a useful method to curb the smoking tendency and to quit smoking.
Benefits: Some of the benefits of certain commonly used herbs in smoking are listed below:
- Gotu Kola Extract: It is used to improve memory, relieve tension, enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation and strengthen the liver. Gotu kola herb is used since time immemorial to remain healthy and to sharpen memory and concentration.
- Hops: Hops herb is a mild sedative, which ensures a calming effect and forms one of the principal ingredients in the Western folk medicine. Muscles relaxants and tonic containing hops formulations are useful to curb physical cravings.
- Skullcap: It is an effective medicinal herb that is found to be useful in many diseases like insomnia, hysteria, delirium tremens, anxiety and withdrawal symptoms from tranquilizers. It is rich in vitamins and is used as a central nervous system booster and sedative. It reduces nervous anxiety and fine tunes the nervous system and is found to be especially effective in the management of nervous headache and restlessness.
- Wild Oat: Wild oat is a popular traditional herbal medicine that is widely used in treating liver and kidney disease conditions and joint pain. It relieves depression and is a natural tonic used to improve strength and vitality in both men and women. Well known for its anti-depressant qualities, Wild Oat is used to reduce mental tension and anxiety. It is a powerful antioxidant as well, which slows down the ageing process.
- Peppermint: Peppermint improves blood circulation and relaxes the nerves. It is a strong purifying agent that can restore and rejuvenate both mind and body. Fabled for its healing properties, peppermint can also ensure easy breathing by clearing the lungs and respiratory passages.
- Clove: Clove and its oil can reduce the cravings of nicotine even in seasoned smokers. Herbal experts recommend keeping a drop of clove oil on the back of the tongue whenever the person gets the craving to smoke, which is found to be every effective.
- Primrose: The oil extracted from primrose is a time tested remedy for heavy smokers who would be often suffering from impaired lungs. Heavy smoking damage the lungs by the tar deposits and prime rose oil formulations can flush out these tar deposits from the lungs and the lymph system, thereby purifying the body.
- Chamomile: Cravings of smoking can be curbed by sipping the herbal tea made from chamomile, many times a day. Apart from this, Chamomile is a powerful antidepressant and can manage the withdrawal symptoms among smokers very effectively, thereby preventing relapses.
- Ginger Root Herb: Used in the Orient for millions of years as a general health booster, ginger root is a panacea. It is a proven herbal remedy for indigestion, stomach cramps and chills. Ginger root is also rich in essential vitamins and nutrients such as protein, calcium and iron among others.
Smoking herbs might eliminate cravings for smoking effectively; however, do remember to supplement this therapy with a healthy diet rich in minerals and other nutrients to ensure a healthy body.
Disclaimer: Smoking is injurious to health and to extract the benefits out of it, you must strictly consult a medical expert.
This article was contributed by Seema Adnani
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References: Tornblad Institute
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