Image Source – Clove Smokes

Smoking is typically the inhalation of smoke obtained by burning cured tobacco leaves or any other herb. Though cigarette smoking is injurious to health, smoking herbs is thought to be beneficial to overall health and vitality. There are many natural herbs that contain no nicotine, and smoking them can reduce the craving of smokers. It is considered to be a useful method to curb the smoking tendency and to eventually quit smoking. Nowadays herbal cigarettes are available in popular flavors such as menthol, cherry and vanilla. Herbal smoking is one of the daily routines as per Ayurveda. It is used both for preventive and therapeutic purposes. The health benefits of smoking vary between different varieties of herbs. Some of the benefits of some commonly used herbs for smoking are listed below.

1. Lobelia

It is commonly known as Indian tobacco, is very effective for quitting your smoking habit, because it is very much like real nicotine, without its addictive properties. Smokers can benefit by using cigarettes made from lobelia in betel leaves, as it is purely herbal with no side effects.

2. Peppermint

Peppermint improves blood circulation and relaxes the nerves. It is a strong purifying agent that can restore and rejuvenate both the mind and body. Fabled for its healing properties, peppermint can also ensure easy breathing by clearing the lungs and respiratory passages.

3. Gotu Kola Extract

This extract is used to improve memory, relieve tension, enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the liver. Gotu kola herb has been used since time immemorial to remain healthy and to sharpen memory and concentration.

4. Hops

Hops are a mild sedative, which ensures a calming effect and is one of the principal ingredients in Western folk medicine. Muscle relaxants and tonics containing hops are useful for curbing physical cravings.

5. Skullcap

It is an effective medicinal herb that is found to be useful in the treatment of 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 a sedative. It reduces nervous anxiety and fine-tunes the nervous system. It is also found to be especially effective in the management of nervous headaches and restlessness.

6. Wild Oat

Wild oat is a popular traditional herbal medicine that is widely used in treating liver and kidney 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 aging process.

7. Clove

Clove and its oil can reduce the cravings of nicotine even in long-time smokers. Herbal experts recommend placing a drop of clove oil on the back of the tongue whenever a person gets the craving to smoke, which is found to be every effective and hence clove cigarettes which are also known as kreteks are a popular option.

8. Primrose

The essential oil of primrose is a time-tested remedy for heavy smokers who often suffer from impaired lungs. Heavy smoking damages the lungs because of the deposition of tar and primrose oil formulations can flush out these tar deposits from the lungs and the lymph system, thereby purifying the body.

9. Chamomile

Cravings for smoking can be curbed by sipping herbal tea made from chamomile multiple times a day. Apart from this, chamomile is a powerful antidepressant and can help manage the withdrawal symptoms among smokers very effectively, thereby preventing relapses.

   10. Ginger Root Herb

Used in the Orient for millions of years as a general health booster, ginger root is very valuable. 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 can effectively eliminate cravings for nicotine and tobacco-based smoking. However, remember to supplement this with a healthy diet rich in minerals and other nutrients to ensure a healthy body. Smoking is injurious to health and to extract the benefits from it, you must consult a medical expert as for some certain herbs might be unsuitable due to their medical condition, age or physiological state.