Herb Helps Smokers Kick the Habit

A weed that you’ve probably trampled on more than a few times could help you butt out. The North American wild herb, plantain (Plantago major), helps reduce cravings for cigarettes. That could be one of the main reasons it is being used in many commercial smoking cessation products.

Growing on lawns, between sidewalk cracks, and in wild spaces alike, plantain is regularly killed by grass aficionados in search of lawn perfection. This is not the same plant that produces banana-like fruit also known as plantain found in tropical destinations.

Not only does plantain reduce cravings for cigarettes, it also reduces lung inflammation and helps to clean out the lungs. Available as a tea, tincture (alcohol extract), a quit-smoking spray, or as a dried herb in many health food stores, it is easy to take advantage of its health-promoting properties.

If you choose the dried herb, simply add one teaspoon to a cup of boiling water, steep for at least 10 minutes then drink before you reach for a cigarette. Many people find they’ll be butting out soon afterward since the craving is gone. You may also feel like you’ve had enough before you finish that cigarette.

Plantain is also used by natural medicine practitioners to reduce bronchial congestion, laryngitis, lung irritations, coughs, toothaches, ulcers, digestive complaints, gout, and kidney infections.

If you choose the tincture or quit-smoking spray, follow package directions. Usually you’ll want to take the plantain just prior to lighting up. Of course, you should always consult a qualified health professional prior to using any new product.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Jax L.

3:17AM PDT on Apr 30, 2012

Thanks, great article!

send a green star

Heidi A.

7:28PM PDT on Mar 25, 2012

Wow! Am I glad I never started. If one could see a smoker's lungs the way one can see fat people, they would be equally ridiculed. They are not pink and shiny like non-smokers lungs, they are black and spongy, clearly distressed if not cancerous.

Nora H.

7:16PM PDT on Mar 25, 2012

i use a lot of herbs so now i will have to add this one to my list..

Pat W.

10:44PM PST on Mar 6, 2012

Would have been more helpful if there were some specifics where to find it .... natural or otherwise. Is it in certain parts of the US where it is found or parts of the world... health food stores to purchase? Interesting article though.

Richard T.

6:13PM PST on Feb 27, 2012

This will help many smokers quit.Former smokers not to go back!

Mari '.

9:49AM PST on Feb 26, 2012

I don't think people check with their doctors before smoking. I wouldn't. Because when they go to their doctor or even harassing dentists now the doctors tell them to try old ways and go backwards again leading them once again to fail with wasted time. This article is very helpful and also the e cigs out there are good also!! E cigs from when I have been told aren't powerful enough to last and the smokers go back to regular smoking. :( I hope this works!!!! Good luck to all trying to convert or quit!!!

Mary Beth M.

8:37AM PST on Feb 24, 2012

interesting

Michelle S.

5:43PM PST on Feb 23, 2012

Jerry T, to respond to your comments: legally, I need to tell people to check with their doctor before starting an herb. While there are clearly many intelligent people on Care2.com, there are also some people who don't recognize that herbs are medicine and as such should be treated with respect and not be mixed with other medicines. As for it growing everywhere and then sending someone to a store: Plantain may grow everywhere but it still takes some skill and effort to distinguish between various herbs. There are some that are unsafe so unless a person is skilled at wildcrafting and foraging, it may be best for them to ensure they actually have the herb they are looking for.

Mary E.

8:59AM PST on Feb 23, 2012

i have been trying to quit for years...and am now anxious to see if maybe this could do the trick. Thanks for posting.

Teresa C.

4:29AM PST on Feb 22, 2012

Thanks for an interesting article.