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.

Sheamus W.

12:04AM PDT on May 28, 2013

I am confident you've got a great enthusiast following there.
green smoke review

May 28
send a green star

Melania P.

9:33AM PST on Dec 5, 2012

thanks

December 5
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Studying C.

4:14AM PDT on Oct 1, 2012

Thank you. I want so much to quit and have tried just about everything but this. I will look for it at the pharmacy.

October 1
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Lindsay K.

9:11AM PDT on Sep 30, 2012

Thanks for this info - I'll pass it on to any smokers I come across!

September 30
send a green star

JL A.

1:13PM PDT on Sep 27, 2012

good to know

September 27
send a green star

Ajla C.

2:35AM PDT on Sep 27, 2012

Thanks,great article.

Vicki P.

10:35PM PDT on Sep 26, 2012

Thank-you for the informative and helpful article.....always liked the plantain in the lawn.

September 26
send a green star

Lydia W.

9:17PM PDT on Sep 26, 2012

Good to know & share , Probably far safer than prescription meds !

4:15AM PDT on Aug 21, 2012

This seems worth a try.

August 21
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Sally A.

7:56PM PDT on Jul 12, 2012

This is good to hear. I do have this plantain growing in my yard but as Michelle S. has said you need to be able to distinguish it. I don't know if it is the safe one or not. Sometimes it is best to buy at the health food store. I am not a smoker but my father-in-law is and right now he is laying in the hospital due to his lungs, not breathing well. This may be something to look into and help him to quit smoking. Thank you for the article.