Quitting smoking/vaping is the crucial first step to allow your lungs to heal and regenerate. However, the toxins inhaled from cigarettes or e-cigarettes can linger in lung tissues for months after you kick the habit.
The good news is that certain plants contain powerful compounds that can help cleanse and repair your lungs faster. Botanicals have been used for centuries in herbal medicine to treat respiratory conditions and can work wonders to support your lungs after quitting.
In this article, we will explore 17 of the top botanicals that have been shown to detoxify, strengthen, and restore your lungs when you stop smoking or vaping. From mullein to marshmallow root, these natural remedies can speed your recovery, reduce cravings, fight infection, improve breathing, and help you live a smoke-free life.
Keep reading to learn how herbs, flowers, trees, and mushrooms from nature’s pharmacy can give your lungs the cleansing and nourishment they need post-cigarettes.
Herbs, essential oils, and supplements with high antioxidant content are particularly beneficial for cleansing lungs damaged by cigarette smoke or e-cigarette aerosols. Substances with a high ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) neutralize dangerous free radicals caused by smoking.
Free radicals create oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell damage in the lungs’ delicate tissues. Botanical oils and extracts with terpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other antioxidant compounds can help reverse this damage.
17 Botanicals to Detox, Repair, & Restore Your Lungs After Quitting Smoking or Vaping:
- Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood thins mucus, eases congestion, and reduces inflammation and coughing. Its antibacterial terpenes and thujopsene combat lung infections. - Citronella and Lemongrass Oils
Citronella and lemongrass contain antimicrobial geraniol, relieving infections. Their limonene fights inflammation and flavonoids thin mucus for easier breathing. - Peppermint and Spearmint Oils
Mint’s menthol cools and opens airways and relaxes bronchi for deeper breaths. It also displays antiviral and antibacterial effects for cleaner lungs. - Chrysanthemum Tea or Extract
Chrysanthemum tea provides antioxidant flavonoids like luteolin that reduce respiratory inflammation. It fights viruses too. Take chrysanthemum extract capsules or drink the tea. - Kelp
Kelp is a type of seaweed rich in iodine, potassium, magnesium and more minerals that strengthen lung tissue. It also binds to toxins for removal. - Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil clears excessive mucus thanks to the compound cineole. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects help treat lung congestion, asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis. - Conifer Needle Oils
Fir, spruce, pine, and cypress oils contain cleansing alpha-pinene and antimicrobial camphor, reducing congestion and infection. - Geranium Oil
Stimulate lymph flow and drainage with geranium oil to remove waste from tissues. It also provides antimicrobial quercetin. - Citrus Oils
Orange, bergamot, lemon, lime, and grapefruit oils have antiseptic citrals that clear bacteria and microbes from lungs. Their vitamin C nourishes tissues. - Ashwagandha
The adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of ashwagandha help undo lung damage caused by smoking. It also balances cortisol and removes toxins. - Suma Root
Suma root minimizes nutrient depletion from smoking while reducing inflammation. It strengthens the immune system to prevent colds and flu after quitting. Find suma in capsules or powder form. - Garlic and Onion
Garlic’s allicin has mighty antimicrobial effects against dangerous lung bacteria. Onions contain quercetin and sulfur compounds that deter infections. Eat them cooked or take aged garlic capsules. - Anti-Microbial Herbs Oregano, cinnamon, thyme, clove, and rosemary oils contain germ-fighting agents like thymol, cinnamaldehyde, and carvacrol. Inhale via diffuser or diluted steam.
- Coconut Oil The medium chain triglycerides and lauric acid in coconut oil help heal lung tissue. Use the oil for cooking, smoothies, or take capsules.
- Camu Camu
Camu camu powder provides lung-nourishing vitamin C and bioflavonoids. These strengthen tissues and neutralize free radical damage from smoking. - Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw tincture enhances immune function and reduces respiratory inflammation via alkaloids like rhynchophylline. - Sangre de Grado
Sangre de grado from the rainforest contains proanthocyanidins that stimulate circulation, improve lung function, and aid detoxification through the lungs, lymph, and skin.
Even after quitting cigarettes or vaping, toxins remain trapped in lung tissues. Gentle herbs, oils, and supplements help cleanse this residual damage.
If You Are Looking To Benefit From The Botanicals Listed Above, I Recommend Checking Out Radiate 21 For Detoxing And Healing Your Body. Click Here To Learn More.
After quitting smoking or vaping, flood your body with the lung-healing power of nature. Radiate 21 capsules contain a crafted blend of 21 research-backed botanicals shown to regenerate lung tissue and boost detoxification.
Featuring botanicals like Sangre de Drago, Una de Gato and Ashwagandha plus nutrient-rich oils from coconut, orange, and lemon, Radiate 21 leverages the strength of 21 bioactive compounds. This medicinal mixture specifically targets lung health and lymphatic drainage while optimizing your immune function.
Radiate 21’s ingredients such as cat’s claw, oregano, and garlic have been used for centuries in herbal medicine to cleanse and strengthen. Now, their remarkable properties are available in one vegan, non-GMO supplement.
If you’re ready to undo the damage from smoking and vaping and breathe freely again, Radiate 21 can help accelerate your lung healing. Visit radiate21.com to learn more and start your journey to better lung health today.
Ample hydration, light exercise, and time also facilitate healing. Your lungs have remarkable regenerative capabilities that these natural aids can boost, improving your breathing and health.
Here are some Additional Tips that can help with Detoxing from Smoking/Vaping:
- Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal teas, and fresh juices to help flush out toxins and thin mucus. Staying hydrated also offsets dryness caused by smoking.
- Consider doing lung cleansing breathing exercises like pranayama, breath of fire, or alternate nostril breathing. These can help clear out the lungs and improve oxygen flow.
- Add lemon juice to water or use vitamin C supplements to boost immune function and help the body detoxify. Vitamin C is depleted by smoking.
- Eat fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants like berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous veggies to counter free radical damage to lungs.
- Use a neti pot or nasal irrigation system with salt water to clear excess mucus and germs from nasal passages and sinuses.
- Take hot steamy showers and use a humidifier to keep airways moist and loosen phlegm.
- Try dry brushing the skin before bathing to boost circulation and drainage of the lymphatic system.
- Consider getting acupuncture treatments – they can help detox the lungs and reduce cravings.
- Make sure to get adequate sleep and manage stress, as rest is crucial for the healing process.
- Be patient, it can take months for the lungs to fully heal and regenerate after quitting smoking or vaping. Natural remedies aid the process.
Quitting smoking and vaping is one of the best things you can do for your lung health, but natural healing and detoxification will take time. Have patience with yourself and your body as you work to undo the damage caused by inhaling the toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke and e-cigarettes.
Work closely with your doctor to find the right herbal remedies for your needs. With determination and proper support, your lungs have an amazing ability to regenerate. Focus on each positive change you make, and know that you’re taking steps in a healthier direction.
