Herbal blends offer alternatives for tobacco smokers

The 34th annual Great American Smokeout put on by the American Cancer Society starts November 19th. This countrywide event was created to encourage smokers to quit for a day. This event is a stepping stone for smokers that are concerned about the serious health risks associated with tobacco.

Herbal blends have been available to help people seeking a substitution for cigarettes. These blends are designed to not only as a healthy alternative to traditional cigarettes but to alleviate tobacco smoking addiction.
Herbs have been smoked throughout history when tobacco was either too expensive or unavailable. Most health food stores or herb shops carry herbal blends that have been used to shake the cigarette cravings. The most popular herbs are usually easy to buy on their own to blend according to personal taste. Hawthorn leaf, coltsfoot, and mullien are also plants that grow wild in Oregon.
People dedicated to shaking off the smoking habit have other options that are tried and true. Licorice root is a naturally sweet herb that is available in in it's dried form in health food stores that offer bulk products. Licorice root can be chewed to ease cigarette cravings while boasting the immune system.
It is advisable to try different blends to find what suits the individual taste of the smoker. Common garden herbs such as lavender, thyme, lobelia, or rosemary can enliven smoking blends while helping to clean congestion from the lungs. Whatever blend is selected, keep at it. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Taking cigarettes out of your life will be a special gift that you and your loved ones will be grateful for this Thanksgiving.