• Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Natural Home
  • Recipes
  • Gardening
  • Essential Oils
  • Beauty
↑

All Natural Ideas

Natural Ideas, Products and Recipes for a Healthier Life

  • Natural Home
  • Recipes
  • Gardening
  • Essential Oils
  • Beauty
You are here: Home / Natural Remedies / How To Do a Natural Lung Cleanse for Smokers

How To Do a Natural Lung Cleanse for Smokers

This post may contain affiliate links. See our Full Disclosure

March 14, 2017 By Judd Handler

Finally quit the habit? Now it’s time to clean out the lungs. It’s never too late do a natural lung cleanse for smokers. Even if you were a chronic smoker.

Finally quit the habit? Now it’s time to clean out the lungs. It’s never too late do a natural lung cleanse for smokers. Even if you were a chronic smoker. | allnaturalideas.com

Almost half a million people a year die from smoking, according to the American Lung Association. Smoking cigarettes is responsible for approximately 85% of the nearly 160,000 people that die each year in the U.S. from lung cancer.

Despite these sobering statistics, even long-time smokers can do a lung cleanse. And a lung cleanse for smokers can include easy all-natural solutions.

The best way to go about doing a natural lung cleanse is to incorporate both eastern and western healing treatments.

TCM lung cleanse for smokers

Over 300 million people smoke in China. That’s almost the entire population of the USA.  Roughly a quarter of China’s population are habitual cigarette smokers. The average smoker there consumers 22 cigarettes a day.

And although China consumes the most cigarettes in the world, it has perhaps the oldest system of medicine for treating lung disorders. Herbal remedies for lung cleanses have been used for over 3,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

From a TCM perspective, smoking causes Lung Qi deficiency. Qi is the universal source of energy which flows in every person, according to TCM theory. Smoking also causes Lung Yin deficiency. Yin (the counterbalance to Yang) deficiency manifests as dry cough.

In TCM 5-element theory, the lungs are metal. One of the most famous herbs in TCM to cleanse the lungs is Bai He. Bai He (lily bulb extract) is the main Chinese herb for cleansing the lungs. Translated into English, Bai He means “Lily Strengthen Metal.”

Natural lung cleanse for smokers

Other TCM herbs for smoker’s lung cleanse include:

  • Di Huang (Rehmannia root): this herb helps strengthen the kidneys. In TCM theory, the lungs and kidneys have a mutual relationship. The lungs are the master of qi and the kidneys are the root of qi.
  • Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon tuber): moistens the Lungs, and clears Lung heat thus enhancing the Lily’ effectiveness.
  • Dang Gui (Angelica root): nourishes the blood and boosts Yin
  • Bai Shao (Peony root): same actions as Dang Gui
  • Bei Mu (Fritillaria bulb): helps stop coughing, transforms phlegm, and moistens the lungs
  • Jie Geng (Platycodon root) ventilates the lung and clears phlegm. The Chinese herb can be used for coughs with various causes.

There are other TCM herbs that help cleanse the lungs. Obviously, finding these TCM herbs isn’t as easy as walking into a Whole Foods or other natural market and stocking up in the supplement aisle. But you can easily find a TCM formula with Bai He online.

How to clean lungs from smoking damage, the western way

From a western natural healing perspective, detoxifying the lungs is almost as easy as taking some TCM pills or tablets. Just eat lots and lots of low-starch veggies.

Smoking causes scarring in the lungs. There’s no getting around that physiological consequence.

And it might take a lot of time for the damage to be neutralized. Smoking causes levels of vitamins A, C, and E to plummet. A study from Oregon State University established a direct relationship between vitamins C and E.

Vitamin C supplementation can largely stop the serious depletion of vitamin E that occurs in smokers, the researchers discovered.

Eating foods rich in these vitamins would be a good first step for cleaning the lungs from smoking damage. Vitamin A is crucial for healthy lung function. If you’re doing a natural lung cleanse, you might also want to supplement with vitamin B6. It prevents genetic mutations, which can lead to lung cancer.

Smoking can also cause vitamin D levels to drop. You might also want to supplement with vitamin D as a result. Of all the vitamin supplements, D is perhaps the most important. It’s difficult to obtain enough vitamin D from food, whereas most other vitamins are easy to come by from veggies.

One other natural lung cleanse for smokers tip: cleanse your body and eat well just like all non-smokers should do. Eat a ton of green, leafy vegetables. Eat some for breakfast, in an omelette.

Have a huge portion of steamed veggies for dinner. Eat a giant salad for dinner. Limit inflammation and mucus in your lungs by eliminating or greatly reducing the amount of dairy and added sugars you consume.  

Natural lung cleanse for smokers

Lung detox after smoking

One easy way to detox your lungs after years of smoking comes with a warning: always carry gum or breath mints. So, before trying this lung cleanse for smokers, stock up on them.

Eating lots of onions can help heal your lungs. Lots of research studies on the protective effects of onions have been performed (such as this one that examined the effects of onion extract on liver and lung tissue in rats).

A common nutritional protocol for cancer patients includes eating onions. Eating onions prevents the growth of new cancer cells, some researchers believe. Red onions might be especially beneficial for a lung detox. The type of antioxidants found in red onions, known as anthocyanins contain the lung-protective compounds. They also contain cysteine. Cysteine is an amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Cysteine may be beneficial for respiratory imbalances.  

Cruciferous veggies (cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale) contain another class of antioxidants called isothiocyanates. These antioxidants may inhibit the bioactivation of carcinogens found in tobacco smoke, according to this cancer prevention journal.

Eating plenty of dark yellow and orange veggies like carrots was consistently more predictive of reduced lung cancer risk than consumption of any other food group. (At least if you’re a white male in New Jersey, according to this study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.)

Mom was right: eat your broccoli

Though mom may have not known you were going to become a smoker, her advice to you to eat your broccoli may save your life. Both smokers and ex-smokers who eat lots of broccoli may be less likely to develop lung cancer.

Green leafy veggies like broccoli not only contain loads of vitamins. They also are rich in minerals, especially if the veggies are locally-grown organic produce. One mineral that can help with a lung cleanse is selenium. Selenium may offer some protection against lung cancer.

Another easy way to detox the lungs if you’re a smoker or former smoker is to eat lots of ginger. Its properties help get rid of phlegm and mucus.

How to clean lungs in 3 days

It doesn’t take a long time to do a natural lung cleanse for smokers, even if you were a decades-old smoker. In as little as a few days, if you follow some of the above tips, your lungs may get clearer.

Try some Chinese medicine herbs. Eat lots of green leafy veggies. Pineapple is one fruit that’s especially beneficial for the lungs.

And, of course, it goes without saying that one way to make your lungs operate more efficiently is by exercising. But be careful, especially if you’re not a frequent exerciser.

You may not have the lung capacity to jog a few miles. Stay on the low-end of the intensity scale and work your way up. Go for long walks before you start a high-intensity aerobic workout.

There are a lot of morning smoothie and detox recipes that will help clean your lungs. Also, some herbal teas such have lung-cleansing properties.

Nettle tea is just one example of many lung-cleansing herbal teas. Matcha tea is loaded with antioxidants. You can even make a cold matcha tea drink. Add some turmeric to it to boost the medicinal value.

It’s never too late to do a lung cleanse, but the sooner you get started, the better.

Natural lung cleanse for smokers

Related Posts

What is a poultice?
What Is A Poultice And How Do You Make One?
Omega 7 weight loss supplements side effects
Omega 7 Weight Loss Supplements and Side Effects
Natural beta blockers may help relieve anxiety without harmful side effects. But are they as effective as pharmaceuticals? Moreover, how exactly do they work?
Natural Beta Blocker Alternatives For Anxiety

Saccharomyces boulardii is best known for preventing or treating traveler’s diarrhea. But could this probiotic be the answer to a whole host of other digestive problems such as candida overgrowth? Learn more about Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic benefits….
Saccharomyces Boulardii for Candida Prevention
Coffee Enema
Coffee Enema: Is It An Effective Detox Method?
Nootropics are sometimes called "smart drugs," "brain boosters" or "memory enhancers".  Is improving concentration, memory and mental alertness as simple as popping a pill? Do nootropics work? Is there research to support their use? And if so, what are the best brain-boosting supplements? Discover more about nootropics....  
Nootropics: Can These ‘Smart Drugs’ Really Boost Brain Function?

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:

All content on this website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

None of the information contained in this website should be used to initiate use of dietary supplements, vitamins, herbal and nutritional products or homeopathic medicine, and other described products prior to consulting first with a physician or healthcare provider. The owner of this site and it's writers disclaim any liability based on information provided in this website.

Filed Under: Health, Natural Remedies

About Judd Handler

Judd Handler is a natural health writer and certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition therapist. He also has certifications in holistic health coaching and metabolic typing.

Signup for news and special offers!

Yes, Email me Tips, Best Practices and All Natural Products. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Trending Articles

What's the Best Xanthan Gum Substitute for Recipes?
Carbs in Almond Flour Vs Coconut Flour
Natural Breast Lift & Supplements for Sagging Breasts
Low Carb Yogurt On Keto: What Kind Is Best?
Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne
How to Use Blackstrap Molasses for Hair

Essential Oils

Essential Oil Burners Electric

Essential Oil Burner vs Diffuser for Aromatherapy

coconut essential oil

Is There a Coconut Essential Oil?

energizing essential oils

Energizing Essential Oils and Blends for Aromatherapy

More Essential Oils

Nutrition

Easy Keto Chocolate Mug Cake

Low Carb Holiday Tips: Sticking to Your Diet

Low Carb Vegetables For a Keto Diet

More Nutrition

Remedies

If you're into natural health, no doubt you're aware of elderberry syrup. It's one of the most popular natural prevention remedies and cures for colds and the flu. But have you heard of elderflower tea? Can preventing colds and flu be as simple as sipping a cuppa?

Are Elderflower Tea Benefits as good as Elderberry Syrup?

What is a poultice?

What Is A Poultice And How Do You Make One?

Low carb easy chicken soup recipe for colds

Best Chicken Soup Recipe for Colds and Flu

More Remedies

Recipes

Easy Keto Chocolate Mug Cake

slow cooker chicken adobo

Filipino Chicken Adobo Slow Cooker Recipe

Low carb easy chicken soup recipe for colds

Best Chicken Soup Recipe for Colds and Flu

More Recipes

Health

More Health

Green Living

More Green Living

House & Home

Essential Oil Burners Electric

Essential Oil Burner vs Diffuser for Aromatherapy

baking soda bath

Benefits of a Baking Soda Bath Beyond Detox

DIY bath crayons

DIY Bath Crayons for Bathtub Fun

More House & Home

Beauty

sugar wax natural hair removal

How to Use Sugar Wax for Natural Hair Removal

natural nails

Tips for Natural Nails that are Pretty and Healthy

oatmeal bath towel and soap

Oatmeal Bath for Skin Irritations and More

More Beauty

Signup for news and special offers!

Yes, Email me Tips, Best Practices and All Natural Products. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Trending Topics

  • Keratosis Pilaris

  • Sumac Tea

  • Essential Oils

  • Marula Oil for Hair

  • Stillman Diet

Recent Articles

Easy Keto Cauliflower Fried Rice

The Best Essential Oils for Pain

Keto Taco Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Healthy Recipes

Bulletproof Coffee Recipe (Keto Coffee)

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce

Sumac Tea Health Benefits and How To Make It

Shirataki Noodles Recipes For A Keto Diet

Copyright ©2025, All Natural Ideas. All Rights Reserved.
Design by Pixel Me Designs