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| - Last Updated on August 9, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A post on social media promotes a herbal product as a lung detoxifier that works even if you continue smoking. However, our fact-checking has determined that this claim is false.
The Claim
A Facebook video titled “Detox” by ZeroHarm Sciences, which is 1 minute and 28 seconds long, promotes a herbal supplement for removing tar and detoxifying the lungs. They claim it can cleanse your lungs without the need to quit.
Fact Check
Can you detoxify your lungs while continuing to smoke?
Detoxifying your lungs while continuing to smoke is highly challenging and generally ineffective. Smoking continuously introduces new toxins into the lungs, making it difficult for any detoxification methods to have a significant impact. The ongoing exposure to harmful substances from smoking counteracts the benefits of detox methods, and the body’s ability to repair lung damage is significantly nil.
Dr. P Rammanohar, Research Director at the Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda, explains that the approach depends on the stage of lung damage. “Ayurveda doesn’t offer a detox or magical remedy to cure or reverse lung damage. However, Ayurvedic treatments can help prevent further harm to the lungs. Quitting smoking is crucial in all cases; if damage is caught early, some improvement in lung condition is possible,” he states.
Do we need to detox our lungs?
Not really. Lungs have a natural ability to heal themselves, and while they can recover from acute irritants and toxins, the extent of recovery depends on the severity of the damage. According to Pulmonologist Dr. Sarthak A Rastogi, “Lungs can regenerate or repair themselves, but significant damage often leads to scar tissue. Chronic lung conditions, like emphysema, cannot be fully reversed, but removing harmful agents, such as quitting smoking, can prevent further decline.
Detox diets, which involve eliminating unhealthy foods or substances to improve health, are often in discussion but there is no scientific evidence to support that they can repair lungs. In cases of chronic diseases like COPD, lung damage is permanent and cannot be reversed through detox methods.
Can the combination of herbs effectively eliminate tar from the lungs within one month?
It doesn’t seem so. Herbal remedies like Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica), mulethi (Licorice root), ginger, basil, and echinacea are often marketed for respiratory health. However, it’s important to understand that these herbs are not a quick fix for removing tar from the lungs. The process of clearing tar and other toxins from the lungs is complex. This process is gradual and significantly improved by smoking cessation. While herbal remedies can assist in supporting lung function they are not a substitute for medical treatments.
A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, staying hydrated, and regular exercise are essential for lung health. For persistent issues or personalised advice, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. They can provide a comprehensive approach to lung health and effective detoxification strategies.
The American Lung Association (ALA) advises caution regarding products that claim to detoxify or repair the lungs. We have fact checked many such products such as VedicVitals.com, that are based on unproven and potentially harmful treatments. While these products may contain herbs with beneficial properties, there is no scientific evidence that they can repair lungs to their original condition. Therefore, it’s important to be wary of quick-fix solutions and focus on proven methods for lung health improvement.
Deaddiction expert Dr. Rohan Bartake says, “Chemicals like nicotine in tobacco are inherently addictive as they alter brain receptors. These herbal supplement marketers are aware of the difficulty in breaking cigarette addiction, so they create clickbait ads promoting herbal products as ‘lung detoxes’ and telling people continue to smoke. This approach is both misleading and harmful.”
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