The National Tobacco Control Strategy Plan No. 3 (2022-2027) mandates that the proportion of smokers among individuals aged 15 years and older should not exceed 14% by 2027. This includes a target for reducing risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases (Global NCDs Target), which aims to limit the number of smokers to no more than 15% by 2025. This initiative is in response to the significant number of people who become ill and die due to smoking each year.
Furthermore, second-hand smoke contains more than 4,000 toxic chemicals, approximately 50 of which are carcinogenic, leading to more than 1.2 million premature deaths globally each year. Additionally, over 65,000 children die annually due to exposure to second-hand smoke in public spaces.
A 2021 survey conducted by the United Nations, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, revealed that approximately 6,000 people in Thailand die each year from second-hand smoke. Data from the National Statistical Office indicates that 23.7% of individuals aged 15 and older smoke at home, with 67.53% doing so daily. Toxins from cigarette smoke can linger in homes for up to six months, leading to prolonged exposure to harmful substances that adversely affect health.
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Cigarettes are harmful to both smokers and those around them.
If pregnant women and infants are exposed to secondhand smoke, they face increased risks of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including preeclampsia, miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, slower brain development, and neurological abnormalities. Young children are more susceptible to respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia than their peers, along with a higher incidence of asthma and chronic middle ear infections.
Children under the age of 5 are particularly at risk for respiratory illnesses if family members smoke. Therefore, it is crucial to raise public awareness regarding the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke while providing support and opportunities for those desiring to quit.
White Grass Quitting Tablets
Chaturas Hospital in Chaiyaphum Province has developed “smoking cessation pills” from white grass, which aids smokers in effectively quitting and improving lung function. This is due to the presence of “nitrate” in white grass, which numbs the taste buds on the tongue, diminishing the desire to smoke. Previously, the Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Division at Chaturas Hospital created a powdered version to be mixed with hot water for consumption, but it did not gain popularity. The transformation into “white grass smoking cessation pills” has made it more popular, portable, and convenient to consume.
Pharmacist Ranida Decha, responsible for herbal medicine production at Chaturas Hospital, explained the properties of “white flower grass” as a herbaceous plant commonly found in wastelands and along roadsides throughout Thailand. Historically, this plant was boiled and consumed to relieve fever, stomachache, bloating, urinary difficulties, and chronic coughs. The leaves could also be crushed and applied to wounds to promote healing.
Researchers have identified active ingredients and pharmacological effects that support smoking cessation. The primary ingredient effective in quitting smoking is nitrate, which has the effect of numbing the taste buds on the tongue, reducing the urge to smoke.
Initially, it was prepared as a powder mixed with hot water for consumption, but this method proved inconvenient, especially for farmers, who are predominant among smokers. As a result, it was developed into a “smoking cessation pill,” which effectively assists smokers in quitting and improving lung function.
For smokers consuming one pack of cigarettes daily, using the cessation lozenges for about 1-2 weeks can reduce their cigarette consumption by 50%. Continuous use will lead to a further decrease in smoking until they can quit completely within six months. However, users of the cessation lozenges may experience common side effects, including dry mouth and dry throat, which are generally manageable.
12 groups of herbs for various ailments
According to Dr. Nithimawadi Khamwong, Director of Chaturas Hospital, the white grass smoking cessation pills were included in the national list of essential medicines in 2023. They are now distributed to all hospitals in Chaiyaphum Province and other regions. Plans are underway to provide mobile smoking cessation services in temples, schools, and communities. Last year, these pills were also included in the national list of essential medicines, with herbal medicine generating over 400,000 baht annually.
Chaturas Hospital serves as a primary community hospital caring for over 230,000 residents across Chaturas, Thepsathit, Bamnet Narong, Sap Yai, and Noen Song Districts. It houses a herbal medicine factory producing 39 medicinal items covering 12 disease categories, which include:
1. Circulatory system issues
2. Gastrointestinal issues
3. Obstetric and gynecological concerns
4. Fever-related issues
5. Respiratory issues
6. Blood tonics
7. Musculoskeletal issues
8. Tonic and balancing medicines
9. Urinary tract issues
10. Hangover remedies
11. Smoking cessation aids
12. Treatments for degenerative diseases
This herbal factory utilizes raw materials sourced from the community enterprise group “Nonthong Songtawan” in Ban Kok Subdistrict, which supplies organic agricultural herbs, including fingerroot and turmeric, developed into herbal medicines for external use like fingerroot oil and herbal compresses, yielding a production value of approximately 1,000,000 baht annually. The farmer network has also expanded to encompass other herbal items such as climbing creeper, lemongrass, pandan leaves, kaffir lime peel, tamarind leaves, and makrut lime leaves, creating employment opportunities and income for local farmers. The facility has received WHO GMP drug production certification for producing herbal medicines for distribution to various hospitals with support from the Chaiyaphum Provincial Public Health Office.
Expansion of products – projected annual production value of 2 million baht
In the future, the herbal medicine factory at Chaturas Hospital intends to expand its cream product line, improving access to herbal medicine and increasing product distribution beyond Chaiyaphum Province. The production will also include additional herbs such as climbing creeper, lemongrass, pandan leaves, kaffir lime peel, tamarind leaves, and makrut lime leaves, generating jobs and income for farmers. The anticipated production value is expected to reach 2 million baht per year.
Three herbs to diminish cravings for cigarettes
1. Cloves possess a spicy flavor. Use 2-3 cloves and keep them in your mouth for 5-10 minutes. The active compounds in cloves will create a slight numbness in the mouth, helping to mitigate the desire to smoke. Additionally, clove essential oil freshens the respiratory tract and reduces bad breath.
2. White flower grass (also known as little pillow grass, lavender grass, or Cordyceps sinensis) contains components that create a numbness or astringent sensation on the tongue, helping to alleviate the urge to smoke. Currently, white flower grass is recognized as a herbal medication in the National List of Essential Medicines, with the White Flower Cessation Lozenge Formula available in both pill and tea forms. Recommended usage: Take 2 grams of dried white flower grass per 120-200 ml of hot water. Steep for 5-10 minutes and consume after meals 3-4 times a day.
However, caution is advised when using this medication in patients with heart and kidney conditions, as white grass contains high potassium levels, which may exacerbate existing health issues. Common side effects can include dry mouth and throat.
3. Lemon is a sour fruit rich in vitamin C that can alter the taste of cigarettes by affecting the function of bitter taste buds. To use, simply cut a lemon, peel included, into bite-sized pieces and consume whenever the urge to smoke arises.
Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine offers acupuncture techniques to reduce cravings for cigarettes. Research has demonstrated that acupuncture can help smokers diminish their desire to smoke or even quit altogether, as it stimulates serotonin secretion in the hypothalamus—a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, cravings, appetite, digestion, and sleep.
The National Tobacco Control Strategy Plan No. 3 (2022-2027): Aiming for a Smoke-Free Future
The National Tobacco Control Strategy Plan No. 3 (2022-2027) establishes a crucial target for public health in the fight against smoking. The plan aims to ensure that the number of smokers aged 15 years and older does not exceed 14% by 2027. In alignment with the Global NCDs Target, the goal is to reduce this figure to no more than 15% by 2025. This initiative underscores the urgent need for action, given the alarming statistics surrounding smoking-related illnesses and deaths each year.
The Burden of Smoking and Second-Hand Smoke
Smoking is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe. Each year, more than 1.2 million premature deaths are attributed to second-hand smoke exposure, with over 65,000 children suffering the consequences. According to a survey conducted by the United Nations in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand in 2021, around 6,000 deaths annually in Thailand can be directly linked to second-hand smoke.
Data from the National Statistical Office reveals that about 23.7% of the population aged 15 years and older smoke at home, with a staggering 67.53% doing so daily. Not only does cigarette smoke pose a threat while being smoked, but the toxins can linger in homes for up to six months, leading to prolonged exposure to harmful substances.
Cigarettes: A Dual Threat to Health
Smoking affects not only the smoker but also those around them, particularly vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and infants. Exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to severe complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including:
- Preeclampsia
- Miscarriage
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Neurological abnormalities in newborns
Children under five face increased risks of respiratory illness when exposed to secondhand smoke, necessitating broad awareness initiatives about the dangers of smoking.
Innovative Solutions: White Grass Quitting Tablets
Chaturas Hospital in Chaiyaphum Province has taken a significant step in aiding smokers with the development of “smoking cessation pills” made from white grass. This herb contains nitrates that lead to a numbing sensation in taste buds, effectively curbing the desire to smoke.
Previously available only in powdered form, the transition to pill form has made it more accessible and appealing to users, particularly among farmers who are frequent smokers.
Benefits of White Grass
White grass, a herbaceous plant found in all regions of Thailand, has historically been used for various ailments. Its properties include:
- Relief from fever and stomachache
- Alleviating chronic cough and flatulence
- Wound healing when applied topically
The move to create a smoking cessation pill has proven effective, allowing users who smoke a pack of cigarettes daily to reduce their consumption by 50% within 1-2 weeks, potentially quitting completely within six months.
Integration into National Healthcare
Dr. Nithimawadi Khamwong, Director of Chaturas Hospital, announced that white grass has been included in the national list of essential medicines in 2023. Plans are underway to provide mobile smoking cessation services across various community settings, illustrating a commitment to public health.
Herbal Remedies: 12 Groups of Diseases
This innovative solution is part of a broader initiative at Chaturas Hospital, which produces a range of herbal medicines, targeting 12 disease groups:
| Disease Group | Description |
|---|---|
| Circulatory System Symptoms | Gestational and arterial health |
| Gastrointestinal Symptoms | Digestive and gastrointestinal health |
| Obstetric and Gynecological Symptoms | Women’s health solutions |
| Respiratory Symptoms | Treatment for lung and airway conditions |
| Musculoskeletal Symptoms | Pain relief and joint health |
| Blood Tonic | Enhancements for blood production |
| Urinary Tract Symptoms | Treatment for urinary health |
| Antidote for Hangovers | Relief from symptoms of overconsumption |
| Reducing Cravings for Cigarettes | Support for quitting smoking |
| Herbal Treatment for Declining Health | General health remedies |
This focus on herbal medicine not only contributes to public health but also provides economic opportunities for local farmers and the community.
Future Developments
Chaturas Hospital plans to expand its range of herbal medications, targeting additional diseases and increasing accessibility to stop-smoking products, with an expected increase in production value to 2 million baht annually.
Alternative Herbal Remedies for Cigarette Cravings
In addition to white grass, other herbs can aid in reducing cravings for cigarettes:
- Cloves: Use 2-3 cloves in the mouth for 5-10 minutes to help numb cravings and freshen the breath.
- Lemon: The sour taste of lemon helps to alter the flavor of cigarettes; simply consume lemon slices whenever cravings hit.
Acupuncture as a Support Method
Chinese medicine offers acupuncture as a method to help reduce cravings and improve mood by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which may enhance the likelihood of quitting smoking.
