Herbal Remedies to Quit Smoking




It is possible to quit smoking with the use of the means that the nature gives us. People have discovered that some herbs reduce nicotine addiction while others lower the urge to smoke in general. Here we will talk about these remedies which might appear helpful to some people.

Lobelia is one of the primary herbs mentioned in books about natural medicine which helps to quit smoking. Lobelia contains lobeline, the chemical that is believed to have the same effect on human body as nicotine. The use of the herb during the period of quitting helps fighting withdrawal symptoms. The specialists recommend being very careful with lobeline because it is extremely toxic even in small amounts. A person should consult a health provider before using lobelia and remedies with it. It is strongly prohibited to take the herb for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, tobacco sensitivity, paralysis, seizure disorders, shortness of breath or during the period of pregnancy and nursing.

St. John Wort or Hypericum is another herb that might help to quit. It is primarily used for depression, because it is a powerful tonic for the nervous system. Due to its positive effect on emotional condition, St. John Wort helps fighting such withdrawal symptoms as anxiety, depression, digestive and respiratory problems. The herb also strengthens the immune system in general. St. John Wort is considered relatively safe for use, but it should not be combined with antidepressants and other medications which affect the nervous system. Pregnant and nursing women as well as patients expecting a surgery, should avoid the herb.

Valerian is a well-known herbal sedative. It helps those who have troubles with sleeping. It also calms down anxiety and stress. Along with St. John Wort valerian is a wonderful antidepressant that helps to overcome withdrawal symptoms. People from all over the world have used it for many years and know that it is a relatively safe herb to use alone without other medications or herbs that affect nervous system.

There are some other herbs that have reputation of good remedies for quitting smoking: ginseng eliminates the effect of dopamine and the smoker does not get any enjoyment from smoking; staphysagria or delphinium increases will power and helps to be stronger in the desire to quit; tabacum lowers the desire to consume any nicotine containing products.

The whole world learned about smoking from American Indians, however, they did not used to puff daily as people do now. Smoking was a part of their rituals and holidays and it was considered as a special and an extraordinary event. As a rule they did not smoke pure tobacco, but added various herbs for better smell and flavor. This reduced the nicotine content the Indians were receiving from smoking. Graduating to herbal cigarettes might be a good solution to quit smoking and withdraw nicotine from the body for modern smokers as well. They can be found in natural food stores, but it is also possible to make personal cigarettes from rosemary, beech tree leaves, corn silk, Tonka beans, myrica gale, licorice, sage, or marjoram.

Moving to herbal cigarettes is not the only solution. The Indians have some quit-smoking recipes as well. The natives of the south-eastern United States, especially those who live in Appalachia Mountains, chew on a birch branch if they want to quit smoking. They say it helps to curb the oral fixation related to smoking habit.

Steven Rogers

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Posted on November 11, 2009 
Filed Under How to Quit Smoking, Smoking and Health, Stop Smoking

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