Herbal remedies to quit smoking are becoming increasingly popular.
If you are a smoker and are looking to quit, read on, because the key to stopping smoking is to be prepared and to have support in making this life saving decision.
The trick to sustaining your decision to quit smoking is to have a multifaceted approach.
By joining a support group, or accessing telephone support services and addressing your nutritional needs at this time you are reminding yourself that you deserve better health and quitting smoking is just one ingredient in achieving that goal.
As part of your preparation, it is essential to know there are natural herbs to stop smoking that not only will help you through this transition but will also assist in recapturing good health.
Herbal remedies to quit smoking will sooth jangled nerves, act as relaxants and improve circulation.
Natural Herbs to Quit Smoking
Oat Straw (Avina sativa)
Oat straw is also found in combination with the seed of this popular herb, and is one of the best documented nerve tonics in use by herbalists and a popular herbal remedy to quit smoking.
The avenine glycosides in oat straw are of use in conditions where nervous weakness is a factor, and acts as a mild stimulator to the central nervous system, where avenine works to increase the peripheral blood flow in the body.
These actions are helpful for those withdrawing from smoking addiction. Oat straw can be taken as a fluid extract or as a tea.
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
Lobeline, found in lobelia, is thought to have a similar action on the nervous system as nicotine, making it a useful substitute for nicotine while undergoing withdrawal.
However it is extremely toxic at relatively low doses and should not be used unless under the administration of a qualified health care practitioner.
In addition, studies into this herb to date have not yielded positive evidence of the efficacy of using lobelia to treat nicotine withdrawal.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis )
One of the best known herbal sedatives in use by herbalists to increase deep sleep, reduce morning sleepiness and act as a calmative while undergoing withdrawal.
When combined with lemon balm and St.John’s wort, this herb forms one-third of a valuable antidepressant, and has shown value in reducing symptoms of anxiety and fear.
Care should be taken in using this herb while using other central nervous system depressants; so it is best to seek the advice of your medical professional before commencing use.
However, valerian has a long history of safe use and can be used in the medium term to assist in relaxation.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Hypericum, or St. Johns wort is an exceptional herb and is a powerful tonic to the nervous system.
The diverse use of Hypericum in herbal medicine covers immune support, anxiety, depression, and a digestive and respiratory tonic and therefore considered one of the better herbal remedies to quit smoking.
The flowers of this herb contain hypericin, and hyperforin both which are vital compounds that give this herb its mood enhancing reputation.
This action is increased by the flavenoid glycosides found in this plant and standardised amounts of hypericin and flavenoid glycosides can be found in quality preparations.
Caution is necessary for those taking warfarin, digoxin, drugs used to treat HIV (indinavir and nevirapine), chemotherapy medications such as irinotecan, and antihistamines, benzodiazepines and simvastatin.
If you are scheduled for surgery, it is recommended to cease use for seven days before a general anaesthetic under the supervision of your health care practitioner.
Other natural herbs that have been used for stop smoking.
- Pipsissewa – (Chimaphila umbellata)
- Rhodiola Rosea – (Rhodiola Rosea)
Other Supplements and Alternative Methods to Quit Smoking
When looking at cigarette withdrawal, herbs to stop smoking can be helpful in making an enormous change and committing to improving your health. By reducing your stress levels, you will also reduce the need to smoke, and keeping this in mind, make use of incentives that also work as stress busters.
Massage, acupuncture, meditation and gentle exercise are all ways to ensure that you pamper yourself and decrease the risk of craving a cigarette.
Antioxidant vitamins such as A, C, E in combination with a quality B Complex vitamin are essential support for people who smoke, and those withdrawing from this deadly habit.
Herbs to quit smoking will sooth a stressed nervous system that is adjusting to life without nicotine; and remember, combinations of herbal remedies to quit smoking are best prescribed by a qualified health care professional who can help you manage your own particular circumstances in stopping smoking.