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Herbal Remedies to Quit Smoking
ShareQuitting smoking could be the smartest decision you ever make and there are many herbal remedies that can help you to quit smoking.
No matter how old you are or how long you have been smoking, you will start to immediately feel the benefits when you quit smoking. It becomes easier to breathe, your sense of taste and smell begins to improve, and your skin starts to feel softer and smell nicer. You also reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, reduce your blood pressure and significantly reduce your long-term risk of lung cancer, stroke and emphysema, just to name a few.
Side effects of quitting
Quitting smoking allows the body to immediately detoxify from toxins such as nicotine that you have been absorbing with every cigarette you smoked. When you stop, you may for a short time experience a few unpleasant physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms that will fade over the course of a few days or weeks. Some of these side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
- Sweet cravings
Herbs to help you quit smoking
Today more and more people are choosing to use herbal remedies to support their quitting process. The herbal remedies help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce the urge to smoke.
Valerian
Valerian is a powerful herb of choice that may be used when quitting smoking. It relieves muscle tension, insomnia, and feelings of stress and anxiety.
Black cohosh
Black cohosh acts as a natural sedative and may help alleviate the nervous tension, anxiety and irritability experienced when quitting smoking.
Catnip
Catnip has a variety of properties that may ease withdrawal symptoms. It contains antibiotic properties, may ease dry coughs and soothe stomach and headaches.
Oat straw and oat seed
Oat straw/seed is a potent herb that relieves the feelings of stress and exhaustion associated with depression, which is commonly experienced when quitting smoking.
Skullcap
The chemical compounds of Skullcap stimulate the human brain to produce natural endorphins that promotes a feeling of well being. It also has been shown to relieve nervous tension in the body whilst simultaneously reviving the central nervous system.
Mimosa Hostilis & Mimosa tea
Native to Northeastern Brazil and Mexico, the root of this evergreen shrub plant has psychoactive properties that may help reduce the headaches, anxiety and grumpiness brought on when quitting smoking. It is taken in tea form, and is non-addictive in nature.
Lobelia
Lobelia, otherwise known as Indian tobacco, is a controversial herb that may be used to support the quitting process. Whilst science has recently shown it produces nicotine-like effects, it was shown to not carry the addictive nature of Nicotine. It has also been used for centuries as a natural expectorant (cleans the lungs), to reduce inflammation, muscle tension, and hyperactivity and to create repulsion against the flavour of tobacco. Please beware that serious side effects may be experienced with overuse, such as vomiting, low blood pressure and breathing difficulties.
Korean Ginseng
Korean Ginseng is used worldwide to relieve symptoms of stress including the withdrawal symptoms of quitting smoking. It helps sooth feelings of anxiety, relieves fatigue and reestablishes a balance in the body, which may be absent as the persons body adjusts to the lack of nicotine it has been used to.
St Johns wart
This herb is also used worldwide to help control the cravings of nicotine. It helps promote confidence and a healthy attitude towards your quitting process, and helps alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety that both may accompany nicotine withdrawal.
Hyssop
Hyssop contains properties that clear the lung mucous congestion that often results from smoking. It has also been show to alleviate other withdrawal symptoms such as hysteria and anxiety.
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