Herbal Medicines That Can Help You Quit Smoking

Many believe that quitting smoking should be done without medication or nicotine replacements. They believe that these things only drag out the inevitable and postpone the positive benefits of quitting nicotine, the addictive ingredient in cigarettes. Quitting without the use of medications of nicotine replacements can be very difficult for some. Herbs may be a helpful nonaddictive alternative for those who are trying to quit. Here are a few of the more commonly recommended herbs used by those who wish to quit.

 

Herbs for nicotine cravings:

• Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco) is the most commonly recommended herb because it can be used as a nicotine substitute without the addictive properties of nicotine. Many report that ingesting it feels like smoking. You must be careful with this herb, however, because it is toxic to the liver in large quantities.

 

Herbs for insomnia and mood:

• Mimosa can be used to relieve nervousness, anxiety, and headaches associated with withdrawal symptoms. Be warned that this herb may contain DMT, the psychoactive substance often found in marijuana.

• Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) can also be used to relieve anxiety, calm you down and stimulate the circulatory system.

• Korean Ginseng is also used to calm you down and as an added bonus it boosts immune system.

• Valerian again calms your nerves, helps relieves stress and battles insomnia. This herb has an overall seditative effect.

• St. John Wort is used to relieve depression and elevate your mood.

• Catnip (Nepeta ) has a mild sedative effect.

• Peppermint can help with insomnia.

 

Herbs for your lungs and circulation:

• Hyssop is useful for dealing with lung problems by relieving congestion. It also helps with insomnia and circulation

• Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca ) calms nervous system, and is a vasodialator, which has the opposite effect of nicotine, allowing your blood to flow freely through your body. It is also good for insomnia.

• Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra ) relieves irritation in the throat that can cause you to cough, especially as your lungs begin to regrow cilia and start removing mucous from your lungs.

The herbs listed can help with various problems that go along with quitting. While none of the herbs listed have been proven in a clinical setting, there is some evidence to show their effectiveness (maybe find links if you feel like it). Find the herbs that suit your needs best and work for you. Be cautious, however, since these herbs do have side effects and can interact with other medications you may be taking. It is probably best to consult a doctor before you taking any of these herbs and do not exceed recommended dosages.

 

For more information on quitting, visit thefitmachine.com where you can learn about some of the best and most sucessful ways to quit smoking.