Herbal Remedies to Help Stop Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best things that you can do for your health. In order to quit smoking successfully you will need support, determination and a method to handle the withdrawal symptoms that will arise as you start the process to stop smoking. Herbal remedies are available to deal with these symptoms in a natural way.

Valerian

• Valerian is commonly used as a sedative and can relieve the effects of withdrawal. It has a calming effect and is used in conjunction with other herbs to create an antidepressant. Valerian also can help relieve anxiety on its own which is very common in nicotine withdrawal.
  Valerian is a very safe herb to use in the treatment of smoking withdrawal and can be used for 4 to 6 weeks. Use valerian for this length of time and then stop for at least a week before starting again.

St. John's Wort

• St. John's Wort is used to help with cigarette withdrawal because of its ability to aid in anxiety, depression, the immune system and is a respiratory tonic. St. John's Wort is well known as a mood enhancing herb and can take the edge off the short temper that is common with nicotine withdrawal. Discuss your use of St. John's Wort with your doctor if you are also taking HIV medications, chemotherapy drugs and antihistamines. Doctors also will tell you to stop using St. John's Wort for at least seven days before a scheduled surgery because it can interfere with medications used during surgery.

Oat Straw

• Oat straw acts on the central nervous system and stimulates it to increase the amount of blood flow in the body. This effect is very helpful to help with nicotine withdrawal.

Calamus

• Calamus is usually used for those who have a low appetite. The herb benefits stomach upset such as gastritis, colic, hyperacidity and flatulence. When it is used, it will make the enjoyment of tobacco lessened and can be very useful for breaking the smoking habit.

Lobelia

• Lobelia is used in nicotine withdrawal because it has a similar effect on the central nervous system without the toxicity. It is also a stimulant that is given to asthma patients as well as those suffering from emphysema, pneumonia and chronic cough.

Ginseng Root

• Ginseng can prevent the dopamine that is released after a smoker finishes smoking. This can aid in stopping smoking by eliminating the pleasure that is taken from the cigarette. Eventually, the desire to smoke will be diminished. This does not affect the withdrawal symptoms that are present when quitting smoking but it can be used as a tool in the arsenal against nicotine and smoking.

Combination of Herbs

• It can be beneficial to use a variety of herbs when attempting to quit smoking. All of these herbs have a different effect on different aspects of nicotine addiction and withdrawal. Discuss using a combination of these herbs with an herbalist to get the most benefits from a natural program for quitting smoking.
  A plan can be designed just for you when you visit an herbalist for a stop smoking remedy. Remember to let your doctor know when you are using an herbal remedy because there can be interactions between herbal medications and prescription drugs that the doctor may give you. Herbs can be found in health food stores or they can be ordered by the store if they are not available. Some herbs are available in capsule form as well.