How to Stop Smoking With Tea

Quitting smoking can be tough, but there is tons of support for those who want to take this step. Substituting healthy activities, foods and drinks for tobacco can help with the cravings and discomfort that accompany withdrawal, and tea can be one of these substitutions that eases your transition from smoker to non-smoker.

Instructions

Use Teas to Curb Cravings and Reduce Withdrawal Symptioms

• 1

  Some teas have smokey and/or tobacco-like flavors which can help you cope with cravings. Lapsong Souchong is a Chinese black tea that has been smoked over pine wood, giving it a very lovely smokey flavor. Other teas with tobacco-like characteristics include Keemun Imperial, dark Formosa oolongs, and some medium/dark roast oolongs such as Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe).

• 2

  Many smokers worry about weight gain after quitting. You can reduce your cravings for sugary foods by substituting flavored teas and tisanes for high-calorie snacks and sweets. True teas and herbal tisanes (aka herbal teas) come in all sorts of flavors, including chocolate, almond, vanilla, caramel, cinnamon-orange, and many fruity combinations.

• 3

  Certain herbs included in tea or tisane blends can help soothe frazzled nerves and/or address withdrawal symptoms. For example, ginger can help ex-smokers with nausea.

• 4

  Beware of "smokers' teas" that include lobelia: this herb is similar to nicotine, which makes it a popular ingredient in some teas/tisanes marketed to smokers who want to quit. It can, however, have some powerful side-effects such as nausea and low blood pressure.