|  | Alternative Medicine | Naturopathy

Natural Help for Stopping Smoking

There seem to be two ends to the spectrum of quitting smoking. On one end are the patches, gums and lozenges that help to remove the nicotine craving. On the other end is the cold turkey approach. Somewhere in the middle are natural treatments that can help you along without requiring the nicotine replacement and not quite going cold turkey either. Many of these statements have not been doctor or FDA approved; consult a physician before making any major diet or life changes.

  1. Change Your Diet

    • Remove all processed, fatty, fast and high-sugar foods from your diet to expedite the detoxification process. The addition of a large amount (10 servings a day) of fruits and vegetables will help to remove the chemicals like carbon monoxide. This can often stave off the weight gain that occurs with some smokers. Also, a change in diet and the preparations that must go into that may help to distract you from your smoking desire. Fruits that are especially important are blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, which are high in bioflavanoids and polyphenols and can help to remove toxins and restore compromised circulation.

    Try Some Herbs

    • A relaxation of the nervous system can help with the quitting process. St. John's wort can help with relaxation and a boost of dopamine and norepinephrine, the same chemicals that nicotine increases. Lobelia attaches to nicotine receptors in the brain and can help to satisfy cravings and cause nausea if coupled with smoking. Other mildly sedative herbs are catnip, oatstraw, passionflower, kava and chamomile. Calamus is an Indian herb that can help digestive support when quitting, and it similarly causes naseau when coupled with smoke. Licorice root repairs and supports the respiratory and digestive tracts along with the adrenal glands during the quitting process. A tea called "Breather's Tea" is recommended for the quitting process, it's composed of one part lemon balm, a half part mullein, 3/4 parts skullcap, 1/4 part licorice and one part oatstraw.

    Homeopathic Remedies

    • As a craving reducer, tabacum is often used, as it is related to the tobacco plant used in cigarettes. It is recommended to take a 30C dose every four hours. For the symptoms of a tobacco affected heart, problematic breathing, and a great desire to smoke, caladium seguinum is typically prescribed. Likewise a 30C dose should be taken every four hours. Plantago major is used to produce a disgust at the smell and taste of tobacco products. It should have the same dose as the other two homeopathic treatments. Homeopathic treatments should be taken under the supervision of a licensed practitioner only.

Naturopathy - Related Articles