Natural Remedies to Stop Smoking

Many smokers who have tried prescription or over-the-counter medications to quit the habit have endured countless side effects. In some cases there were no side effects, but also not a lot of help to stop smoking. Natural remedies are being given more attention these days, and those with nicotine habits are finding surprising success utilizing these methods.

The Little Things

• You can't stop a habit unless you replace it with a habit. If you don't replace the problem with a healthy solution, you will find yourself right back where you started. Instead of reaching for the cigarettes, grab some tasty licorice. Licorice naturally reduces the body's cravings for nicotine.

  Like salt? Lick a little from the palm of your hand when you find you're craving a smoke. Some claim this method really works. Other things to try include: chewing gum, sucking on sugarless hard candy and brushing your teeth often. It's harder to put something smoky in your mouth when you are constantly inserting minty, tasty treats that won't hurt you.

Dietary Tricks That Work

• In India the remedy for opium addiction is been boiled oats. The people there discovered that when an opium addict continued this detox method, he or she also quit smoking cigarettes. Add a tablespoon of ground oats---not to be mistaken for oatmeal---to two cups of boiling water. Let it steep overnight. The following day, drink some of this concoction a couple of hours after each meal. Do not ingest it after 8 p.m. It is believed that the high alkaline properties of the ground oats fight the addiction. Other high-alkaline foods include spinach, greens, raisins, lima beans and almonds.

  Drink a lot of water to flush your system. Refrain from caffeine, since it can actually trigger cravings and causes dehydration. Stay away from sweets for the first few days after you quit. Sugar intensifies the need for nicotine. It is recommended that you munch on celery, carrots and other fresh vegetables the first week after you lay down the cigarettes.

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture has been used for more than a decade to treat nicotine addiction. One acupuncturist is quick to point out that without patient commitment, there is no effective long-term treatment. If you are serious about freeing yourself from this costly addiction, acupuncture is the way to go.

  Acupuncture helps relieve tension associated with smoking. Certain ear points the acupuncturist will focus on also help increase will power and diminish withdrawal symptoms. Some other points help restore a sense of well being and balance, lessening the craving for nicotine and even reducing food cravings.