Herbs to Stop Smoking

Cigarette smoking is a dangerous addiction. It is a chemical process in which nicotine enters the blood stream and reaches the brain in six seconds. It causes the brain to release dopamine, a substance that increases the feeling of well-being, bliss and relaxation. When a smoker plans to quit, his body has to adjust to the lower supply of dopamine, and he faces withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, nausea and insomnia. Thus, it is difficult for smokers to exit from loop of "one more cigarette." But perseverance and will power can do the trick with the aid of herbs.

Using herbs as a remedy to quit smoking is effective but certainly not magic. It will not cut off your long-time association with smoking, nor will you discover one fine morning that you don't need a cigarette in your life anymore. Herbs compensate for the urge and inhibit the harmful chemicals from entering the body. They act as an aphrodisiac, imitating the relaxation element of nicotine.

Argemone Mexicana

• This is a yellow flowering poppy from Mexico. Drinking tea from the dried leaves of the plant boosts and relaxes the human brain. It evokes euphoric and aphrodisiac senses and puts the mind into a virtual state of bliss. Chain smokers have benefited from the effects of this plant.

  The chemical components of Argemone Mexicana include propopine, berberine and several isoquinilines. These elements in the plants help to mildly depress the central nervous system.

Lobellia

• Lobellia is an herb native to North America. It is a well-accepted substitute for smoking. It is also known as Indian tobacco or pukeweed. Lobellia contains a substance called lobeline that is identical to the nicotine in cigarettes. It relaxes the body and has the calming effect of nicotine. Lobellia should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

Peppermint

• Peppermint helps in the withdrawal symptoms of smoking. It essentially produces a cooling sensation in the body and relaxes the muscles of the digestive system. It also acts as a mild anesthetic to the walls of the stomach and helps to combat nausea and dizziness. It relaxes the body and helps ease muscle tension. Peppermint contains elements that help combat acid indigestion arising from not smoking.

St. John's Wort

• St. John's Wort is widely known as an herbal treatment for depression. When used by smokers who are in the process of quitting the addiction, it gives the mental strength and positivity to overcome the addiction.

  According to a pilot study led by Martin C. Mahoney, of the Division of Cancer Prevention & Population Sciences at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, "St. John's Wort, a herbal agent, appears to be an effective adjunctive therapy for tobacco cessation."

Black Cohosh

• Black cohosh is an herb that helps fight the side effects of quitting cigarettes. It relieves the smoker from nervousness, depression and anxiety that usually occurs when you try to stop smoking.

Korean Ginseng

• Korean ginseng helps the body deal with the stress of quitting smoking. Addiction makes the body weak and the smoker prone to irritability. It helps the body to deal with the absence of nicotine and readjust accordingly.

Skullcap and Licorice Root

• Skullcap contains plant compounds that cause the brain to produce endorphins. Endorphins stimulate a feeling of well-being and relaxation. Skullcap helps the nervous system adjust to the stress of not smoking.

  Licorice root helps reduce craving and is found in stick form. When chewed, the stick compensates for urge of smoking.