Natural Herbs to Quit Smoking

Smoking can be an extremely difficult habit to break. Not only are you doing battle mentally, you also fight physical cravings as well. Though there are a variety of methods available to help you quit, many require the use of medication. There is a natural alternative to these medications and it's the use of herbs.

The Popularity of Herbs

• In a society where drugs and medications appear to be the answer for everything, herbs and herbal remedies are becoming increasingly popular. Though prescription medications such as Zyban and Chantix have proven to be effective for some in their attempt to put down their cigarettes for good, these medications are not without side effects.

  Natural herbs can be just as effective in helping you quit smoking and they are not typically accompanied by any negative side effects. In fact, many of the herbs used for smoking cessation actually help improve the overall well-being of the body; something prescription medications for smoking cessation do not do.

The Benefits of Herbs

• When using herbs for smoking cessation, you will find that various herbs offer various benefits. Some have a calming effect while others stimulate your senses. Some will cleanse your body while others will help relieve the headaches commonly associated with quitting smoking.

  Herbal teas are also an option for those who are trying to quit smoking. They may be composed of a variety of herbs for taste, however this does not take away from their effectiveness. Mimosa tea is one such herbal tea that helps those suffering from withdrawal symptoms of smoking. It helps calm your nerves and improve your mood, enabling you to resist smoking a cigarette to receive these same effects.

Popular Herbs for Quitting Smoking

• A variety of herbs are used to help people quit smoking, but four stand out among them as some of the safest and most effective.

  St. John's Wort is a popular herb with many uses, however when it comes to quitting smoking, it helps reduce anxiety, calms you and aids in depression.

  Kava Kava is one that is considered an anti-anxiety herb.

  Oat seed helps you relax while calming you and reducing your feelings of anxiety. It also helps induce sleep for those who suffer from insomnia while trying to quit.

  Ginseng is great for preventing nicotine from producing dopamine. This is a neurotransmitter in the brain that has many jobs, however it plays a large role in addiction. The more dopamine that is produced, the worse the addiction. Blocking its production helps reduce your addiction to nicotine naturally.

Use Caution

• Just as certain prescription medications cause unhealthy side effects, some herbs and herbal remedies will do the same. Before using a specific herb to help you quit smoking, speak to your doctor about its safety. For instance, the herb Lobelia is often touted as an effective herb for smoking cessation. However it is not legal to sell in the United States and when too much is used, serious side effects such as vomiting and respiratory failure can occur.

  You should also beware of herbs sold online. You cannot be sure of the combination of herbs the companies are using, therefore the safety of the product may be in question. It is always safer to purchase herbs from your local health food store.