http://www.care2.com/greenliving/herbs-to-help-stop-smoking.html
Herbs to Help Stop Smoking
There are several herbs with a traditional reputation for helping people quit smoking. These herbs exert varying effects that will ease the process of smoking cessation. Most of them can be found in either dried bulk, capsule, or liquid extract form. Follow the directions on the label for use. If using dried herbs, use them only to prepare tea, and never smoke them as a replacement for tobacco.
Lobelia (pictured above): Is a very powerful herb that helps to calm the mind and relax the body. It has helped many people to control their cravings for nicotine. Lobelia is also reputed to have the effect of making cigarettes taste very bad.
St. John’s wort: One of the best known herbs for promoting a positive mental attitude–something people often need help with during the early phases of becoming a non-smoker.
Black cohosh: Is commonly used by women to help them stay balanced during their monthly cycle. However, it is also known to be a safe sedative that relieves nervousness and anxiety, which makes it useful for the irritability, restlessness, and nervousness associated with quitting smoking.
Blue vervain: Has been referred to as a natural tranquilizer and as such it can be used to calm the nerves. It can also be used for insomnia.
Catnip: Has a soothing and relaxing effect on the digestive system, and helps to relieve diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion, upset stomach, and headache. Catnip also has antispasmodic properties that make it useful for abdominal cramps as well as chronic coughing. Catnip is also good for alleviating sleeplessness. Catnip’s antibiotic and astringent properties are also beneficial for treating colds and bronchial infections.
Hyssop: Has the ability to help with clearing mucus congestion in the lungs associated with COPD. It also has been known to alleviate the anxiety and even hysteria that is sometimes associated with smoking withdrawal.
Korean ginseng: Is one of the most popular herbs in the world for stimulating energy and helping the body to deal with stress. This property enables ginseng to help alleviate the fatigue and anxiety related to quitting smoking. Ginseng is known to help reestablish balance in the body’s systems, which can be helpful to smokers as their bodies adjust to the absence of nicotine.
Motherwort: Has properties that enable it to act as a sedative, inducing tranquility in times of anxiety associated with quitting smoking.
Oat straw or oat seed: One of the best remedies for stress, nervous debility, and exhaustion, especially when associated with depression (a common affliction in people who have recently quit smoking).
Peppermint: Has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the digestive system, combats flatulence, and stimulates the flow of bile and other digestive juices. The volatile oil in peppermint acts as a mild anesthetic to the stomach wall, which helps alleviate feelings of nausea. Where headaches are associated with digestion, peppermint may help. Peppermint also eases anxiety and tension.
Skullcap: Contains plant compounds that help the brain produce more endorphins (naturally occurring chemicals that promote feelings of well-being). This is believed to enhance both awareness and calmness. Skullcap relaxes states of nervous tension while renewing and reviving the central nervous system.
Slippery elm: Is rich in nutrients and easy to digest, making it an excellent food during times of digestive discomfort, which can sometimes accompany smoking cessation. It works with the body to draw out impurities and toxins, assisting with the healing of the entire body.
Valerian: One of the premier sedative herbs used to aid people with anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Valerian also acts as a muscle relaxant. Valerian is clearly one of the herbs of choice in smoking cessation to deal with the issues of insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety.
Adapted from Natural Therapies for Emphysema and COPD: Relief and Healing for Chronic Pulmonary Disorders, by Robert J. Green Jr., ND (Healing Arts Press, 2007).
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39 comments
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We all have the ability to quit smoking successfully, and we all deserve a life that is free of addiction. i believe we should help those that are willing to try.
info about quiting
http://dman61.qsrnp.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=11111
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i'm been smoke free for a little over a week now. I have quit many times in the past and I think the repeated relapses were good learning experiences. I also use nicorette gum which dramatiacally curbs the cravings. I feel kind of guilty because in essence i'm still using nicotine, however I do think it is much safer than smoking. For those of u who shared that there is a certain mind set that is required, i completely agree with you. It's really about balancing thoughts, feelings and actions. My favorite line to ask myself when i am having a bad craving or having fantasies about using is asking myself: "do u want to suck oxygen through a nasal tube?"... the answer is always "no"
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I have been a non-smoker for about 20 weeks now and let me tell you, it took a whole lot more than just herbs to get me here! Herbs definitely helped to some degree, as well as quite a few vitamins like vitamin C, D and all the Bs. It takes a really strong frame of mind as well as many supportive people around you to really kick the habit. Kudos to those who quit while still having friends who smoke!
Quitting smoking was one of the best things that I've ever done for MYSELF, and one of those that I'm most proud of. It brought on a ton of other really positive changes in my life besides better health as well! My personal relationships have improved, my mind and focus is clearer, I drink Much less, I'm able to participate in so much more that life has to offer... the list goes on and on!
I wish everyone on the road to non-smoking the best of luck. It's a tough journey, but you can do it!!!
Love!
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Please Let YOUR DOCTOR know what you are taking OVer the Counter, including HERBS, and PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS, so you are Potentially harming yourself and Existing Health Problems.
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Niacin might be worth looking into,provided your liver and stomach can handle it.
More info at http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/holistic_therapy/35000
Also, "Miraculous Quit Smoking Liquid" applied to acupoint Tianmei might help, as well as auricular acupuncture or seeds. Also,doing qi qong or yogic breathing (Pranayama) would be beneficial.
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take suggested herbs on top and keep telling yourself that if you smoke that ciggerette you will die shortly and if you dont you will live so much longer dont kill youself or try finding a herbal patch..go on google or you can try ebay?idk about ebay but google trusr me has everything! dont miss out on life you csn save so much money and buy better things and OH cinimmon works too it stimulates something in you brain that you had a ciggerette when you didnt my friend and i started chewing big red gum and now its been 3months please please take this advice
im sure you family would appericate it =]
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I went cold turkey. It worked for me. I take fish oil, sillica and multi vitamins for women. I think that is enough. With the Sillica my hair is curlier and a lot stronger. Multi vitamin cstops those pesky mozzies from actually itching. And the fish oil is supposed to help memory. I do feel much better on these tabs. Hope this helps people.
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***CAUTION***Not sure about all of these but I know off hand that black cohosh can cause abortions, and licorice shouldn't be used if you have high blood pressure. I know some people try to quit once they become pregnant. Herbs are great! But they can also be dangerous. Check them out first before you dabble. There are also cautions for some when breastfeeding, which differ from pregnancy. Also, you can try a few at a time, teas are often tastier when mixed, and even mixed with another tea not on the list. This is good to know because some taste bad. But tinctures are another good way to get herbs into your system quickly, that and tea. And a few drops on the palms and then rubbed into the soles of your bare feet, are another good way to get something into your system quickly. ?? I guess because of all the sweat glands?? This method also puts it in your body w/out going through your liver. Also, keep this in mind when you think about all the things you pick up and how dirty your feet get, or some of the nasty ingredients in lotions you may use. Knowledgeable authors to check out for herbs are: Rosemary Gladstar, & Micheal Moore--NO, not the documentary film maker.
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i did accupuncture along with herbs and it did work. I took a herb supplement called calm es and some other supplement that i don't recall. The calm es was gret. I smoked up to the accupuncture and didn't really want to quite. well i did but did not. I got in my car after the accupuncture session and didn't even think of a cigarette until 5 minutes into the ride which is really good for me. And when i noticed i hadn't thought of it, i honestly did not crave it. The herbs and meditation CD when it did get a little difficult. Oh and Mark Webber- i did the sunflower seeds too. Actually i think im addicted to those now!!!
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