Herbs that Can Help You Quit Smoking

Many have said that smoking is one of the most difficult addictions to break – so are there herbs that can help you quit smoking? There just may be. Read on to discover natural herbs that can help you quit smoking and break the nicotine habit once and for all.

Can lobelia calm nicotine cravings?

One of the reasons that a nicotine addiction is so difficult to break is because of withdrawal. It is important to consider withdrawal in a discussion of herbs that can help you quit smoking, because there may be herbs that can help you manage some of the following symptoms of nicotine withdrawal:

• Irritability
• Intense cravings
• Increase in appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Severe, debilitating headaches
• Anger
• Depression or anxiety
• Restlessness
• Decreased heart rate
• Stomach pain
• Weight gain
• Elevated blood pressure
• Anxiety

Since withdrawal symptoms are one of the main reasons that those attempting to quit smoking return to it, there are a number of different herbs that just may deal with some of the symptoms outlined in the previous section.

Also known as Indian Tobacco, lobelia is believed to have effects similar to nicotine on the central nervous system. Lobelia, however, is believed to be gentler with longer lasting effects. Substituting tobacco with lobelia may help to taper off an addiction to nicotine.

Lobelia comes from the dried leaves and tops of the Lobelia inflata plant. It is commercially available as a dried herb, liquid extract, suppository or tincture.

It is important to note that lobelia is a respiratory depressant and can cause respiratory symptoms from mild respiratory slowing to death from respiratory arrest. Due caution is suggested. In fact, it is best to use lobelia only under the supervision of a qualified health care provider.

Valerian root, also known as tobacco root and All-heal, is the root from a perennial plant that seems to have a calming effect. Sometimes known as nature’s Valium, valerian can help you to deal with withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, depression, restlessness and anxiety.

Valerian is commercially available in powders, tinctures and capsules. It has a pungent smell and taste, causing many to prefer the capsule form, although the tincture is the most quick acting.

Valerian root can cause drowsiness, so use due caution if taking it during the day.

While technically not an herb, PGX is a supplement found in health food stores. It is a slow moving, viscous form of fiber known as PolyGlycopleX. PGX is made from a combination of plant fibers.

PGX is used for both appetite control and control of sugar cravings – both common side effects. In order to work properly, PGX needs to be taken with a lot of water.

Avena Sativa – also known as oat straw, green oats or wild oat extract – is an Ayurvedic medicine treatment used to cure opium addiction. A study in Nature magazine in 1971 showed that the tincture of this herb may, indeed, reduce the desire for nicotine.

It is also believed that avena sativa can promote detoxification from nicotine during the withdrawal process.

Mimosa Pudica, also known as mimosa tea, is believed to enhance the regeneration of nerves. It also has anti-inflammatory and mild sedative properties. It may be effective in the treatment of pain and anxiety associated with nicotine withdrawal.

Mimosa pudica is taken as a tincture.

Use of this herb may interact with antidepressant medication. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for potential interactions.

• Always check with your doctor or personal health care provider before self-prescribing herbal remedies.
• Herbal quality varies greatly from product to product. Do your research to assure you are taking high quality supplements.
• Withdrawal from a substance such as nicotine may take a few weeks to several months.
• All of the above herbal products may interact with certain medications and supplements. Check with a doctor or pharmacist for potential interactions.
• None of the above referenced herbs are approved by the FDA for use as smoking-cessation aids.

While withdrawal from any type of drug – including nicotine – is never anyone’s idea of a good time, using some of the herbal remedies above may help to ease your transition from smoker to smoke-free.

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