Stop Smoking the Green Way

Six Commonly Used Herbs that Can Ease the Pain of Quitting
In today’s high-velocity environment, more and more people are turning to more natural, holistic approaches for practically all things organic. That even includes natural remedies for quitting smoking. Luckily, there are plenty of them out there and they have been used for decades for various purposes, with plenty of success. Using these herbs to target and treat certain withdrawal symptoms may just be the extra step you need to complete your mission of putting down those cigarettes for good.

Lobelia
Lobelia is a powerful herb that works on the brain’s chemical system. The herbal extract, lobeline, acts similarly to nicotine in the brain and has been used to replace nicotine to aid in smoking cessation. Lobelia, commonly called Indian tobacco due to its early roots as a respiratory cure used by Native Americans, has been used for many purposes. It has a calming effect on the mind and body and helps reduce cravings for nicotine.

St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort has been used for several years to help battle depression. Its ability to affect a person’s mental attitude and state of mind is the primary factor in using this herb for quitting smoking. One thing that can be lost along your path to a smoke-free life is your positive mental attitude. This herb will help keep that in check.

Ginseng
Ginseng seems to be everywhere these days. And there’s a really great reason for that. Ginseng is instrumental in helping the body deal with stresses that you will run into on a daily basis. You already have your everyday stresses to take in, but once you begin your non-smoking journey, you will need every bit of help you can get to keep your stress levels down.

Peppermint
We encounter peppermint in many places, as well. Peppermint is wonderful for the digestive system and helps with the flow of bile in the digestive tract. It helps keep nausea at bay and can help alleviate headaches if they are related to the digestive system. Peppermint is also used in aromatherapy to release anxiety and tension, both very common when going through a nicotine detox.

Oat Straw
Oat straw has been used for nervousness, stress and overall physical and mental exhaustion. It has also been used to combat depression. Usually administered in tea, oat straw has a pain-relieving and soothing affect. Oat straw has been shown to reduce the craving for nicotine, as well.

Scullcap
Scullcap is another mint plant. It has traditionally been used as a sedative for anxiety and insomnia. It has also been used for pain. Its natural releasing of endorphins creates a calmness which helps the nervous system relax.

Valerian
Valerian is a sedative and a muscle relaxant that dates back to ancient Greece. This powerful herb helps the body handle stress, anxiety, tension and insomnia. It is a top contender when choosing herbs to help with the symptoms of smoking cessation.

One Step at a Time
The simple truth is quitting is one of the hardest things you will ever do. But the rewards are abundant. These are only a few of the many herbs that are used to help people quit. There are many more. Most cessation programs on the market that use herbs use combinations of these and others, so you should investigate thoroughly to find the right combination for you.

It’s Time to Quit for Good, but How Do I Do It?

Some Common Smoking Cessation Methods
Cigarette smoking and nicotine addiction afflict many people and the numbers continue to rise. Studies show that high school kids continue to pick up the habit at an alarming rate. But, with research over the past several decades, we know today that smoking is a fatal habit. Like many, you may have made the big decision to quit. So let’s look at a few different assistance programs available to aid in your cessation goals.

Hypnosis
There are a couple of different ways to use hypnosis to stop smoking. One option is to go to a therapist who specializes in hypnosis and have them perform the procedure. You can also practice self-hypnosis to create your own hypnotic state. Either way, the method is the same. Once in the hypnotic state, either by therapist or self, the subconscious mind is in the driver’s seat. Messages are given directly to the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind is always in control of behavior, so addressing the subconscious directly can actually affect behavior patterns. The messages given to the subconscious mind will redirect or reprogram the behavior of smoking. You can actually train your brain to believe you are a non-smoker. This method will take more than one session to work. It usually requires up to three to four weeks to change the smoking habit.

Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum is another cessation aid. It is gum with nicotine in it, as the name suggests. When you have made the decision to quit smoking, adding in the gum to fight off urges can be extremely helpful. You must quit smoking before using the nicotine gum. Smoking and chewing the gum at the same time can be extremely dangerous. But, since the gum helps with the withdrawal symptoms from nicotine, quitting smoking can happen with less physical stress than going it cold turkey. Most people will chew up to a dozen pieces of gum in the first month, but will chew less and less as the urges slow.

Prescription Medication
There are many prescription drugs on the market to help with smoking cessation. The most common names, Wellbutrin, Zyban and Chantix, are nicotine-free. They work by increasing the chemical messengers in the brain which ease the nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This treatment is usually started at least one week prior to quitting smoking and it generally takes two to three months for the nicotine replacement therapy to work effectively. If you are considering this treatment for quitting smoking, you should consult your doctor. There are some side effects but generally is a great alternative to cold turkey.

Natural Remedies
Herbs such as ginseng, St. John’s Wort and lobelia have been used with varying effectiveness to aid in quitting smoking. Ginseng works to block the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is what creates the sense of pleasure while smoking, to curtail the addiction factor. Lobelia acts in the complete opposite way, replacing the nicotine which is the addictive drug that triggers the release of dopamine. The lobelia will trigger the same effect in the brain. St. John’s Wort has generally been used to treat depression, but seems to have a calming effect on those going through withdrawals.

Never a Better Time to Quit
This is the 21st Century and there are more tools to help you reach your non-smoking goals than ever before. Your health is too precious to waste another day as a smoker. Consult your doctor and choose the plan that’s right for you. Then, enjoy the pleasures of a smoke-free lifestyle.