Using Natural Remedies to Help Quit Smoking – Herbs, Aromatherapy and More

When most people think of ways to quit smoking, they think of nicotine-replacement patches, gum or lozenges. There are, however, a number of highly-effective, yet often under-rated, natural methods and remedies. These include herbs to help quit smoking, aromatherapy oils, vitamins and minerals, as well as exercise and detoxifying to aid the process. Listed below are some natural tips to help quit smoking for good.

Herbs To Help Quit Smoking

A number of herbs are thought to help quit smoking, in terms of both physical and emotional side-effects. The herb lobelia, also known as Indian tobacco (even though it isn’t a type of tobacco), is thought to cause a dislike for tobacco in people that use it. Additionally, it is used to clear out the lungs, which is also of benefit to someone giving up smoking. Another herb often used to help quit smoking is St John’s Wort. Commonly used for depression, it is believed that St John’s Wort may also help ex-smokers handle the emotional and behavioral side-effects of kicking the habit. Also of interest in terms of quitting smoking is the herb to help quit smoking ginseng. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter which makes smoking feel good – and nicotine highly addictive – and ginseng has been shown to halt its release.

Aromatherapy

Anxiety, irritability and restlessness are among the most common side-effects of giving up smoking. Essential oils such as lavender, black pepper and ylang ylang are thought to act upon the limbic system – the brain’s center for stress and emotion – relieving emotional symptoms.

Exercise

The relationship between exercise and quitting smoking is positive and multi-faceted. When you first give up, exercising can be a healthy way of distracting yourself from the urge to smoke, as well as helping your body detoxify from the effects of nicotine. One common side-effect of giving up smoking is weight gain; exercising will minimize this, and as your fitness and lung capacity increase, so will your ability to exercise for longer, further improving your health.

Detoxifying Your Body

When you stop smoking, your body goes into a state of detoxification to rid itself of all the poisons built up from smoking. While this is a highly unpleasant process, there are things you can do to make it easier. Drinking plenty of water and eating high-fiber foods will flush out toxins and keep your digestive system moving. Building up a sweat through exercise will have the same effect, and taking vitamin supplements will replenish supplies leeched through smoking.

Vitamins & Minerals

Smoking prevents effective absorption of a number of vitamins and minerals, with vitamin C and calcium being particular examples. When you first give up smoking it’s wise to increase your intake of these – through supplements, dairy products and fruit and vegetables especially – to boost your body’s supplies. Not only will you feel better, but the fruit and vegetables will also help your body detoxify.