Herbs that Help to Quit Smoking

Smoking affects many parts of the body, causes breathing problems, and malfunctioning of lungs by damaging the lung tissues. It increases the risk of heart disorders. Smokers are more prone to various types of lung cancers than non-smokers. Blood clotting and increased risk of diabetes are some other disadvantages of smoking.

It not only affects the smoker, but also the people nearby him/her (smoker). The smoke coming out of the cigarettes contain approximately 4,000 chemicals, which are harmful not only to the smoker but also people around him/her.

Lobelia is very effective in substantially reducing nicotine addiction. Liquefied extracts and dried powder of lobelia are also available in the market. It contains a substance called lobeline, which acts as a substitute for nicotine, by mimicking the relaxing properties of nicotine.

Excessive use of this herb may be hazardous to our health, as it is a toxic herb. Therefore, one should consult an experienced doctor before consuming it. Apart from this, the best thing about lobelia is that it is not addictive like nicotine.

Wild oat plant is the major source of Avena sativa. According to many studies, it helps smokers quit smoking. It is also used to treat insomnia, feelings of anxiety, and nervousness.

Smoking lowers the memory of smokers, and this problem may be solved by appropriate intake of Gotu kola which is useful to improve memory. It also plays an important role in improving the blood circulation. Thus, it helps in controlling the damage caused by smoking to some extent.

Garcinia cambogia is very effective in suppressing the natural desire of smoking, which is generated frequently in chain smokers. Smoking is responsible for weight gain. However, the hydroxycitric acid content in Garcinia cambogia helps in burning off the excess calories which ultimately reduces weight.

Once you quit smoking, you are likely to experience anxiety and headache. Generally, people start smoking again to avoid these symptoms. Mimosa tea helps reduce the headache associated with the use of nicotine. This herb is produced on a large-scale in South Mexico and Brazil. Like lobelia, this herb is a non-addictive herb.

Korean ginseng is a natural stress buster. It gives relief by helping the body in dealing with the absence of nicotine once people stop smoking. It helps fight fatigue and anxiety.

Crave-Rx drops, like other useful herbs, help in reducing the dependence on nicotine. Smokers (especially women) take to smoking again due to excessive weight gain. Consumption of this herb helps keep the weight in control.

• Herbs like red lover and Burdock root are useful in removing the toxic chemicals or substances which enter the body through smoke. Cao herb is one of the herbs grown in China which also helps in nicotine addiction.
• Valerian, Parrot's beak, Willow, Oak, Oregon Grape Root, Catnip, St. John's wort, and Goldenseal are widely used to help smokers quit.

Quitting smoking is difficult, but not impossible. It needs a lot of will power and consistent efforts. If a person is not able to quit smoking with the help of these herbs, then he/she may join a rehabilitation center.