Herbal Remedies to Stop Smoking
Many
smokers would prefer to rely on alternative remedies to stop smoking. These can range from treatments like hypnotherapy and
acupuncture, to herbal remedies like Lobelia, St Johns Wort and Ginseng. A common complaint from smokers is that although they want
to quit, they don't want to put any more nicotine in their bodies when they do so, so alternatives like NRT are unattractive.
Herbal remedies can actually be used in conjunction with other support methods like hypnotherapy or acupuncture. They may not give you the same hit as NRT or other treatments, but they are all-natural and less likely to have interactions with other drugs or nasty side effects.
We at StopSmokingABC would always recommend that smokers use more established methods to stop smoking before resorting to herbal remedies. The fact is that they have not been tested as thoroughly as other drugs. Herbal remedies are more of a last resort if none of the other solutions on this site work for you.
The following herbal remedies may help you to stop smoking. Essentially, anything that makes you feel a little better about yourself and get you through the tough times will be a help. However, there are three herbs that are recommended by herbalists above all others.
Lobelia
Lobelia elevates the levels of dopamine in the brain, similarly to nicotine, and therefore is effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms. It also
acts as a physical relaxant and nerve depressant. Smokers who find success with Lobelia find that it calms their mood, levels their
emotions and prevents them from being exposed to those moments of weakness that cause smokers to keep coming back.
Lobelia is a slightly controversial herbal remedy. It was prohibited in some forms by the US FDA in 1993, after initial studies found it to be ineffective in smoking cessation. More recent studies have reestablished its credentials, but relatively little research has been conducted so far.
Users should consult their doctor and be very careful before taking Lobelia, as it is actually a very strong medicine. Anyone with heart conditions, high blood pressure, nervous conditions or a susceptibility to seizures should be extremely careful. Lobelia can also often lead to some vomiting or nausea.
St Johns Wort
St Johns Wort is more commonly used for depression but, in the same way that the antidepressant Zyban was incidentally found to help
people stop smoking, enough smokers reported results with St Johns Wort that it is now an established remedy for smoking cessation.
This popular herb elevates the levels of dopamine in the brain, similarly to nicotine, and will reduce your withdrawal symptoms after you stop smoking. Studies are currently underway to establish its potency. Herb-lovers worldwide attest to its effectiveness in treating depressive conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder, and claim its just a matter of time before it becomes as accepted as a stop smoking aid.
As with all herbal medicines, be sure to consult your doctor before beginning a course of St Johns Wort. It has few side effects when taken alone but is believed to reduce the efficacy of other prescription medicines. As always, pregnant women should be very careful with St Johns Wort.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a bit of a mystery when it comes to smoking cessation. Although anecdotal evidence suggests it can be effective, as far as we
know there have been no studies as yet.
Ginseng also works by affecting dopamine production in the brain, just like St Johns Wort and Lobelia. The difference is that rather that increasing dopamine production and reducing withdrawal symptoms, Ginseng prevents nicotine from causing the dopamine production in the first place. So smokers no longer get such a kick from their cigarette and they find it easier to quit.
Side effects of ginseng can include headaches, nausea and diarrhea, although it is generally a very safe and common herb. Some users also report that ginseng’s energy-giving qualities can result in insomnia. Sufferers of very low or very high blood pressure should also be careful as in different people it can result in either a spike or drop in blood pressure.
Of course, always consult your doctor before starting a course of herbal medicine.