Five Herbs to Stop Smoking

Herbs are a good addition to your smoking cessation program. There are certain herbs that help reduce withdrawal symptoms, reduce anxiety and stress, reduce hunger, or help clean the lungs and body. Below are five herbs to stop smoking.

Herb # 1: Catnip
Catnip Nepeta cataria or only known to stimulate the cat but the opposite effect for humans. Catnip ease anxiety, headaches, and can help smokers suffer from insomnia. It also helps in reducing abdominal pain.

Catnip also can cut your desire to smoke by putting a few drops of the tincture on the back of your tongue. But be sure not to overdo it, because it can cause nausea, vomiting, or headache.

Herb # 2: Sweet Flag
Jeringau or just Calamus is usually used to treat bronchitis, asthma and whooping cough, but also very effective in cleaning the bronchioles and removes excess mucus and toxins in the rest of your lungs.

It also stimulates the nature that gives you extra energy and stamina, especially in the height of the withdrawal symptoms.

Herb # 3: Coltsfoot
Farfara Tussilago is an expectorant. It stimulates coughing and helps to remove the mucus in your lungs. But be sure to use it in small doses or you may end up having a coughing spasm. Also, remember to not use coltsfoot if you experience pain while breathing, or coughing up blood.

Herb # 3: Horsetail
Equisitum arvense contain small amounts of nicotine. This can reduce your desire and reduce withdrawal symptoms, especially in the first two weeks after quitting. However, continuous use of horsetail for more than 6 weeks in a row is very small heart because it can cause urinary irritation, abstinence for 3 weeks after last use is recommended.

Herb # 4: Korean Ginseng
Panax ginseng helps you cope with the physical and emotional stress of quitting smoking and restore balance in your body. Korean ginseng is also a stimulant. It increases the adrenal glands and controls secretion of cortisol in your blood. It increases your energy, stamina and endurance. Additionally, sharpen concentration, improve mood, and helps manage anxiety. However, it must be taken in moderation, because it can cause side effects. Likewise, people who suffer from heart disease, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, bleeding disorders, or hormone sensitive conditions are advised to use this herb.

Herb # 5: Oats (Wild Oats / Oat Grass)
Avena sativa extract is often used to treat nervous exhaustion or fatigue, it is a stimulant that helps relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings cut you. Oat extract can also reduce anxiety and stress, and promotes better sleep. It is also known to contain high levels of the amino acid L-Tryptophan, an important substance for the production of serotonin, which is responsible for better mood and well-being. This herb is safe to be used continuously.

Most Herbs may feel uncomfortable. If it is discouraging you from taking herbs, you can combine or mix it with herbal tea you enjoy drinking. Also, there are herbs that should be taken in smaller amounts. So before you take any herbs, be sure to consult with a doctor or a shaman, or you can do your own research. Quitting smoking is one of the difficult task. You will need any help you can get. And herbs can provide your efforts to stop smoking encouragement.