5 Natural Remedies To Help You Quit Smoking

and, it’s very bad for your overall health. In fact, smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in the U.S. Smoking causes one-third of all cancer deaths and one-fourth of the fatal heart attacks in the U.S, according to the American Lung Association.

The main reasons why people start smoking are peer pressure, to be social, as a status symbol, to handle stress or awkward situations, and media influences. With every cigarette, the body builds up cravings for nicotine, the addictive component, and soon people start smoking more and more.

* Lobelia

Lobelia contains an active ingredient called lobeline that is believed to help reduce the effects of nicotine in the body, especially the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine.Lobelia is available in the market in the form of a vinegar tincture. The typical dosage is 20 to 60 drops of the tincture three times daily.It is best to begin with a lower dosage like three to five drops and gradually increase it. As lobelia is highly toxic, it is advisable to use this herb under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.

* Licorice

Licorice is an expectorant and demulcent herb that can help you quit smoking naturally. The slight sweet taste of licorice helps kill the urge to smoke. Also, it relieves smoker’s cough.Plus, this herb is an adrenal tonic and can help balance cortisol levels, reduce fatigue and restore energy.Chewing a small stick of licorice root can satisfy your urge to smoke. You can even drink licorice root tea two or three times a day.Licorice is not recommended for those who have diabetes, high blood pressure, adrenal disease or reduced kidney or liver functioning.

* Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper also desensitizes the respiratory system to tobacco and chemical irritants contained in the smoke. Plus, its antioxidant property stabilizes lung membranes, in turn preventing damage.Cayenne pepper can be used in various forms including fresh pepper, ground pepper powder, capsules or tea to quit smoking. However, the best option is to add a couple of pinches of cayenne pepper to a glass of water and drink daily, especially when you have strong carvings for smoking.

* Green Oats

Green oats, also known as avena sativa or wild oats, is an effective herbal treatment to help you quit smoking. A 1971 study found that green oats can reduce the desire for nicotine and ease withdrawal symptoms. It can also help promote detoxification of nicotine during the withdrawal process.Plus, green oats have a sedative effect as well as a tonic effect on the nervous system, which can be highly beneficial for those who are struggling to quit.

* Ginseng

Ginseng can also help alleviate the frequency of cravings. It is considered a tonic for the adrenal glands and it helps reestablish proper cortisol levels in the bloodstream.Ginseng also helps the body deal with physical and emotional stress and restores balance in the body when experiencing withdrawal symptoms. It will also help you deal with the mental stress of quitting as it sharpens concentration, improves mood and lessens anxiety.