11 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Nicotine Addiction

Smoking is one of the leading causes of death as a result of the many health issues it increases the risk of. Thankfully, just because you’ve smoked in the past doesn’t mean it’s too late to kick the habit. In fact, your lungs will start to heal and repair any damage caused by smoking almost as soon as you quit. The hardest part of quitting any smoking or tobacco habit is kicking the nicotine addiction.

Unfortunately, many people believe that a nicotine addiction is one of the hardest to overcome. But there are a number of natural ways you can combat your nicotine addiction and quit smoking. Here are a few examples of the things you could try to tackle your nicotine addiction.

# Acupuncture

Acupuncture is commonly used by people trying to kick their nicotine addiction. The therapy involves inserting hair-thin needles into various pressure point around the body for a period of about twenty minutes. Research suggests that stimulating a specific pressure point behind the ear is particularly effective in combating a nicotine addiction and helping you to quit smoking.

If you have experience with acupuncture, then you can use this remedy from home. However, if you have no experience with acupuncture, then it’s best that you see a professional for your treatment.

# St. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort is an herb which is regularly recommended to help ease the symptoms of depression. Recent studies have suggested that it could also be helpful as a home remedy for nicotine addictions. The scientific evidence for its effectiveness is mixed, but it could be worth using the herb to make an infused tea every few days and seeing if it helps you.

Whilst it may not be totally effective in kicking your nicotine habit, it will help you manage the depression that may occur as part of your withdrawal. It can interfere with other medications, however, so always consult your doctor before using it if you take any regular medication. You should also avoid it if you’re pregnant as it is thought to have potentially negative impacts on pregnancy. You can find out more about the health benefits of St. John’s Wort in our previous article.

# Ginseng

Ginseng inhibits the nicotine-induced release of dopamine. This is a neurotransmitter that creates a positive feeling or buzz and is part of the reason nicotine is so addictive. By inhibiting and preventing the release of dopamine, ginseng helps to reduce your craving for nicotine and makes it easier to quit.

# Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is considered by many to be slightly more effective than behavioral relapse prevention intervention therapies. Studies have shown that hypnotherapy has a 29% success rate one year after quitting, compared to 28% of counseling therapies.

# Oats

Oats are great for your heart health which is crucial if you’ve been a smoker. The high concentration of fatty acids like omega-3 can help to repair much of the damage smoking may have done to your heart over time. As a result, it can combat the higher risk of heart disease that smoking can bring. Oats will also help you quit smoking and work as a home remedy for nicotine addiction. This is because they contain a specific extract which helps to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce your nicotine cravings.

# Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a great home remedy for nicotine addiction. It desensitizes your respiratory system to tobacco, which helps to prevent your cravings. If your cravings are minimized it should be much easier to kick the habit and quit smoking for good. Try adding a little cayenne to some of your meals to feel its effects.

# Herbal Cigarettes

Many people turn to herbal cigarettes when they’re trying to quit smoking. This works especially well for people who find they miss the familiarity of smoking more than the nicotine itself. The positive is that herbal cigarettes contain absolutely no nicotine and so they’re not addictive. Instead, they are made with natural herbs such as licorice, lemongrass, and cinnamon. They do, however, contain some carcinogens so they don’t’ make a great long-term quitting aide. That said they can help when used with other home remedies if you’re struggling with missing the routine of smoking.

# Lobelia

Lobelia has been recommended as a home remedy for nicotine addiction for years and is used in a number of commercial and medical anti-smoking products or medications. However, they do have a similar effect on your dopamine levels as nicotine, which can make lobelia just as addictive. As a result of many people now recommend that you avoid the herb when trying to quit smoking as it can simply replace one addiction with another.

# Hyssop

Hyssop helps to clear any mucus congestion that may have built up as a result of your smoking habit. This means it helps to reduce the number of negative effects smoking may have had on your health. Not only that, but it could also help to reduce some of the anxiety you might experience as part of your withdrawal.

# Valerian

Valerian root can be used to infuse an herbal tea. This tea can then be drunk to combat the anxiety that occurs as you withdraw from your nicotine addiction. Like St John’s Worth though, it’s recommended that you avoid valerian root during pregnancy.

# Counseling

Using herbal remedies alongside counseling or behavioral therapies could further increase your chances of successfully quitting smoking and leaving your nicotine addiction behind.