There are a lot of nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) nowadays - nicotine patches, inhalers, replacement cigarettes, gums and candies among them. But did you know that for some smokers to stop smoking, herbs were their only answer? In their quest for a stop smoking campaign, some people have become advocates to alternative herbs as a helpful and less costly way to stop the dreaded habit.
Organic products like herbs and teas are considered by many to be the safest way to help in quitting the smokes. Their main comparison between NRTs and herbal alternatives? NRTs usually still have a tinge of nicotine in them - meaning, if you take them, you would still not be completely nicotine-free since you are slowly being "weaned" out of nicotine gradually. And sometimes, the withdrawal symptoms are reportedly much worse in those taking NRTs - their bodies are used to a certain amount of nicotine. For them to get less than half of their daily intake may seem like a death sentence for some people and the cravings would be more intense.
Herbs on the other hand, don't have nicotine as a component. Some have nicotine-imitators that just mimic the effects of nicotine without the addictive component of it. Most herbs address the withdrawal symptoms themselves, for example, reducing anxiety and depression or the craving for a puff.
Here are some herbs that are commonly used by smokers:
- Lobelia. Contains a substance called lobeline which has nicotine-like components but not addictive unlike its nemesis. (Caution: This is a strong herb, so this must not be overused.)
- Kava-Kava. An antidote to depression and irritability... feelings that you may have once you stop smoking.
- Licorice. This not just keeps skin glowing, but this can also be made into a tonic that soothes damaged lungs and helps in restoring lost energy during the withdrawal stage.
- Garlic. Commonly used in cooking, this pungent herb also has the ability to relax the blood vessels to lower and normalize blood pressure.
- Coltsfoot. This herb soothes inflamed lung tissues and air sacs, and also helps in loosening secretions.
- Turmeric. This removes the damaging carcinogens found in cigarette smoke (and which eventually will be found in your lungs should you continue to smoke).
- Oats (specifically green oats). This has a sedative effect which is definitely helpful when fending off anxiety and panic attacks. Also reduces the craving to smoke.
Herbs may be able to help you in quitting smoking, but the real success of your endeavor lies in your frame of mind and willpower. Succeeding will be much sweeter when you pass this test.
Organic products like herbs and teas are considered by many to be the safest way to help in quitting the smokes. Their main comparison between NRTs and herbal alternatives? NRTs usually still have a tinge of nicotine in them - meaning, if you take them, you would still not be completely nicotine-free since you are slowly being "weaned" out of nicotine gradually. And sometimes, the withdrawal symptoms are reportedly much worse in those taking NRTs - their bodies are used to a certain amount of nicotine. For them to get less than half of their daily intake may seem like a death sentence for some people and the cravings would be more intense.
Herbs on the other hand, don't have nicotine as a component. Some have nicotine-imitators that just mimic the effects of nicotine without the addictive component of it. Most herbs address the withdrawal symptoms themselves, for example, reducing anxiety and depression or the craving for a puff.
Here are some herbs that are commonly used by smokers:
- Lobelia. Contains a substance called lobeline which has nicotine-like components but not addictive unlike its nemesis. (Caution: This is a strong herb, so this must not be overused.)
- Kava-Kava. An antidote to depression and irritability... feelings that you may have once you stop smoking.
- Licorice. This not just keeps skin glowing, but this can also be made into a tonic that soothes damaged lungs and helps in restoring lost energy during the withdrawal stage.
- Garlic. Commonly used in cooking, this pungent herb also has the ability to relax the blood vessels to lower and normalize blood pressure.
- Coltsfoot. This herb soothes inflamed lung tissues and air sacs, and also helps in loosening secretions.
- Turmeric. This removes the damaging carcinogens found in cigarette smoke (and which eventually will be found in your lungs should you continue to smoke).
- Oats (specifically green oats). This has a sedative effect which is definitely helpful when fending off anxiety and panic attacks. Also reduces the craving to smoke.
Herbs may be able to help you in quitting smoking, but the real success of your endeavor lies in your frame of mind and willpower. Succeeding will be much sweeter when you pass this test.
0 comments:
Post a Comment