Is one of your New Year’s resolutions a commitment to stop smoking? If so, good job to taking that first step. Now, how exactly do you go about successfully completing your goal? Nicotine replacement products? Cold Turkey?
Smoking can be considered one of the leading causes of death in this country, due to the huge amount of health issues in which is has a hand in creating. There is never a bad time to stop smoking because your lungs will immediately begin to repair the damage the cigarette smoking has caused. There are many ways to stop smoking, including the use of medication. If you are looking for natural remedies to quit smoking, you may want to consider several home remedies.
These are just a few remedies you can take advantage of in your effort quit smoking. Remember, a strong mental constitution along with these natural remedies remedies to quit smoking will help almost anyone break the habit. Most importantly, believe in yourself!
Natural Remedies To Quit Smoking
1. Oats
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Oats are a heart healthy food that is high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and folate. Eating oats can help lower levels of bad cholesterol and keep arteries clear, which helps to lower risk of heart disease. They also contain chemicals called avenathramides that can reduce stress, strengthen the nervous system, fight free radials, and combat high blood pressure. All of these benefits can be crucial for smokers who are at a higher risk for heart disease.
Oats can also directly help smokers quit. An extract derived from green oats can ease withdrawal symptoms and help to decrease cigarette cravings.
2. Cayenne Pepper
Among many other things, cayenne pepper is an excellent remedy to help quell the cravings for a cigarette. It desensitizes the respiratory system to tobacco and chemical irritants thereby thwarting the cravings for cigarettes. Ensure to take the spice daily; add a couple of pinches to your glass of water to really benefit from its effects.
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3. Ginseng
It has been shown to prevent the nicotine-induced release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Of course dopamine is what makes people feel better after smoking which is part of the nicotine addiction process. a teaspoon of ginseng powder added to your breakfast cereal or morning health shake should help alleviate the number of cravings.
4. St. John’s Wort
Primarily used to treat depression, there is some research that this medicinal herb helps people quit smoking. In one pilot study, 24 people who smoked 1 or more cigarettes a day received St. John’s wort (450 mg capsule 2 times a day) plus smoking cessation counseling. After 12 weeks, 37.5% or 9 out of 24 people had quit.
5. Herbal Cigarettes
Herbal cigarettes can replace regular cigarettes and help break the addiction. Smokers become used to reaching for a cigarette in certain situations and at specific times during the day. Sometimes a cigarette is about familiarity or comfort more than nicotine. Herbal cigarettes contain fewer chemicals and carcinogens in regular cigarettes.
The main benefits of herbal cigarettes are that they are not addictive. These cigarettes contain zero nicotine. They are made with herbs such as mint, cinnamon, clover, cornsilk, licorice or lemongrass. They also have some carcinogens so they should only be used as a short-term aide to break the nicotine habit and not long-term.
6. Lobelia
This herb has been promoted to help people fight the effects of nicotine withdrawal and is found in many anti-smoking products. The active ingredient in lobelia, lobeline, is thought to have similar actions on the body as nicotine. Further research has shown that lobeline may increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain similar to cigarettes.
7. Hyssop
Has the ability to help with clearing mucus congestion in the lungs associated with COPD. It also has been known to alleviate the anxiety and even hysteria that is sometimes associated with smoking withdrawal.
8. Valerian
One of the premier sedative herbs used to aid people with anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Valerian also acts as a muscle relaxant. Valerian is clearly one of the herbs of choice in smoking cessation to deal with the issues of insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety.
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Repairing the Damage
Once you have successfully broken free of the addiction, it is essential to repair the damage that has been caused by smoking. Regardless of what you may hear, the damage is reversible through proper diet, exercise, meditation , and adequate sleep. Never let this leave your mind, as we all have the power to overcome.
Smoking destroys vitamin C in the body – an important antioxidant. As a result it is important to increase your vitamin C intake to anywhere form 5000 – 20000 mg daily. This will help reduce some of the oxidative stress smoking has caused. Further to this, Vitamin E and A are also essential for repairing the damage done to your cells and mucus membranes. Another important mineral to consider taking is coenzyme Q10. This is yet another powerful antioxidant that helps protects the lungs and heart, while increasing oxygen to the brain.
