Quit Smoking Using Herbal Supplements
Quit Smoking Using Herbal Supplements
Each year approximately 443,600 Americans die of smoking-related illnesses. According to the American Cancer Society, one-half of all cancer-related deaths in the U.S. are attributed to smoking and smoking is a major cause of heart disease, stroke, bronchitis, emphysema, and aneurysms. The most profound fact of all is that all smoking-related deaths are preventable by simply not smoking. Unfortunately, for those who are already addicted to smoking, the nicotine in cigarettes makes it difficult for them to stop. But there are effective ways to stop and use an herbal supplement may work for people who have tried other means and failed. Here are tips on how to quit smoking using herbal supplements.
Make a Commitment First
If you really want to quit smoking you need to make a commitment to treat your body well. Smoking deprives the body of essential nutrients, so it is important to try to eat a healthy diet to build up your body again. Another important step is to find a support group or a telephone helpline where you can get quick support when necessary. One place that offers help is Nicotine-Anonymous.org. Herbal supplements can help relieve tension, anxiety, nervousness, and in some cases, cravings, but by adding support and eating healthy you are more likely to stick to your plan of quitting.
Herbal Supplements that Aid in Quitting Smoking
Gentian
Gentian has been used for centuries for various stomach ailments and intestinal problems and is also recognized as an effective ingredient in many anti-smoking products. Taken alone or in conjunction with licorice root, it helps curb cravings for nicotine and elevates mood. Gentian is also full of vitamins and minerals, is beneficial to the liver, and increases vascular circulation. Side-effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, increase in blood pressure and increase in appetite. Gentian comes in capsule form or as tea. Tea is considered to be the most effective form. Check the product label for dosing instructions.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort is known for being effective for depression and this mood-enhancing quality makes it successful in helping people to stop smoking too. Stress and anxiety are two common reasons that many people smoke or find it hard to quit. St. John’s wort helps relieve stress and anxiety so the person trying to quit will feel calmer and more relaxed. St. John’s wort also contains flavenoid glycosides which are beneficial to heart health. St. John’s wort is relatively safe but should not be taken in conjunction with alcohol, cold and allergy medications, flu medications, decongestants, amphetamines, MOA inhibitors, and antidepressants. People should also avoid foods containing tyramine. St. John’s wort comes in capsule, liquid tincture, and cream form. Recommended dose is 300 mg, three times a day for 4 to 6 weeks.
Ginseng
Ginseng has been used for over 2,000 years for many different ailments and has recently been found to be effective in helping people quit smoking. Ginseng is effective in reducing stress, treating depression, decreasing mood swings, and strengthening a person’s resistance to stress. Because of this herb’s calming capabilities, it is helpful to people who are trying to quit smoking. Side-effects include diarrhea, headache, nervousness, chest pain, breast pain, raised blood pressure, impotence, rapid pulse, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding. People who are taking blood pressure medication, diabetes medication, MAO inhibitors, antidepressants or medication containing steroids should not take ginseng. Ginseng comes in capsule, root extract, root powder, and tea form. The recommended dose is 200 to 600 mg/day in two equal doses.
Herbal supplements can interact with other medications and are dangerous if not taken correctly so talk to a doctor before trying them. With the help of herbal supplements, counseling, and willpower, you can beat the addiction to smoking and live a long, healthy life.
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