Herbal Treatments For Nicotine Addiction

[SunKat]

While there is no evidence that herbs can actually cure your addiction, we do know that certain herbs have properties that will help you feel better and put you in a better position to fight the addiction. The herbs listed below all have properties that will be beneficial to you in your fight. It may be a case of trying each one in turn to find which ones help with your particular treatment. A good herbalist will be able to expand on the benefits of each of these and construct a good detoxification program.

Internal Applications

Peppermint -– take the tea to help quit smoking. It helps clear the lungs, ease breathing, calm your nerves and boost the circulation. Peppermint helps detoxify the body and can relieve nicotine withdrawal headaches.

Slippery elm -– this herb is a potent detoxifier. It helps remove toxins from the lungs and other parts of the body. Take a half teaspoon of slippery elm tea after lunch or take it as an infusion or capsules.

Oats -– this herb is a nutritious nerve tonic that actually helps restore the body. It can help you remain calm during nicotine withdrawal.

Lobelia -– this herb acts similarly to nicotine and binds to the same receptors in the body. It has a milder effect than nicotine, however. Lobelia has been shown to help relieve the symptoms of addiction in people who are trying to quit smoking. It does have side effects, however, like nausea, vomiting and dizziness, which makes it a remedy of last resort for many.

Marshmallow -– take the tea or capsules to help deal with nicotine cravings. For capsules, take 2 or 3 capsules three times per day with your meals. Gradually cut back on the dose. For tea, take 2 or 3 times per day as needed. Do not take it for more than two weeks at a time. Marshmallow helps flush out toxins and relieve cravings.

St. John's wort –- take 2 capsules of 450 mg each twice a day to help relieve tobacco cravings and anxiety.

Ginseng -– this herb has been proven to prevent the nicotine-induced release of dopamine in the brain. It will also help with coping with stress.

Valerian –- this herb helps the brain ease off your addiction by relieving anxiety. Do not take for longer than eight weeks at a time.

California poppy –- this sedative herb can also help relieve the stress of beating a nicotine addiction

External Applications

Licorice -– chew the root to help detoxify the body and eliminate nicotine. Licorice helps the liver filter out nicotine and other tobacco poisons. It also helps you relax.

Peppermint -– use the oil as an aromatherapy aid to help calm your nerves and ease your breathing.