Nicotine withdrawal symptoms are usually difficult to deal with for smokers who are trying to quit. These symptoms may include anxiety, restlessness and anger or frustration, along with insomnia, depression and increased hunger, according to the Mayo Clinic website. One approach to help to cope with these symptoms is the use of herbal remedies under the advice and supervision of a professional health-care practitioner. Herbal remedies include oat straw, valeriana officinalis and St John's wort.
Oat Straw
Oat straw, also called Avina sativa, contains avenia glycosides that work to strengthen the nervous system. Avenia glycosides stimulate the central nervous system and increase the peripheral blood circulation in the body. These actions will help smokers suffering with the effects of nicotine withdrawal symptoms, according to Herbal-supplement-resource website. Oat straw is available as a fluid extract or in the form of tea.
Valeriana Officinalis
The warm, spicy root of the herb valerian officinalis is considered to have sedative, hypotensive and hypnotic properties. It affects the central nervous system, the heart and the circulation of blood through the arteries. According to Home.caregroup website, Valeriana officinalis may be used to treat various ailments, including the symptoms of restlessness, tension and insomnia, as well as nervous unrest, excitability and exhaustion encountered due to the withdrawal of nicotine. There are no reports of adverse effects due to taking valerian during pregnancy or lactation, however it is important to consult with your physician before taking valerian officinalis during pregnancy or while breast feeding.
St. John's Wort
St. John’s wort blooms yellow flowers in late June, around the time of St. John the Baptist feast day, hence its name. The use of St. John’s wort for its medicinal benefits was first recorded in ancient Greece. It has been used for centuries in treating mental conditions and nerve pain. According to the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, today St. John’s wort is used to treat depression, sleep disorders and anxiety. These are some of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. St. John’s wort is available in tablets containing the concentrated extract and as a tea made from the flowering tops of the St. John’s wort plant. According to NCCAM, there is some scientific evidence to support St. John’s wort use in treating mild to moderate depression, but the herb shows to be no more effective than a placebo in treating major depression.
