Kicking the smoking habit is not easy and requires strong determination to break both the physical addiction to nicotine as well as the psychological dependency. Replacing the craving for a cigarette with constructive behavior can be difficult if a good plan is not in place, along with motivation and positive outside support. Often, smoking is a way to reduce stress, to counteract boredom, to feel more comfortable in social situations, or to help cut down on eating. There are several ways to help to sever the habit by reducing both the physical and emotional cravings.
Lobelia
Also known as Indian tobacco, the medicinal plant lobelia is used by alternative medicine doctors to help smokers break the habit. A natural herb that creates no side effects, lobelia also helps to ease the symptoms of withdrawal. According to an article in the online journal, Good Herbal Health, alkaloids found in lobelia extract have a positive effect on reducing cravings for regular tobacco. One of the alkaloids, called lobeline, helps to clear the lung's pathways. When the lungs begin to become clean, the sensation of smoke becomes bothersome. Another alkaloid, isolobelanine, helps to relax the autonomic and central nervous systems, calming the body and helping to reduce the stress of withdrawal. Taken in dried or liquid form, lobelia is helpful for those wishing to stop smoking, as it can be safely ingested whenever a craving hits.
Word to the wise: As with any herbal remedy, consult with your health-care practitioner before embarking on a protocol.
Acupuncture
A powerful ancient healing methodology used in Chinese medicine, acupuncture can help to eliminate smoking addiction. According to article in worldwidehealth.com, the success rate for acupuncture use on smokers who want to quit is between 85 percent and 90 percent for reducing both physical and emotional cravings. By targeting specific areas in the outer ear, acupuncturists tape an ion pellet to the area, which is stimulated by the patient throughout the day through touch to activate pathways that help to shut down the desire to smoke. By stimulating endorphins, the body's natural opiates, acupuncture also can help to reduce withdrawal stress while balancing the nervous system.
Nicotine Replacement Products
For smokers who feel more confident with allopathic healing remedies, there are many nicotine replacement remedies available over the counter. Some of these include patches, gum, and sprays. Patches, worn on the skin like an adhesive bandage, supply a low level of nicotine, which is helpful for those who smoke throughout the day. Gum and spray products contain slightly higher doses of nicotine that help fight the craving for a cigarette at a moment's notice. Many nicotine replacement products contain the herb lobelia in addition to other ingredients designed to assist smokers trying to break the habit.
