Nicotine, the primary psychoactive compound found in tobacco, is highly addictive. Many smokers face challenges when trying to overcome the deadly habit of smoking. Although no product can completely eliminate the desire to smoke tobacco, several medicinal herbs can act as viable alternatives to smoking. These natural products can curb the physical and emotional effects associated with nicotine withdrawal. Consult your healthcare provider before using any herbal alternative to smoking.
Ginseng
Ginseng is traditionally regarded as an adaptogen, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Herbs and compounds in this class enable the body to adapt to physical or emotional stress with fewer fluctuations in sleep, appetite, mood or sex drive. Although no studies have evaluated ginseng's specific benefits for smokers, it may help to reduce the stress-related physical responses associated with quitting tobacco. Additionally, the NIH notes that ginseng can protect living tissue from the damages associated with free radicals, the highly reactive compounds linked to cancer, heart disease and cellular damage.
Passionflower
The NIH acknowledges passionflower's longstanding history of use as a gentle sedative. Historically, the petals of this showy flower were used to treat anxiety, agitation, restlessness and insomnia. Because these issues are common in people fighting addiction, naturopathic healthcare providers may recommend passionflower as a complementary treatment to stop smoking. The NIH regards passionflower as a theoretical but unproven treatment for addiction. There is not enough scientific evidence to firmly support or refute its use as an alternative to smoking.
St. John's Wort
The NIH grants an "A" rating to the use of St. John's wort as a treatment for mild to moderate depression. Mood disturbances are extremely common in people who are trying to stop smoking, and this popular medicinal herb may reduce the depressive symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal. The NIH regards St. John's wort as a possible treatment for substance abuse, but notes that there is insufficient evidence of its specific efficacy.
Kava-Kava
If you experience significant anxiety symptoms while trying to stop smoking, talk to your healthcare provider about using kava-kava to curb these symptoms. According to the NIH, kava-kava appears to rival benzodiazepine drugs such as Valium and Ativan as a treatment for anxiety. Although this Pacific herb is generally safe when used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, the NIH notes that it may damage the human liver when it is used inappropriately. Do not use kava-kava if you have a history of liver disease.
