Smoking is a serious addiction that increases the risk for other disorders such as cancer, heart disease, respiratory infections, miscarriage and diabetes. Nicotine dependence is difficult to overcome, and withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, depression and cigarette craving. Herbs that are traditionally used for these problems may be helpful in helping smokers quit. Consult a health care professional before starting herbal therapy.
Astragalus
Astragalus, or Astragalus membranaceus, is a perennial plant in the bean family and one of the fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM. It is used mainly as a tonic and immune stimulant, and has significant antioxidant action, which helps reduce oxidative damage from nicotine. A study by H.J. Lee and J.H. Lee published in the 2005 issue of the "American Journal of Chinese Medicine" tested a tea made with astragalus and 10 other herbs with antioxidant and nicotine degradation action. During the four-week study, smokers using the tea had fewer cigarette cravings than the control group, and 38 percent of the tea drinkers succeeded in quitting, while only 12 percent of the control group quit. The researchers state the tea may contain constituents that degraded nicotine and may have decreased the body's nicotine content faster, leading to fewer cravings. Astragalus should not be combined with immunosuppressant drugs.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is a small perennial shrub with yellow flowers native to Europe and Asia. Traditionally it is used for pain, wounds, anxiety and mild to moderate depression. The flowers contain hyperforin and hypericin, which act on neurotransmitters, or chemicals that carry signals to nerve cells. A study by C. Mannucci and colleagues published in the October 2007 issue of "Phytomedicine" found that St. John's wort affects serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Nicotine appears to release serotonin, and during nicotine withdrawal, serotonin levels drop, causing depression. When St. John's wort was given to test animals, serotonin levels became normal. St. John's wort acts like other antidepressants by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, thus increasing its availability to nerve cells. This research found St. John's wort reduces depression due to withdrawal in test animals. St. John's wort should not be taken with other antidepressants.
Valerian
Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, is a perennial used for centuries as a mild nerve tonic and sedative. The active ingredients include bornyl acetate, beta-caryophyllene, valeranone, valerenal, valerenic acid and valepotriates. Valerian acts on the central nervous system, affecting the GABA-a receptors in a way similar to benzodiazepine drugs and producing a sedative and anxiolytic effect. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster recommend valerian for insomnia, a frequent symptom of nicotine withdrawal. They state valerian tea or tincture can relax muscles and ease tension during withdrawal. Valerian should not be used during pregnancy or in combination with other sleep aids or antidepressants.
References
- American Journal of Chinese Medicine: Effects of Medicinal Herb Tea on the Smoking Cessation and Reducing Smoking Withdrawal Symptoms
- Phytomedicine: Serotonin Mediates Beneficial Effects of Hypericum Perforatum on Nicotine Withdrawal Signs
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
