Cigarette smoking kills more than 400,000 people yearly and is the leading cause of death in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of today's smokers are searching for products to counteract their addiction. Herbs are an alternative therapy and an effective tool for some, although they should never be used without a doctor's approval.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is a centuries-old herb used to relieve pain and treat mental disorders. The yellow flowers of the plant are used in teas, tablets and capsules, which can be found at your local pharmacy. A popular complementary therapy, the herb might help smokers kick their nicotine habit by reducing anxiety and easing depression caused by nicotine withdrawal.The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says that scientific evidence suggests St. John's wort may be useful for short-term treatment of mild to moderate depression, although side effects may occur. Increased sensitivity to sunlight and drug interactions are possible. Talk to your doctor about using this herb to quit smoking.
Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng, a plant whose root is used to make medicine, is among the many varieties of ginseng, though it should not be confused with the others. Panax ginseng helps improve thinking, physical stamina and endurance. Some people use the herb to treat and prevent cancer and other diseases. Smokers who wish to counteract their nicotine addiction may find the herb helpful for taming stress and promoting a sense of well-being. When used for these purposes, Medline Plus says Panax ginseng is called an "adaptogen." The herb is potentially safe for oral, short-term use by adults, although side effects may occur, such as insomnia. Talk to your doctor before using Panax ginseng.
Ginger
A widely used culinary component, ginger is famous for its flavor in breads, ale, Asian dishes, cookies and more. On the pharmacy shelves, ginger can be found in various cold and flu medications. Used historically to soothe the stomach, ginger helps counteract the effects of nicotine by easing the nausea that occurs with nicotine withdrawal. Ginger is likely safe for adults, although it may interact with anticoagulant drugs. Talk to your doctor about using ginger for this purpose.
