In recent years, studies published in mainstream medical journals have arrived at mixed conclusions about homeopathy's efficacy. Authors of one article published in February 1991 in the "British Medical Journal" reviewed 105 cases in which homeopathic treatments had been administered, finding that 81 "indicated positive results." However, another study published in "Lancet" in August 2005 determined that such results were likely attributable to the placebo effect. In keeping with homeopathic practice, active ingredients listed in Natra-Bio's "Stop-It" smoking withdrawal lozenges have been so diluted that not even trace amounts remain. This process is a risk-free way of boosting the medicinal energy of otherwise toxic substances, homeopaths believe. The Stop Smoking Foundation reserves judgment on the product's merits, calling research on success rates "sparse to nonexistent" and noting that consumer reports vary widely. Many homeopathic ingredients are made from common plants but botanical names, and the names we would use for them, often differ.
Caladium Seguinum
Botanists call this ornamental plant Dieffenbachia seguine but layman's names for it include American arum, mother-in-law plant or dumbcane. Homeopaths believe it helps reduce cravings.
Plantago Major
Most people know this as common plantain but other names include broadleaf plaintain, ripple grass, snakeweed, waybread and Englishman's foot. The weed's origins are Eurasian but it now grows all over the world and is widely viewed by gardeners as an obnoxious nuisance. According to homeopathy, it quells cravings.
Lobelia Inflata
Colloquially known as Indian tobacco, this plant's alternate names include bladderpod, gagroot, pukeweed and vomitroot. Lobeline, its active ingredient, is thought to have similar properties to nicotine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some researchers think it shows promise for treating addictions by reducing cravings, as homeopathy also believes.
Calcarea Phosphorica
Better known as phosphate of lime or calcium phosphate, this anti-craving ingredient is made by dropping diluted phosphoric acid into lime water.
Cinchona Officinalis
Also called Peruvian bark, Jesuit's bark, red bark and quinine bark, cinchona is native to the Amazon rainforest and one of its ingredients, quinine, has long been used by mainstream medicine to treat malaria. Homeopaths believe it helps to ease withdrawal symptoms.
Nux Vomica
The botanical name is Strychnos nux-vomica but colloquial names include poison nut, quaker button, dog button, vomit nut and vomit weed. The seed of the strychnine tree, native to India and other parts of Asia, is believed by homeopaths to combat withdrawal symptoms.
Staphysagria
Also spelled staphisagria, botanists call this plant delphinium staphysagria but the layman's names for it include lousewort and palmated larkspur. Native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia and Europe, it is used in homeopathy to counteract withdrawal symptoms.
Ignatia Amara
To laymen, the seeds of the Strychnos ignatii tree, believed to help relieve tension, are known as Ignatius, or St. Ignatius, beans.
Inactive Ingredients
All are FDA-approved common additives to supplements. Croscarmellose sodium helps the lozenges dissolve in the body; lactose, dextrose, sorbitol and stevia are sweeteners; and magnesium stearate is a hardening agent. The lozenges also contain natural raspberry and cherry flavorings.
References
- Stop Smoking Foundation: Stop-It Smoking Review
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Homeopathy: An Introduction
- Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the U.S.: What Is Homeopathy?
- National Center for Homeopathy Homepage
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lobelia
- International Academy of Classical Homeopathy: Calcarea Phosphorica
