Smoking causes damage to almost every organ in your body. MedlinePlus states that cigarette smoking is responsible for 87 percent of lung cancer fatalities, and that smoking is also the cause of many other ailments, such as lung disease, heart disease, blood vessel problems and cataracts. Herbal aids may help you quit smoking, but you should always discuss smoking cessation strategies with your family doctor before using herbal medicines for this problem.
About Smoking
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, states that tobacco use can lead to nicotine dependence and many long-term health conditions. The CDC notes that tobacco dependence is a chronic problem that usually requires multiple attempts to break. However, many smokers are able to quit smoking. There are numerous health benefits associated with smoking cessation, including a reduced risk of lung and other types of cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and infertility in women.
Herbal Aids
In the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch lists numerous herbal aids for smoking cessation. Herbs that help treat the nervousness and anxiety that often accompany nicotine withdrawal include catnip, hops, lobelia, American skullcap and valerian root. Cayenne helps desensitize the cells in your respiratory tract to cigarette smoke irritants, while red clover and burdock cleanse your bloodstream of toxins. Ginger induces perspiration, which helps to rid your body of some of the toxins ingested through smoking, and milk thistle and dandelion guard your liver from harmful toxins. Do not use any medicinal herbs without consulting a doctor first.
A Powerful Herb
American skullcap is a powerful herbal aid in quitting smoking. Skullcap, notes Balch, is commonly used to treat addiction and drug withdrawal. This herbal aid helps to improve your sleep quality, boosts blood flow throughout your body and is used to treat anxiety, fatigue and nervous disorders. American skullcap, states the University of Maryland Medical Center, is a mild relaxant that may be helpful in treating nervous tension and convulsions, although more research may be required to substantiate these claims.
Considerations
Although herbs may be helpful in the process of smoking cessation, you should not rely on herbs alone to provide beneficial results. Consider incorporating other health measures into your smoking cessation treatment plan, including talk therapy, behavioral therapies and other therapies recommended by your health care provider. In most cases, a multi-pronged approach to smoking cessation is most effective. Discuss the potential risks and side effects associated with herbal aids with a medical professional before using them to help you quit smoking.
References
- MedlinePlus: Smoking
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Smoking and Tobacco Use
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skullcap
