Nicotine is a potent alkaloid in cigarettes that promotes addiction. When you try to kick the habit, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, coughing, depression and food cravings. Herbs may help relieve these symptoms and increase your chances of successfully quitting smoking. Consult a health care provider or quit smoking clinic for advice before starting herbal treatment for smoking addiction.
Herbal Actions
Herbs that help you stop smoking have a range of actions. Some are nervines and antidepressants, which help reduce anxiety, stress and insomnia. Others work on your lungs and throat to soothe damaged tissues and reduce inflammation. These herbs can be potent, so check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation.
Lobelia
Lobelia, or Lobelia inflata, is a small annual herb native to North America. Also known as "Indian tobacco" because Native Americans used it as a tobacco substitute, lobelia has a long history of treating asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough. Lobelia is also used in commercial anti-smoking preparations to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster recommend it to relieve smoker's cough and reduce cravings. This is a potent herb and may cause nausea and vomiting.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is a small plant with tiny yellow flowers, Traditional healers use the flowers to treat pain, wounds, mild depression and anxiety. Active ingredients include hypericin and hyperforin, which inhibit serotonin reuptake, leaving more of the neurotransmitter available for cells and reducing depression. A study published in the October 2007 issue of "Phytomedicine" found that, compared to the control group, St. John's wort significantly increased serotonin in test animals treated with nicotine and alleviated their withdrawal symptoms. Do not combine this herb with other antidepressants.
Valerian
Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, is a traditional herbal remedy for anxiety and insomnia. Active ingredients include a group of chemicals known as valpotriates, which interact with benzodiazepine receptors. White and Foster recommend valerian to relax tense muscles and relieve the insomnia that accompanies withdrawal. Do not use valerian if you are pregnant.
References
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Phytomedicine"; Serotonin Mediates Beneficial Effects of Hypericum Perforatum on Nicotine Withdrawal Signs; C. Mannucci, et al.; October 2007
