Nicotine is a toxic and addictive alkaloid found in tobacco products like cigarettes and chewing tobacco. While it gives you an immediate and temporary lift, its long-term effects can be deadly. Nicotine can lead to cancers, emphysema and pulmonary disorders. If you're trying to break the habit, you may experience nervousness, irritability, increased appetite, insomnia and chronic cough. Herbs may help relieve those symptoms and aid you in eliminating your dependency on nicotine. Check with your health care practitioner before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs can help you fight nicotine dependency in several ways. Nervine herbs can help you relax and get a good night's sleep. Expectorant herbs may help relieve the cough that many ex-smokers experience after they've quit. Sedative herbs may relieve some of the anxiety that accompanies giving up cigarettes. Consult a knowledgeable professional for advice about dose levels and preparation of herbs for nicotine dependency.
Coltsfoot
Coltsfoot, or Tussilago farfara, is a small perennial herb with bright yellow flowers. Coltsfoot has a long history of treating coughs, bronchitis and asthma. The leaves contain mucilage, which loosens phlegm, relieves cough and protects mucous membranes. If you're a smoker trying to stop nicotine dependency, you'll need to heal the nicotine damage to your lungs. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster recommend this herb to soothe irritated and inflamed lung tissue. Do not use the flower heads and avoid this herb if you are pregnant. Limit the use of coltsfoot to four weeks per year. Talk to your doctor before using coltsfoot.
Skullcap
Skullcap, or Scutellaria lateriflora, is a leafy herb with pale purple flowers. Herbalists use the aerial parts to treat epilepsy, tension, anxiety and insomnia. Skullcap tones and renews the central nervous system and is rich in flavonoids, which have nervine and sedative actions. In their 2000 book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Dr. James F. Balch and nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch recommend skullcap to reduce the nervousness and anxiety caused by nicotine withdrawal. Do not use this herb with other sedatives, or drive if you feel sleepy. Talk to your doctor before using skullcap to treat your smoking addiction.
Valerian
Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, is an ancient herbal remedy for insomnia and nervous tension. The volatile oil is rich in chemicals known as valpotriates and sesquiterpenes, which act on GABA and benzodiazepine receptors in your brain to produce a calming effect. White and Foster advise using valerian if your symptoms include tense muscles and insomnia. Valerian may enhance the effects of other sedatives. Do not drive if this herb makes you drowsy. Talk to your doctor before using valerian to ensure your safety.
References
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
