Herbal aids to stop smoking

In recent years, as Americans have begun adopting a more homeopathic approach to medicine, herbal smoking cessation aids have gained popularity. One of the more common approaches for using herbs in the smoking cessation process is with an herbal tea.

Are herbal teas an effective part of a smoking cessation program?

There have been very few, if any; studies conducted on the effectiveness of herbal teas in smoking cessation programs. Many people that have quit smoking claimed that herbal teas have assisted them in their smoking cessation process. It is unknown, though doubtful, if herbal teas can be an effective stop smoking aid on their own. The herbs used in herbal teas possess many properties that can help calm and alleviate the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Many of the common herbal remedies and how they can help cope with withdrawal symptoms are outlined below.

Nausea

Nausea is a common nicotine withdrawal symptom. It usually peaks within the first few weeks and can be quite intense. A ginger tea can be used to help nausea. Ginger has long been used to alleviate nausea and is often recommended to pregnant women for the treatment of m orning sickness. Other popular anti nausea herbal teas include chamomile and peppermint.

• Ginger tea can either be homemade; by boiling 2 cups of water with a ginger root, flavor to taste with cinnamon, honey, sugar or cream, or purchased as a tea mix, bag or ready made.
• To make a peppermint tea, use 1 tablespoon full of quality peppermint leaves infused in 1 cup of water.
• For chamomile tea, use 1 tablespoon of fresh high quality chamomile flowers that have a crisp apple scent and 1 cup of boiling water.

Headaches

Headaches are another common symptom of nicotine withdrawal and herbal teas can be used to provide effective relief. Teas that include Rosemary can help with the headaches related to withdrawal.

• Rosemary teas can be made by infusing 1 cup of boiling water with 1 teaspoon of dried, high quality rosemary.

Anxiety

Many people report increased anxiety when they stop smoking. Some common teas that aid in relaxation include lem on balm and kava.

• A lemon balm tea can be made by infusing 1 tablespoon of dried leaves in 1 cup of boiling water.
• Kava herbal tea bags can be purchased in stores or online.

Insomnia

Many of the herbal teas that help in relaxation also ease insomnia. Additionally, cumin seeds, passionflower, sage and chamomile can also act as a natural sedative.

• To prepare an herbal tea made form cumin seeds, places ½ tablespoon of cumin seed in 1 cup of water. Bring to boil and steep for 15 minutes, then strain. Using honey/sugar for flavor to taste.
• The passionflower tea can be prepared by steeping 1 teaspoon of dried herb per each cup of boiling water.
• A sage herbal tea can be made by placing 4 heaping tablespoons of dried sage in 1 cup of boiling water. Cover the mixture and steep for an additional 4 hours. Strain the mixture and enjoy.
• o For chamomile tea, use 1 tablespoon of fresh high quality chamomile flowers that have a crisp apple s cent and 1 cup of boiling water.

Attention/ memory problems

Many people that quit smoking experience memory difficulties of attention problems. There are many herbals that combine a special mixture of ingredients and have revitalizing effect on the body. These teas, Yogi Tea's, Revitalize Tea, are available in most grocery stores, mass retailers, specialty shops and on the internet.

Do these herbal tea remedies actually work?

There is no solid scientific evidence either way. Many of the studies that have been conducted up to now have either been inconclusive or contradictory to earlier studies that have been done. One of the main reasons for this inconsistency is due to the quality of the herbs used. The quality of herbs and their potency can very greatly and great care must be used to ensure that only quality herbs are used.

As long as they are prepared and used appropriate most of these herbal tea remedies have no side effects. On the rare occasion a side e ffect occurs, discontinue drinking the herbal tea and consult your doctor. Overall, trying herbal teas as part of a smoking cessation program is fairly safe and may increase the chances of success. Many people also find that substituting a cup of herbal tea for their regular cup of coffee helps reduce cravings. This may have to do with the fact that smoking is not associated with the taste, small or sight of the herbal tea as it is with the cup of coffee. Herbal teas can therefore be an effective aid in the smoking cessation process for some people.