It is a known fact that smoking is one of the deadliest and the toughest addictions, affecting the overall health and life of a smoker. Smoke from a cigarette is a complex mixture of harmful chemicals known to cause cancer, heart and other respiratory diseases. According to the research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), a person dies every eight seconds due to tobacco consumption related diseases.
Smoke addiction is not only physical but mental and emotional, therefore, quitting cigarettes requires more than will power for most smokers. Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits for the smoker and his family. Herbal remedies to help give up smoking are becoming increasingly popular these days. The herbs sooth stressed nervous system and help to adjust with the life without nicotine.
Traditional Remedies to Quit Smoking
Traditional remedies are natural, non-addictive and act as nutritional supplements by promoting greater physical and mental well-being of a person. Try some of these herbal alternatives that may help you to quit smoking addiction.
- Peel, wash and cut ginger (Zingiber officinale) roots in small thin pieces. To it, add lemon (Citrus limon) juice, common salt, black salt, a pinch of asafetida (Ferula asafoetida), roasted cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds and black pepper (Piper nigrum) in a bowl. Mix all the ingredients well and put it to dry in shade. Have it as often as you develop an urge to smoke.
- Take betel (Piper betle) leaf and wrap in it a teaspoon of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds and a clove (Syzygium aromaticum) bud. Chew it after meals to overcome the desire to consume tobacco. This remedy would also improve digestion.
- Take 25g each of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) and caraway (Carom carvi) seeds and soak in lemon juice. Mix black salt to taste and let the mixture dry in shade. Later, roast the same and when cool, store in an airtight container. About ½ tsp of the formulation can be taken whenever required. It will prevent you from wanting to light up another cigarette.
- Whenever there is an urge to smoke, switch for chewing mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) roots. This would not only reduce the urge, but also help clear the throat and comfort food passage.
- Boil and cut ½ kg of amla (Emblica officinalis) fruits into small pieces. Add to taste rock salt, common salt, powdered black pepper (Piper nigrum), and about 200g of sugar. Mix well and dry the preparation in shade. To overcome the desire to smoke, have a piece or two of the same.
- Drinking a glass of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) juice with added lemon (Citrus limon) juice and black salt to taste is believed to be helpful in withdrawing from nicotine addiction.
- Sucking a lemon (Citrus limon) or just putting a few drops of it on the tongue creates a sour taste in the mouth and helps in killing the urge.
- Whenever a strong urge to smoke comes up, consume some slices of pineapple (Ananas comosus) fruit.
- To curb the urge, chew ½ teaspoon of fried aniseed (Pimpinella anisum).
Diet and exercise
Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants that help combat free radicals and fight the carcinogens (cancer causing chemicals) found in smoke. Fresh fruits and vegetables such as oranges, grapes, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, avocados and wheat germ are good sources of these vital vitamins. Beta carotene found in dark green or yellow vegetables should be included in diet as it helps fight diseases like lung cancer. B vitamins found in whole grains, lean meat and fish help to detoxify chemicals present in cigarette smoke. Prefer eating starchy foods instead of oily and fried foods. Reduce protein in the diet (like fish, eggs, meat and cereals) and increase the intake of diet rich in magnesium and potassium. Avoid triggers like alcohol, coffee and tea.
Exercises like taking a run, brisk walking and swimming are the physical activities that not only keep a check on the weight but also reduce craving. Yogic exercises work wonders on giving up the habit of smoking as well. Some forms of yoga poses improve breathing pattern by expanding lungs and opening up the heart region, enriching it with oxygen supply. Pranayam (regulated breathing), ustrasana (camel pose), dhanurasana (bow pose), Savasana (corpse pose) and back bending yogic exercises stretch, tone, strengthen, and relax the body, which can effectively check thought patterns connected to smoking cessation.
Learn the technique of mental relaxation in stressful situations. Spend quality time with family and friends and seek their support. Gardening, listening to your favorite music, reading books, going out for a long drive and meeting old friends can sometimes be helpful in dealing with stress and anxiety. This may support your decision to give up the deadly habit successfully.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources
- McFarland J.W., Folkenberg E.J. (1964). How to Stop Smoking in Five Days. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
- Carr A. (2004). The Easy Way to Stop Smoking. New York: Sterling. ISBN 1402771630.
- American Cancer Society. Guide to Quit Smoking, January 2011.
Garima Sancheti - Dr Garima Sancheti is a PhD in Radiation and Cancer Biology from Rajasthan University, India. She has written various research articles in ...
