Tobacco is a mood-altering substance. Nicotine is highly addictive because it stimulates the central nervous system to release serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. Because tolerance to its effects builds quickly, users have to smoke more and more to achieve any pleasurable sensation. While tobacco use may cause anxiety in some people, stopping smoking creates tremendous anxiety for nicotine addicts. The goal of this plan to quit smoking for good is to reduce anxiety and cravings.
Reduce Anxiety with Herbs
St. John's Wort and Valerian root take the edge off as smokers cut down before quitting. These helpful herbs alleviate depression, soothe nerves, relax tense muscles and treat insomnia. Take St John's Wort twice a day and build up to three times a day in a week to 10 days. The full effect of St. John's Wort may take two or three weeks to notice. Take Valerian root at night at first, then use it whenever feelings of anxiety hit. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Valerian root.
Damiana and Passion flower tea also alleviate anxiety; they work synergistically together and are most potent as a tea. Catnip, hops, lobelia and skullcap can also be used to reduce nervousness. Lobelia, also known as Indian Tobacco or Wild Tobacco, should be used with caution. To prevent toxicity do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended dose.
Try Supplements to Calm Cravings
Glutamine is an amino acid that quells cravings in any type of addiction. Drug addiction and alcoholism both respond to glutamine administration. Buy the powdered form at sports nutrition stores and hold a one gram dose under the tongue until cravings pass. Glutamine is safe to use even in large amounts. It is the strongest natural quit smoking aid.
To Quit Smoking Forever
Here is information about dietary additions that can help anyone break the habit, adapted from Michael Lesser's book, The Brain Chemistry Plan:
- Glutamine, 500 mg every 6 hours
- Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, 1 gram six times daily for the first 48 to 72 hours, then tapering off to one gram two or three times a day
- Niacin, or vitamin B3, is an antidepressant. Dr. Lesser suggests one gram six times daily for the first two or three days, tapering off to one to three grams a day.
- After a few days the vitamin C and Niacin may be reduced to one to two grams daily.
- Eat a small high-protein snack every hour while awake for the first two or three days, then eat a single high-protein snack every day for two or three weeks.
- Glutamine can be stopped after two or three weeks.
Caution: A dose as small as 500 mg of niacin can produce a temporary but uncomfortable flushing sensation. Either work up gradually to the higher amount or use a "no-flush" form. Niacinamide does not cause flushing and may also be effective. Do not use high doses of niacin without a doctor's advice if you have liver disease.
Exercise boosts serotonin and is an antidote for depression and anxiety.
By using this list of herbal helpers and supplements, which effective and natural smoking cessation medicines, anyone can kick the tobacco habit. A regimen of amino acids, vitamins and herbs, coupled with a desire to quit are effective tools in the battle against nicotine. Because smoking is an addiction, a support group can also help smokers stay quit for good, one day at a time.
References
Michael Lesser, M.D., The Brain Chemistry Plan, The Berkley Publishing Group, 2002
Phyllis Balch, C.N.C., Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Ed. Avery, 2000
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