The biggest hurdle to quitting smoking is managing the addiction. Many times one addiction is simply replaced by another. The trick is to replace the destructive habits with productive ones. Exercise is a great habit to establish to help speed up your recovery, and it doesn't have to be vigorous. It can be something as simple as taking a walk or even just practicing deep breathing techniques.
Aside from the addiction to nicotine, the habit itself is tough to break. You have likely ingrained smoking into nearly every aspect of your life. Driving a car, after meals, even certain times are all heavy triggers you will have to deal with once you have made the decision to quit. What can help is a replacement for these moments to help you get through those crucial first few weeks.
Chewing gum is a great way to transition into new habits, as are toothpicks. Lollipops and other candies can also be effective, but you will want to use oral devices sparingly as they can lead to dental problems if used long term. Bubble wrap is wonderful for keeping your hands busy, and also acts as a stress reliever. Toys and therapy devices designed for preventing carpal tunnel are also effective as they give your hands something to do when you are idle.
Begin the Process with Water
Many hypnosis techniques train you to replace the desire for cigarettes with a desire for water. This is a good technique for many reasons. It is an all around healthy habit for you to get ample amounts of water. Water is also going to help flush your system of the contaminants that have building up while you were a smoker. Getting rid of these toxins helps reduce the withdrawals symptoms and cravings.
Externally, water can also be used as a therapeutic device. From hot showers to saunas, water is a great stress reliever, and will help open your skin and lungs to further expedite the cleansing process. If you don't have access to a hot tub, even a simple bucket of water to soak your feet will do wonders to tame the anxiety and angst of breaking the smoking habit.
Water is a wonderful thing, but it may not keep your cravings under control. For this you may want to investigate a stronger solution. Prescription drugs are effective, but the cost and the side effects can be crippling. If you are looking for a more natural and cost effective way to manage your withdrawal symptoms there are many options available.
The Natural Replacement for Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Prozac, and Paxil
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been studied for years for its effectiveness in treating mild to moderate depression. According to the Vanderbilt University Health Psychology Department, several studies have proven it to be more effective than placebo at improving mood among test subjects. This comes as no surprise to Europeans who have been using this herb for centuries to treat a number of different ailments.
Aside from acting as a generic antidepressant, St. Johns Wort has been known to stimulate circulation and respiration, and also helps to expel phlegm. It helps calm your nerves, and relieve the symptoms of anxiety, depression, nervousness, and insomnia. Overall it is an effective aid to help you stop smoking as it will take the edge off your transition to sobriety.
To receive the full benefits of the herb, it is recommended that you take St. John’s Wort for four to six weeks prior to quitting in order to build up levels of this herb in your system. It is available in capsule form and is usually taken at meals. Generally regarded as safe, some people report mild side effects in very rare instances.
Using Indian Tobacco to Manage Nicotine Withdrawal
Indian tobacco (Lobelia inflata) is known for having similar properties to nicotine. Though effective, it has not gained popularity as a stop smoking aid because it is toxic in high doses. The plant is not smoked; rather it is made into either a tea or a tincture. Both forms can help with immediate cravings and withdrawal symptoms when you are quitting smoking.
Because of the toxicity of this herb, the dosage is very strict. One drop of tincture on your tongue is enough to give you relief from a craving if you swish it around then breathe deeply through your open mouth. This should only be done when your cravings are unmanageable. Otherwise there are teas for sale through many retailers which contain a small amount of Lobelia as well as other herbs which can tackle cravings safely.
Historically Lobelia has been used as a respiratory stimulant, anti-asthmatic, spasmolytic, expectorant, diaphoretic, nervine, emetic, and relaxant. For smokers this is especially good as Lobelia helps clear lung passages. This helps speed recovery and gives you a sense that quitting smoking is something that is good and you reap the rewards of it very quickly. Immediate gratification is great to help you maintain the will power to beat the addiction.
The Amazing Natural Tranquilizer
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) has been used traditionally as a treatment for rabies because of its ability to calm one's nerves and ease muscle tension and spasms. Skullcap also induces sleep without any strong sedative or stupefying effect. Used mainly as a treatment for anxiety, it is important to a stop smoking program for its ability to ease tension and rejuvenate the central nervous system.
Available in capsules, as a tea or in tincture, Skullcap is safe and non-addictive, though there is the possibility of overdose, and it can react with other medications. It is recommended that you take skullcap for several weeks prior to quitting, and to continue taking it for six to eight weeks. It is recommended that you stop taking skullcap after eight weeks if you begin to have symptoms of depression or general malaise.
Whenever you are considering any dietary or medicinal change, please consult your doctor or nutritionist to discuss what the best course of action is for you and your health goals. As well, make sure to check several sources before making a decision on what supplements you want to take for any particular reason.
To your longevity!
Sources:
University of Maryland Medical Center
Brett Ballard - I am on a mission. A mission to rectify all the wrong I have done to my body for the past 35 years. I want to be able to say at the age of ...
