5 Natural Remedies To Get Over Smoking
Most people who desire to quit smoking do it cold turkey. They rely on their willpower to stop the habit and redirect their focus elsewhere. However, this method isn’t a walk in the park. Quitting smoking is the hardest thing you can do because it results in nicotine addiction, which is extremely hard to kick.
As a result, most people find themselves dealing with uncontrollable cravings. Not to mention, because you miss the pleasure you got from smoking, the yearning may lead you to substitute cigarettes for alcohol or food. Doing so gets you in an even worse situation because it presents a new problem — overeating may lead to obesity and alcohol results in a new addiction.
Therefore, if you plan to quit smoking, cold turkey isn’t the best way to go about it. Even if you have the willpower of a gnat, the cravings and yearnings will drive you back into the old habits or new and even more detrimental ones. Fortunately, there are natural remedies that have proven effective for getting over smoking. These include:
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Chinese therapy that involves inserting needles in acupuncture points in different parts of the body. This therapy is used to treat various ailments, albeit that there is no scientific evidence to prove that acupuncture points exist and that the treatment is effective.
However, acupuncture isn’t claimed to cure smoking. The therapy merely helps with the withdrawal symptoms one experiences when they stop smoking. The belief is that if the withdrawal symptoms are managed effectively, one can cope until all the nicotine is out of their symptoms and they’re no longer dependent on cigarettes.
2. Roots and Herbal Treatments
Like many smokers, you may be tempted to find smokable herbs with weed to do away with your nicotine cravings after quitting. However, it’s never a good idea to substitute one addiction with another. Some of the smokable herbs have chemicals you may get addicted to as well. It’s better to use herbal treatments that control your cravings and keep your withdrawal symptoms in control. This way, you’re in a better position to quit successfully.
Some of the herbal treatments that have proven effective for quitting smoking include:
● Valerian roots: These roots have sedative properties that help relieve withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, stress, and restlessness. The best way to consume the roots is to make tea.
● Radish: This root neutralizes the acidity caused by smoking, thereby reducing withdrawal symptoms. Make a radish juice and add some honey for the best results.
● Mulethi: It curbs the urge to smoke and regulates the digestive system. You can chew it or make tea and drink it daily.
● Red clover: Chewing it reduces the urge to smoke. Also, the herb has anti-carcinogenic properties, which are beneficial in preventing mouth cancer and other cancers.
● Ginseng: It’s an effective natural remedy that reduces nicotine cravings. What’s more, it's perfect for controlling one of the nuisance nicotine withdrawal symptoms — nausea. Add a tablespoon of ginseng powder to cereal or smoothies every day for the best results.
● Green tea: reduces withdrawal symptoms and helps repair tissues damaged by smoking.
3. Hypnosis
Many smokers who want to quit the habit also rely on hypnosis. This is a therapeutic practice that puts you in a relaxed and altered state of awareness. The hypnotists give suggestions that are designed to amplify the adverse effects of smoking. What’s more, they encourage the enjoyment of freedom and strive to build willpower.
The advantage of hypnosis is that anyone can use it to quit smoking, and it doesn’t have any side effects. Besides, it’s pretty enjoyable and relaxing. However, unless the hypnotist's suggestions are helpful, the therapy won’t help you quit smoking.
4. Honey
Honey is the gift that keeps on giving at home. From colds to skin and hair care, this household product seems like the holy grail. And if you’re on the path to quitting smoking, honey comes to the rescue once again.
Honey is packed with vitamins, proteins, and enzymes, that aid in the cessation of smoking. Thanks to this combination of nutrients, you’ll be able to control cravings and deal with withdrawal symptoms more effectively.
Furthermore, research shows that honey is rich in antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress and protect against cardiovascular diseases. However, to reap the benefits, you need to use organic honey.
5. Water
Water is a natural detoxifying agent, which means it’s beneficial for anyone who wants to quit smoking because it will help flush out the nicotine from your system. Drinking the recommended 8 to 10 glasses of water every day will boost your immune system, thereby relieving the withdrawal symptoms you get after quitting.
Furthermore, hydration improves your overall health, skin, and even hair. So, you’ll look and feel great on your journey to giving up cigarettes. You should take 1 or 2 glasses of water every time you have an urge to smoke. The water will do away with the cravings instantly and help you cope better with withdrawal symptoms.
Wrapping Up
There you have it; 5 effective natural remedies for quitting smoking. Some of these methods work better than others. Choose the one that works best for you. If you haven’t tried any of them, it doesn’t hurt to try several until you find your sweet spot. It’s also advisable to combine them for an even better experience. But remember, quitting smoking doesn’t happen overnight. It takes commitment and patience to stop successfully.
References:
https://www.allencarr.com/easyway-stop-smoking/stop-smoking-naturally/
https://www.healthline.com/health/copd/quit-smoking-acupuncture-herbs#traditional-methods
https://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/quit-smoking-using-natural-remedies-zmaz02jjzgoe