Despite all our attempts at healthy living — i.e. subscribing to a nutrient dense diet and exercise — an addiction can get in the way of ultimate well being.
Smoking, because of the nicotine found in cigarettes, is extremely addictive.
You see, nicotine acts in one of two ways:
Stimulant
Nicotine works to stimulate three primarily body systems.
- Central Nervous System
- Cardiovascular System
- Digestive System
SedativeFor some folks — smoking settles nerves and bring calm.
Whichever the action, and secondary sensation experienced, smoking is a very difficult habit to kick.
Difficult…not impossible.
Although there are no easy ways to stop smoking, there are a multitude of natural remedies to help you quit that you can try that are not nicotine-based — like the most common mainstream, pharmaceutical nicotine replacement treatments.
To quit smoking naturally, all you have to do is educate yourself on the gifts available to help you quit smoking naturally. And of course, be determined to liberate yourself from the throes of nicotine addiction.
Ideas To Help You Quit
- Make a list. Write down all motivating reasons that brought you to the decision to quit. Post it somewhere as a constant reminder.
- Set a date. Having a goal — this could be weeks or months into the future — will allow you to stay focused and committed.
- Change it up. Switch to a brand of cigarettes that you don’t like.
- Just stop. Don’t stop smoking cold turkey, but maybe set guidelines for yourself. Agree to stop smoking during certain hours of the day and gradually increase this time period. Soon enough, there won’t be any time left for a smoke.
- Make another list. This time, write down things that make you happy, joyful, and calm. When the temptation comes — choose these activities instead of smoking.
- Crafty you. Learn a new craft or skill…something that requires the use of your hands (i.e. knitting, drawing/sketching, cooking, crocheting, sewing, gardening…).
- Save your money. In a tucked away corner of your living space, place a jar. Fill it with the money you save from buying less cigarettes. You’ll be amazed!
This flavorful and relaxing herbal smoking mixture is blended with care and contains no synthetic ingredients or tobacco.
Ideal for rolling your own (using cigarette papers) herbal cigarettes or enjoying out of a pipe. This all natural loose-leaf blend is a great alternative to chemical-laden cigarettes.
Herbs To Help You Quit
- Lobelia — contains the alkaloid lobeline, which acts as a temporary replacement for nicotine — satisfying the body’s craving.
- Passion Flower & Oat straw — help to calm and nourish the nervous system, which will help with the irritability experienced during withdrawal.
- Mullein — a plant smoked traditionally by Native Americans for lung healing (protecting against inflammation of the respiratory tract) and ceremonial purposes. (Try smoking this non-toxic, non-nicotine herb instead of tobacco by rolling its leaves in cigarette papers or via pipe. Purchase organic mullein leaf here…)
- Ginger root — aids in restoring health and function to the digestive system and relieves nausea often associated with nicotine withdrawal (Chewing on pieces of fresh ginger root or candied ginger can help curb cravings. So can sucking on a whole clove.)
- Skullcap — used effectively in the treatment of an overactive nervous system (most effective in relieving tension and anxiety).
- Eleuthero Root — helps to build the immune system and supports the body during stressful times.
- Echinacea Root & Garlic — both increase the lungs’ resistance to infection and disease. (Make this immunity powerhouse — Hot Echinacea Tincture — with my easy to follow recipe.)
Detox herbs such as those found in this detox tea are also vital in supporting the body’s transition away from the toxic effects of nicotine.
Several different preparations of the herbs listed above can be created at home or purchased. Look for teas, extracts, tinctures, or capsules.
Use them whenever you have the desire smoke, up to six times a day.
Shop Mountain Rose Herbs. They have everything you’ll need by way of Bulk Herbs, Extracts, Capsules, and Natural Products for Healthy, Natural Living!
Essential Oils To Help You Quit
Essential oils can be used as a potent and effective treatment for smoking cessation. They work by helping you control the cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.
The use of pure, organic essentials oils is a safe and natural way to help alleviate irritability, anxiety, stress, fatigue and nervousness — which are most often symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal.
Oils such as…
- Helichrysum (aids in tobacco detoxification)
- Black Pepper (helps to alleviate nicotine withdrawal symptoms)
- Marjoram
- Lemon
- Lime
- Grapefruit
- Orange
- Clove
- Geranium
- Roman Chamomile
- Ylang Ylang
…can be use topically, aromatically, and/or as dietary supplements. (Note: For the highest medicinal value available — and the only oils I recommend — choose essential oils from Mountain Rose Herbs for yourself, your family, and your friends. Click here to purchase…)
Quit Smoking Mixture
Mix 1 ounce of organic coconut, olive, or jojoba oil with 12 drops of any combination of ylang ylang, orange, chamomile, marjoram, and/or grapefruit pure essential oils. Store in a small glass dropper or roller top bottle. Apply oil to skin under nose or to a cotton ball and inhale with several deep breaths when the urge to smoke arises.
Detoxification Blend
Liver cleansing and detox is vital to overcoming an addiction to nicotine. Mix 1 ounce of your favorite plant-based carrier oil with 6-8 drops of Helichrysum essential oils and massage onto skin over liver and lungs.
Digestive Blend
Many essential oils have been recognized through research as powerful agents to help restore normal balance in the digestive system — something much needed after tobacco abuse. Herbal teas — such as this one — and essential oil blends — such as this one — bring soothing digestive relief. Use as directed.
Respiratory Blend
Restoring the lungs and respiratory tissues is a key function during and after smoking cessation, and essential oils are a perfect way to bring a sustained benefit. Breathe Blend is a remarkable blend of essential oils which combine to do just that, help you breathe easier. A proprietary blend that cleanses and soothes the airways, and can easily be applied topically to the chest, back, or bottom of feet. Its pleasant aroma is calming to the senses and perfect for diffusion at home or at work.
Relaxation Mixture
Diffusing oils such as lemon, ylang ylang, grapefruit, marjoram, roman chamomile, and the like will promote feeling of calm and relaxation. Other oil blends such as Citrus Bliss Fresh Blend, Joy Synergy Blend, Clear the Air Blend, and/or a Calming Blend can be used as needed.
WHY HERBS?
+Because they work gently and effectively.
+Because you can grow many yourselves, right outside your front door or even in your kitchen.
+Because it’s our birthright to use the gifts of nature with respect and wisdom.
+Because up until relatively recently, at least in the western world, herbs were an integral part of taking care of ourselves.
Health doesn’t come from plastic bottles. Vitality grows naturally from the way you live your life. Deep down, people already know this.
If you want to learn more about herbs as medicine and as food, and if you’re just too busy to enroll in an in-person program, join the Herbal Academy of New England for a comprehensive and convenient online herbal course you can complete anywhere and anytime!
Learn what your great ancestors knew about the natural world and begin to build your own apothecary.
Start classes anytime!
Click this link to learn more and register.
Where Can I Get This Stuff?
–Mountain Rose Herbs…they have everything you’ll need by way of Bulk Herbs, Organic Carrier Oils, and Natural Products for Healthy, Natural Living!
Be sure not to miss a post, click this link to receive my free eBook and Frugally Sustainable tips by email.
Note: Naturally the results will be different for everyone. This is by no means a cure-all. I’m just happy to share with you my experience with these plants and/or oils. Please use conventional wisdom and consult with your medical professional prior to using this or any other herbal remedy. And as we know all too well the FDA doesn’t like any type of claim…therefore, take it for what it is, and remember, this information is purely educational in its purpose.
Matt
One of the most thorough lists I have found. And thanks for mentioned products as well. However a lot of those herbs are found in Quit Tea http://www.quittea.com and will help someone quit smoking without drugs.
greenmama
I opened this hoping that it would help a family member with an alcohol addiction. Would these same herbs and oils help with other sorts of addictions or is it just nicotine?
Sharon Devi
Wondering the same, will this help other addiction (example: food addiction, chocolate addiction) ? Thank you in advance.
Sandy
Also interested in the alcohol addiction herbs.
Tunji
Most addiction stems from one major cause-chemical imbalance!
Cravings are signals by the body that it is out of balance.
Unfortunately, the response of the addict, is more of what caused the imbalance in the first place.
Even though the body tries mightily to put the body back in balance, more of the poison takes the body far into the realm of imbalance.
Eventually, damage to organ systems, and low immunity can result in opportunistic diseases invading the body.
Some of the damage could be permanent
The first action for healing of these addictions is a detoxification process. This should be complemented with good nutrition. There is hardly any disease that good nutrition cannot benefit.
Perhaps the most important part of the healing process in any addiction is stopping the destructive habit.
The body has the ability to recover from damage if intervention is timely
Good nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices-these are the keys to health
massagegirl
This is such an interesting post! I haven’t really looked much into the effects of essential oils on addiction. This is a great article that has a ton of information! You’ve gotten me really interested now! Thanks!
Brad
I too am interested in how these essential oils might work for those suffering from a serious drug addiction. At my drug rehab, we use sound therapy, yoga, and many other different types of programs to help addicts recover. This an intriguing article.
Donetta
prayer,
lavender oil,
about 6 tries 2 months apart,
quit Dec 9 2012.
still free from addiction and habit.
if at first you don’t succeed try try try try etc., never give up.
I was addicted for over 30 years, we can beat this.
Remember ‘Addictions Lie to you’ and we hate Liars!
Melanie H
My hubby and I have been working toward quitting for a couple months now. I can wait to show him this article. The picture is enough for me to put them down right now. ICK!
Gisele
Definitely giving this a shot, tried everything else, natural must be the way.