Herbs are good additions to your smoking cessation program. There are certain herbs that help lessen the withdrawal symptoms, ease anxiety and stress, cut cravings, or help clean your lungs and body. Listed below are 5 helpful herbs to help you quit smoking.

Herb #1: Catnip

Nepeta cataria or simply catnip is known to excite cats but gives the opposite effect to humans. Catnip eases anxiety, headaches, and can help smokers suffering from insomnia. It is also helpful in relieving upset stomach.

Catnip may also cut your cravings for cigarettes by putting some drops of its tincture on the back of your tongue. But make sure not to overdo it, as it can cause nausea, vomiting, or headaches.

Herb #2: Sweet Flag

Acorus calamus or simply Calamus is usually used to treat bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough, but is also very effective in clearing your bronchioles and eliminating excess mucus and residual toxins in your lungs.

It also has stimulating properties that gives you the extra energy and stamina especially in the heights of the withdrawal symptoms.

Herb #3: Coltsfoot

Tussilago farfara is an expectorant. It stimulates coughing and helps to expel the mucus in your lungs. But make sure to use it in small dose or you may end up having coughing spasms. Also, remember not to use coltsfoot if you’re experiencing pain when breathing, or coughing up blood.

Herb #3: Horsetail

Equisitum arvense contains little amount of nicotine. It can lessen your cravings and alleviate the withdrawal symptoms especially in the first two weeks after quitting. However, continuous use of horsetail for more than 6 consecutive weeks is highly discouraged as it can cause urinary irritation, abstaining for at least 3 weeks after last use is advised.

Herb #4: Korean Ginseng

Panax ginseng helps you cope with the physical and emotional stress of quitting smoking and restores the balance in your body. Korean ginseng is also a stimulant. It boosts your adrenal glands and controls cortisol secretion in your blood. It increases your energy, stamina and endurance. Also, it sharpens your concentration, improves mood, and help manage anxiety. However it should be taken in moderation, as it may cause side effects. Likewise, people suffering from heart condition, auto-immune disease, diabetes, bleeding disorder, or a hormone sensitive condition are discouraged from using this herb.

Herb #5: Oats (Wild Oats/ Oat Grass)

Avena sativa extract is often used to address nervous exhaustion or fatigue, it is a stimulant that helps ease the withdrawal symptoms and cut your cravings. Oat extract may also reduce anxiety and stress, and promote better sleep. It is also known to contain high levels of amino acid L-Tryptophan, an important substance for serotonin production which is responsible for better mood and well-being. This herb is safe for continuous use.

Most Herbs may taste unpleasant. If it’s discouraging you from taking the herb, you can combine or mix it with the herbal tea you enjoy drinking. Also, there are herbs that should be taken in smaller amounts. So before you take any herb, make sure to consult your physician or an herbalist, or you can make a research yourself. Quitting smoking is one difficult task. You’ll need every help you can get. And herbs may give your effort to quit smoking a boost.

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