Smoking is more than just a bad habit.  It’s an addiction. Governments try to fight to smoke by making policies to raise taxes and the price of cigarettes so fewer people can afford them. This might work for some.  However for people who are truly addicted, really help to break the addiction is needed. Herbs, natural chemicals, and support groups can help people quit smoking naturally.

Oats are a heart-healthy food that is high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and folate. Eating oats can help lower levels of bad cholesterol and keep arteries clear, which helps to lower the risk of heart disease. They also contain chemicals called avenanthramide’s that can reduce stress, strengthen the nervous system, fight free radicals, and combat high blood pressure. All of these benefits can be crucial for smokers who are at a higher risk for heart disease.  Oats can also directly help smokers quit. An extract derived from green oats can ease withdrawal symptoms and help to decrease cigarette cravings.

Among many other things, cayenne pepper is an excellent remedy to help quell the cravings for a cigarette. It desensitizes the respiratory system to tobacco and chemical irritants thereby thwarting the cravings for cigarettes. Ensure to take the spice daily; add a couple of pinches to your glass of water to really benefit from its effects.

It has been shown to prevent the nicotine-induced release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Of course, dopamine is what makes people feel better after smoking which is part of the nicotine addiction process. a teaspoon of ginseng powder added to your breakfast cereal or morning health shake should help alleviate the number of cravings.

Primarily used to treat depression, there is some research that this medicinal herb helps people quit smoking. In one pilot study, 24 people who smoked 1 or more cigarettes a day received St. John’s wort (450 mg capsule 2 times a day) plus smoking cessation counseling. After 12 weeks, 37.5% or 9 out of 24 people had quit.

Herbal cigarettes can replace regular cigarettes and help break the addiction. Smokers become used to reaching for a cigarette in certain situations and at specific times during the day. Sometimes a cigarette is about familiarity or comfort more than nicotine. Herbal cigarettes contain fewer chemicals and carcinogens than regular cigarettes.

The main benefits of herbal cigarettes are that they are not addictive. These cigarettes contain zero nicotine. They are made with herbs such as mint, cinnamon, clover, cornsilk, licorice, or lemongrass. They also have some carcinogens so they should only be used as a short-term aid to break the nicotine habit and not long-term.

This herb has been promoted to help people fight the effects of nicotine withdrawal and is found in many anti-smoking products. The active ingredient in lobelia, lobeline, is thought to have similar actions on the body as nicotine. Further research has shown that lobeline may increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain similar to cigarettes.

Has the ability to help with clearing mucus congestion in the lungs associated with COPD. It also has been known to alleviate the anxiety and even hysteria that is sometimes associated with smoking withdrawal.

One of the premier sedative herbs used to aid people with anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Valerian also acts as a muscle relaxant. Valerian is clearly one of the herbs of choice in smoking cessation to deal with the issues of insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety.

Peppermint is considered a digestive aid and tension reliever. It is also cooling to the respiratory system – so for all these reasons, it may be of value to those giving up smoking. Peppermint sweets/candies may provide a pleasant sensation and thereby distract from the ‘oral fixation’ of cigarette smoking.

Once you have successfully broken free of the addiction, it is essential to repair the damage that has been caused by smoking. Regardless of what you may hear, the damage is reversible through proper diet, exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep. Never let this leave your mind, as we all have the power to overcome.

Smoking destroys vitamin C in the body – an important antioxidant. As a result, it is important to increase your vitamin C intake to anywhere from 5000 – 20000 mg daily. This will help reduce some of the oxidative stress smoking has caused. Further to this, Vitamin E and A are also essential for repairing the damage done to your cells and mucous membranes. Another important mineral to consider taking is coenzyme Q10. This is yet another powerful antioxidant that helps protect the lungs and heart while increasing oxygen to the brain.

The American Lung Association has a free online program called Freedom from Smoking Online that offers assistance to people looking to quit smoking. People can also call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or go to Nicotine Anonymous meetings for support and information.