Nicotine is one of the most
powerfully addictive substances known to humanity. When a long-term smoker
makes the final decision to quit, she may experience withdrawal symptoms as
minor as irritability, or as severe as migraines and panic attacks.
When a
nicotine craving hits, consider using a natural nicotine substitute to curb
your withdrawal symptoms. While these cannot completely alleviate your desire
to smoke, they may help to ease some of the discomforts while you overcome your
addiction.
Caffeine
Caffeine
is an excellent natural nicotine substitute, because it offers many of the
"beneficial" effects attributed to nicotine. Like nicotine, caffeine
stimulates the central nervous system, creates temporary feelings of euphoria,
and helps to suppress the appetite. Although caffeine is fairly addictive, it
is not associated with any significant health risks unless you have certain
medical conditions or exceed more than ten cups of coffee per day.
Healthy,
natural sources of caffeine include dark chocolate, green tea, black tea and
coffee. All of these products offer weight-loss benefits and antioxidant support.
They can help to prevent you from gaining weight as a result of smoking
cessation, and they may help your body to recover from cellular damage related
to tobacco use.
Kava-Kava
An
effective herbal anxiety treatment, kava-kava acts in a manner similar to
prescription anxiety treatments such as Xanax and
Valium. This root-based medicinal herb originates in the South Pacific, where
it has been historically used in both spiritual practices and as a treatment
for anxiety disorders. Kava-kava is a mild sedative and helps to curb many
symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, including anxiety, insomnia, restlessness,
agitation and irritability.
Although
kava-kava is certainly associated with fewer health risks than tobacco, this
natural nicotine substitute is completely risk-free. Kava-kava has been linked
to liver damage in a few individuals, particularly people with pre-existing
liver disease. Use kava-kava only under a health care provider's guidance if
you have a history of liver disease, and do not take it regularly for longer
than three months.
Lobelia
Also
known as Indian tobacco or vomitweed, lobelia contains toxic alkaloids similar
to those found in tobacco. Lobelia's primary active constituent, lobeline, acts
in a manner similar to nicotine, exerting both a stimulant effect and a mild
sense of euphoria. Lobelia is roughly as toxic as tobacco, and, when it is
ingested in large quantities, it can cause coma, seizures and death. Because of
this, lobelia is not a suitable long-term substitute for nicotine, but it may
help to enable smoking cessation in people struggling to kick the habit. Use
lobelia only under a physician's supervision, and not as a long-term nicotine
replacement.
Lavender
When used
in aromatherapy, lavender is an ideal natural nicotine substitute. Lavender's
sweet, floral scent can be used as an incense or massage oil; the oil may also
be blended and added to a hot bath or a diffusor. Lavender exerts a calming,
mildly sedative effect and can curb episodes of anxiety or insomnia while you
quit smoking. Now that you've put down the tobacco, your heightened sense of
smell can make aromatherapy even more pleasurable.
If you
aren't successful the first time you quit smoking, try again. The more times
you try, the more likely you are to succeed-- and your body will thank you for
your efforts.
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