How to Give up Smoking Naturally

Four million smokers hope to quit when England goes smoke-free from July 1st, but according to research, only 15% will succeed. To help smokers beat their cravings, Neal’s Yard Remedies is offering
a range of proven natural and effective herbal remedies and treatments that will help smokers stop for good.
The key to success, it says, is to treat the common symptoms linked to quitting such as cravings, irritability and feelings of depression, which can seriously knock the resolve of even the most determined person. Susan Curtis, Medicines Director of Neal’s Yard Remedies says, “Your body goes through a lot when you stop smoking. Withdrawal from nicotine triggers chemical changes in your brain that affect your moods and can make you feel depressed and irritable. At the same time your body is starting to eliminate the harmful chemicals that have built up over time. This is great for your body and wellbeing in the long run but can be very diffi cult to go through. Herbal remedies, calming teas and treatments, such as acupuncture, are highly effective in helping people stop smoking.”
It is the neuro chemical dopamine that drives a large part of the addiction to cigarettes and creates cravings when people give up. St John’s Wort is a nonaddictive, herbal remedy that works by raising the dopamine levels and helps counter cravings and depression. In one trial, 38 per cent of those taking 450-mg of St John’s Wort twice-a-day successfully quit smoking after 12 weeks**. And the great news for anyone worried about piling on the pounds is that none of the participants in this trial put on weight when quitting with St John’s Wort.
Nux Vomica is one of the most frequently used homeopathic remedies. It affects the central nervous system and is highly effective in treating feelings of irritability as well as cravings.
Tea is the nation’s favourite drink and there are many soothing herbal teas that can help with the problems associated with giving up:
Dandelion and Red Clover Tea aids the body in eliminating the harmful chemicals associated with smoking, helping people quitting smoking feel better, faster.
Lemon Balm & Rose Tea helps support the nervous system by calming the nerves and lifting the spirits.
Passiflora and Chamomile Tea helps with relaxation in the evening and aids sleep.
Acupuncture is a form of traditional ancient Chinese medicine that is widely used as a drug-free way to quit smoking. Acupuncture is successful in helping people quit because it can reduce the actual desire to smoke as well as relieving some of the negative psychological symptoms. It has been shown to be especially useful for people who have failed to give up smoking by other methods.