Herbs To Help You Stop Smokin

October 14, 2008 by kal  
Filed under Healthy Living

One of the biggest problems when trying to stop smoking is that smokers become physically dependant on nicotine. Smoking affects the parts of the brain that relate to reward and pleasure. It increases the amount of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, and the nature of nicotine is that it creates a cycle of positive reinforcement within your brain that makes you want more. Scientists have found that when you withdraw from chronic nicotine use, it results in changes in these neural pleasure pathways. So when stopping, depression and anxiety are common side-effects.

There are a few herbs that have a traditional reputation for helping people stop smoking. These herbs exert varying effects that will make stopping easier. Most of them can be found in either dried bulk, capsule, or liquid extract form. Be sure to always follow the directions on the label for use. If using dried herbs, use them only to prepare tea, or tinctures, and never smoke them as a replacement for tobacco. Read more