Anti smoking herbals

Kudzu. A vine plant native to Japan. It has been used for treating various addictions. The Harvard Medical School is studying kudzu as a way to treat alcoholic cravings and is developing a pharmaceutical drug based on Kudzu.

Passion Flower. Used medicinally to promote relaxation and calmness, passion flower is often prescribed as an alternative medicine for the treatment of insomnia, nervous tension and irritability.

Avena Sativa. An extremely efficient nerve tonic which prevents insomnia, depression and anxiety. It has also been used to treat opium addiction. Recent studies have suggested that it is effective in reducing the craving for nicotine by balancing levels of acetylcholine implicated in addiction. It also contains phenols that have antioxidant effects and are beneficial for preventing heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Mucuna pruriens. A tropical plant also known as velvet bean. It contains powerful amino acid L-Dopa. Smoking increases the level of dopamine in the brain which causes pleasure and leads to an addiction. When you quit smoking, the brain is asking for dopamine by creating a strong urge for smoking. However, your body will naturally convert the L-Dopa in Mucuna pruriens to dopamine and effectively stop nicotine cravings. Mucuna pruriens also showed strong anti-cancer activity in a laboratory study.

Ginseng. A slow growing herb found in Asia and North America. One study has demonstrated that ginseng prevents the nicotine-induced release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is what makes people feel good after smoking and is part of the addiction process. Ginseng contains powerful antioxidants that have been found to inhibit cancer cell growth in many studies.

Lobelia. Herb Also known as Indian tobacco, lobelia herb produces effects similar to nicotine on the central nervous system, while acting as an overall relaxant. Lobelia is also used to treat respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and coughs.

Garcinia Cambogia. An Ayurvedic herb. It has hydro-citric acid which prevents sugar cravings and compensatory eating associated with nicotine withdrawal.

5-HTP. A natural amino acid extracted from seeds of the African plant Griffonia Simplicifolia. Many people self-medicate for depression by smoking. By taking a natural antidepressant 5-HTP, it easier to stop smoking, 5-HTP is converted to serotonin in your body. Serotonin is responsible for regulating mood and makes you feel more positive. Three clinical studies show that 5-HTP is effective for treating depression. Some studies showed that 5-HTP curbs appetite and helps prevent weight gain.

Rhodiola Rosea. An effective ingredient for improving mood and alleviating depression by optimizing serotonin and dopamine levels. Pilot studies on human subjects show that it improves physical and mental performance and reduces fatigue. Clinical trial has shown effectiveness of Rhodiola in the treatment of depression. Rhodiola has excellent mood stabilizing benefits for those quitting smoking. It also has an excellent antioxidant potency that protects the heart.