Of late, Americans have begun to show interest in natural medicinal remedies. As a result, herbal aids to quit smoking have become popular. Herbal teas are becoming common smoking cessation aids.
Are Herbal Teas Effective?
Few studies have been conducted on whether herbal teas are really effective as a smoking cessation aid. But, many smoking quitters vouch for their effectiveness. However, it is not known whether herbal teas, on their own, are helpful in quitting smoking. What is beyond dispute is the fact that the herbs contained in herbal teas can help alleviate and calm nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Some common withdrawal symptoms and their appropriate herbal tea cures are given below.
Nausea
This is a common withdrawal symptom. It is intense in the first few weeks of quitting. Ginger tea can help alleviate nausea, as it is recommended for pregnant women suffering from morning sickness. Other popular herbal teas for nausea are peppermint and chamomile.
- You can buy ginger tea or make it at home. Boil two cups of water with ginger root. Add cream, sugar, honey or cinnamon for taste.
- For peppermint tea, add one tablespoon of peppermint leaves to one cup of water.
- To make chamomile tea, add one teaspoon of fresh chamomile flowers to one cup of boiling hot water.
Headaches
Headaches are also a common nicotine withdrawal symptom. Herbal teas can provide effective relief for headaches. Use rosemary teas for this purpose. Add a teaspoon of dried rosemary to one cup of boiling hot water.
Anxiety
Many smoking quitters report anxiety after they stop smoking. Use lemon balm and kava teas for relief from anxiety. Add a tablespoon of dried lemon balm leaves to a cup of boiling hot water to make lemon balm tea. Kava tea bags can be bought at stores or on the Internet.
Insomnia
There are many herbal teas that help to ease insomnia. Chamomile, sage, passionflower and cumin seeds have the effect of acting as natural sedatives.
Attention/Memory Problems
Many smoking quitters experience attention and memory difficulties. For these people, many herbal remedies are available that can revitalize the body. These teas, known as Yogi Tea and Revitalize Tea, can be bought at many grocery stores, specialty shops, mass retailers and online.
