Say NO to Nicotine: Herbal Alternatives to Cigarettes

Quitting smoking can seem impossible, especially if you're used to lighting one up every day for many years. But these days, it is easier than ever to find other substances that are healthier and safer. Many of these are natural herbal substances that help ease the transition from high nicotine levels.

Herbal cigarettes are nothing new but have fallen out of fashion these days. These all-natural substances are a healthier and more affordable alternative to cigarettes, which contain nicotine and harmful additives and chemicals. If you're struggling to quit smoking cigarettes, read on to find out if herbs might help.

 

Is Smoking Herbs Safe?

Smoking herbs or tobacco-free herbal cigarettes is safer and healthier than smoking tobacco products. That being said, it doesn't mean no health risks are associated with smoking herbs. Inhaling any smoke can harm your health, allowing particulates and carcinogens into your lungs.

However, the real draw is a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. Many people use herbal products as a stepping stone to being entirely smoke-free. Their comparative safety is an excellent alternative on your journey to quitting cigarettes altogether.

It is vital to source any herbal smoking products from a reputable brand. Smoking herbs or herbal products from an unregulated maker can be dangerous because of contaminants, unsafe ingredients, improper dosages, and other factors. Always buy herbal cigarettes or other products from a trustworthy retailer.

 

How Do These Herbs Help You Quit Smoking?

Herbal remedies have been used to quit tobacco for centuries. There are a few ways herbal cigarettes and similar products can help ease the process. This includes improving nutrient levels and reducing cravings to make the transition easier. Here are a few ways that herbs can help you ditch cigarettes and ease the painful withdrawals:

Mimicking The Habit — One of the simplest and most obvious ways herbal products can help you quit smoking is by mimicking the habit. Smokers often struggle with restlessness as they experience tobacco withdrawal. Smoking herbal cigarettes is a helpful coping mechanism that tricks your brain into thinking you're continuing old habits. 

Filling Your System With Nutrients — One of the most fascinating ways herbal products help you quit smoking is by flooding your system with nutrients. For example, people who smoke green tea cigarettes get a hit of amino acids and other compounds that may help reduce cravings and relieve withdrawal symptoms.

Reducing Stress — Quitting smoking is a stressful process. Physical, emotional, and mental symptoms are all common as part of withdrawals, and many people find themselves anxious, tense, or irritable as they try to quit. In fact, it's a leading cause of smoking relapse! Luckily, many herbs help calm irritation and tension, making quitting more manageable.

Relief From Withdrawal Symptoms — One of the most challenging parts of quitting smoking is the withdrawal symptoms. These can cause agitation, irritability, sleeplessness, and even nausea. Some herbs, such as lobelia, may help relieve the effects of withdrawal by binding to receptors in the brain in the same way as nicotine. Other herbs can also improve circulation and reduce anxiety, which are issues for many people as they give up tobacco.

Is It Legal To Smoke Herbs?

The first thing that might come to mind when you hear about smoking herbs is marijuana. While cannabis legality varies significantly from region to region, you can rest assured that herbal cigarettes are legal. In fact, you can even buy them in many stores or order them online. As with tobacco, you must be at least 18 years old to buy herbal cigarettes in the United States.

 

What Herbs Can You Smoke?

 

You'll find plenty of choices if you're looking for an easy switch from tobacco to herbal cigarettes. So what herbs can you smoke, and how do you know which suits your needs?

Green tea — Believe it or not, the same green tea you drink can be used to quit tobacco. Green tea is rich in nutrients, which can help control cravings. It also has a significant caffeine content, which some people might find helpful for quitting cigarettes.

Lobelia — Lobelia is a stunning blue-flowering herb used in tobacco cessation for many years. Though there hasn't been much scientific research, many think it helps improve circulation while reducing cravings.

Mugwort — This herb has a mild sedative effect, which can help reduce stress and improve sleep. These are both vital while quitting nicotine.

 

Passion Flower — Passion flower has been studied scientifically and has been found to reduce anxiety levels and improve cravings. It also helps with mood regulation and insomnia, both significant struggles while quitting nicotine.

 

What Other Herbs Can Help You Quit Smoking?

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While you can't smoke every herb under the sun, many herbs can help with smoking cessation. These can be taken as pills or capsules, added to food or beverages in tincture form, or drunk as tea. They include:

• Catnip — Catnip can be taken as a capsule or brewed as a tea. It can help improve sleep and promote calmness.

• Ginseng — Ginseng helps reduce anxiety and agitation and improves energy levels. It can be taken as a capsule or tincture.

• St. John's Wort — Though more research is needed, St. John's Wort may help reduce cravings, improve sleep, and calm anxiety.

• Valerian — Valerian, usually consumed as a capsule, helps soothe anxiety, irritability, and insomnia.

• Hyssop — As a tincture or tea, hyssop can help reduce congestion, removing harmful buildup from your respiratory system.

 

How to Use Herbs to Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking can be difficult, and it's up to everyone to find the method that works for them. You might need to experiment a bit to find the herbal blend that brings you relief and helps you conquer the cravings. These herbs have been used to help people quit bad habits for hundreds of years — and with some effort and determination, they may be able to help you, too.