Are you struggling with nicotine & smoking addiction? even after knowing that smoking is harmful for health. Don't worry, Ayurveda has the best herbs for nicotine addiction to get rid of this smoking habit.
People have become addicted to smoking because it contains a highly addictive chemical called nicotine which makes it difficult to quit smoking. It is commonly found in cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, hookah tobacco, and most e-cigarettes and is one of the leading causes of death and disease worldwide.
According to WHO studies, nicotine in the form of tobacco, is responsible for over 8 million deaths yearly. In which more than 7 million deaths from direct tobacco use and around 1.3 million from exposure to second-hand smoke.
In India, smoking consumption is a notable concern for public health. Between 2019 and 2020, around 28.6% of adults used tobacco. Alarmingly, 2 out of 5 daily cigarette users started before the age of 18.
In this article, we are going to talk about the Ayurvedic herbs for smoking addiction that can help you overcome these habits.
How it Affects the Body
Nicotine and Smoking addiction affects many vital organs and their functions which can cause serious long-term health problems. Below are some main concerns which are highly impacted by Nicotine and Smoking consumption:
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Heart: Nicotine raises blood pressure, heart rate and blood flow which puts extra pressure on the heart system. Over time, the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke increases.
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Brain: It changes brain chemistry that can lead to strong cravings and dependency. Its continued use affects cognitive function, impulse control, and emotional regulation.
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DNA Damage: Nicotine and other chemicals present in tobacco increase mutations in DNA which increases the risk of various cancers including lung, throat and mouth cancer.
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Other Health: Nicotine & smoking addiction recovery causes anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and insomnia. Long-term use is also linked to depression and increased stress levels.
Best Ayurvedic Herbs for Nicotine & Smoking Addiction
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine offers herbs for smoking addiction to overcome with nicotine consumption. Various herbs such as Ashwagandha, Tulsi, amla and etc help to detoxify the body, reduce cravings, and recover from smoking habits:
1. Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)
Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties that helps the body handle stress, a major trigger from smoking addiction. During your smoking quitting journey, it stabilizes your mood by managing cortisol levels which reduces anxiety and tension.
Regular use of this herb can reduce emotional triggers, and balances the nervous system that reduces the dependency on cigarettes for stress relief. Also, it helps to recover your body damage caused by prolonged use of nicotine and ensure a smoke-free life.
2. Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Tulsi, a powerful antioxidant herb for nicotine detoxification. It can help flush out toxins from the body, including harmful chemicals from cigarette smoke. It not only reduces dependency on nicotine but also protects the lungs from oxidative damage.
Chewing fresh Tulsi leaves or drinking Tulsi tea can help in reducing stress and anxiety, which are common withdrawal symptoms for smokers. Its calming effect on the nervous system makes it a natural remedy to prevent mood swings and irritability.
3. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)
Licorice root is a popular herbal remedy that supports lung health and reduces smoking cravings. Its soothing properties help relieve irritation in the throat and respiratory tract caused by cigarette smoke. After quitting smoking, this root herb helps to restore respiratory function.
Consuming Licorice root tea or supplements can be a helpful aid for struggling to quit smoking. This herb also acts as a mild expectorant, assisting in clearing mucus buildup in the lungs, which is often seen in smokers.
4. Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)
Brahmi, an Ayurvedic herb for cognitive health and brain function, reverses nicotine-induced damage. It balances the nervous system by reducing oxidative stress in the brain, aiding in neurological recovery during the quitting process.
Regular use of Brahmi enhances memory, concentration and mental clarity, which helps reverse the cognitive decline often associated with long-term smoking. Including this herb in your smoking cessation plan can greatly reduce the chances of relapse.
5. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla, one of the richest sources of Vitamin C, helps to eliminate the nicotine toxins from your body by enhancing liver function and immune system weakened by prolonged smoking. It helps prevent oxidative damage to lung cells, promoting their regeneration.
Regular consumption of amla helps repair tissue damage caused by smoking exposure, especially to the lungs and blood vessels. Also, it helps to reduce inflammation and enhances respiratory function.
6. Ginseng
Ginseng is a well-known adaptogenic herb that stable neurotransmitters to manage withdrawal symptoms such as depression and fatigue. It reduces nicotine cravings and supports energy levels during smoking cessation.
Including Ginseng or its supplements in the diet can ease the transition to a nicotine-free life. It supports adrenal function that ensures the body’s balanced energy levels without relying on nicotine.
7. Ginger
Ginger is a powerful detoxifying herb that helps eliminate nicotine from the body and soothe the digestive system to prevent nausea & digestive discomfort, which are common withdrawal symptoms among smokers.
Drinking Ginger tea or including fresh Ginger into meals can provide a natural way to curb cravings, cleanse the system, and stimulate circulation which fasten the body's recovery after quitting smoking.
Ayurvedic Practices for Nicotine & Smoking Recovery
During your smoking-quitting journey some triggers could affect you very badly due to its nicotine stuffing in cigarettes, especially when you are addicted to it. In addition to herbs, you can adopt some Ayurvedic practices in your lifestyle which can fasten your addiction recovery.
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Pranayama: It is a breathing exercise which improves lung function and helps manage stress
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Meditation & Yoga: It controls emotional triggers, reduces cravings and improves mood.
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Hydration: Drinking warm water with lemon and honey helps to detoxify your vital organs such as the liver.
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Dietary Changes: Also adding fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbal teas in your diet can fasten recovery.
Final Thoughts
Quitting smoking is challenging but not impossible, with the right approach you can overcome your smoking addiction. Above are some best herbs for nicotine addiction that offer a natural and effective way to reduce your nicotine dependency and restore your health. By involving ayurvedic remedies and practices in your life, you can take a step towards a healthy and smoke-free life.
References
Tamoli, Sanjay Motilal, et al. “Nicotine-Free Herbal Composition for Smoking De-Addiction - A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized, Multicentric Clinical Study.” National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 2023, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10353661/.
D’Souza, Manoranjan S., and Athina Markou. “Neuronal Mechanisms Underlying Development of Nicotine Dependence: Implications for Novel Smoking-Cessation Treatments.” National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 2011, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3188825/.
World Health Organization. “Tobacco.” WHO Fact Sheets, 2024, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco.
World Health Organization. Noncommunicable Diseases Microdata Repository. WHO, 2024, https://extranet.who.int/ncdsmicrodata/index.php/catalog/270.
