Smoking: 5 clever tips to help you quit
Whether it’s during “Tobacco-Free Month” in November, at the start of the year to support your resolutions, or anytime throughout the year, deciding to quit smoking is a vital step toward improving your health and that of those around you. This crucial choice will help preserve your organs, allow you to fully rediscover your senses like smell and taste, and enable you to breathe more freely. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to save money and boost both your fertility and libido.
From an aesthetic perspective, quitting smoking also has numerous benefits: say goodbye to bad breath, clothes that smell unpleasant, yellowed teeth, and dull skin. While some people manage to stub out their last cigarette effortlessly, most smokers need to overcome deeply ingrained habits.
If you’re ready to free your daily life from cigarettes, here are five natural methods to support your journey. Congratulations on this courageous choice!
1) Simple Techniques to Manage Cravings
A craving to smoke typically lasts two to three minutes. By finding an alternative to get through this critical moment, you can overcome the urge without turning to food. Here are some tips to keep your mind occupied and calm the craving:
- Practice deep, mindful breathing.
- Drink a glass of water or peppermint tea.
- Opt for a sugar-free chewing gum or candy, or brush your teeth with a very minty toothpaste.
- Slowly savor an almond or a piece of dark chocolate.
- Chew on a licorice stick (if you don’t have high blood pressure).
- Take a short walk or spend a few minutes meditating.
2) Essential Oils: Your Anti-Smoking Allies
Essential oils are renowned for their ability to ease stress and cravings. With their intense aromas and relaxing properties, they can help mitigate withdrawal symptoms. Here are some recommendations to get started:
- For cravings: Try cinnamon essential oil.
- To purify your airways: Use eucalyptus radiata.
- To calm nervousness: Lavender, sweet orange, or bergamot are excellent choices.
- For withdrawal support: Angelica or exotic verbena essential oil can be very helpful.
These oils can be used in diffusers, inhaled, or applied to a handkerchief for on-the-go support.
3) Kuzu: A Little-Known Ally for Quitting
Kuzu (or kudzu) is a plant often used to treat various addictions, including smoking. It acts directly on brain receptors, reducing uncontrollable cravings. Some people even develop an aversion to cigarettes after using it!
Available in capsules, powder, or liquid extract, it’s typically taken three times daily. You can find kuzu in organic stores, herbal shops, and some pharmacies.
4) Valerian to Soothe Withdrawal Symptoms
Valerian is well-known for its calming properties and is ideal for reducing stress, insomnia, and palpitations associated with quitting smoking. Whether as an infusion or in capsule form, it also helps reduce the appeal of tobacco due to its distinctive smell.
Note: It’s not suitable for pregnant women, but for everyone else, it’s an excellent natural remedy with no toxicity.
5) Oat Mother Tincture: A Gentle and Effective Solution
Perfect for occasional smokers, oat mother tincture helps alleviate nervousness and insomnia linked to withdrawal. Thanks to an alkaloid similar to dopamine, it helps compensate for the perceived absence of nicotine.
Take about 50 drops in a glass of water three times a day. This product is available in pharmacies or from herbalists.
Conclusion
Quitting smoking is a bold decision, but the health, well-being, and financial benefits make it absolutely worthwhile. By combining these natural tips and surrounding yourself with support, you’ll greatly increase your chances of success. So, take the leap and say goodbye to tobacco for good!
