Quit Smoking Herbs: Valerian and Skullcap
Oct 24
The exact mechanism through which valerian root can help people in quitting smoking is still unclear. However, medical practitioners are unanimous that valerian root can help in this process significantly. Valerian root can interact with GABA receptors of our brain. As valerian is an herbal sedative, it can create soothing in nervous system. Anxiety and stress are the prime indicators of nicotine carving. Once these soothing processes begin, there is a dramatic decline in carving for nicotine. Valerian can be taken orally in forms of capsules. Otherwise, you can mix 2-3 grams of valerian root with tea and take it on daily basis. Sipping this tea 2-3 hours before going to bed can offer better result.
While using valerian to quit smoking you need to be aware of its side effects too. This herb can create complications in people suffering from gastro-intestinal disorders. It will aggravate their plight, in some cases, users of valerian root have complained mild headache. It can also trigger night terrors. As it is sedative in nature, larger dosage might induce dizziness and sleepiness. Hence, consulting your physician before going for valerian roots is mandatory. It will help in avoiding the adverse side effects and making the quitting process easier.
Scutellaria lateriflora, a traditional medication for rabies can effectively help people wishing to quit smoking. Consumption of this herb has soothing and calming effect on nerves. It can effectively address disorders like muscle and joint pain. All the above are experienced by people who try to quit cigarettes. As an herbal sedative, skullcap can induce sound sleep too. Many of the doctors prescribe skullcap for quit smoking programs due to its rejuvenation and tension easing capacity. However, for better results, you need to take skullcap at least 6 weeks before you start quitting cigarettes. Clinical studies have found insignificant or zero side effects related to consumption of skullcap.
