4 Natural Methods To Overcome A Nicotine Addiction
By Catherine M, Staff Editor
Last Updated on March 6th, 2023 / Published on October 18, 2018
4 natural methods to overcome a nicotine addiction
Have you or your partner been trying to quit smoking? Is it difficult to fight the urge? Well, you are not alone. According to research, 70% of smokers in the country want to quit smoking. While trying to quit smoking, it is natural for you to try any and every quitting remedy suggested to you. However, not all of them work. It also depends on the person trying to quit, while a nicotine gum could work for one, it could be a complete disaster for someone else.
Below are a few natural methods that you can try to use to overcome a nicotine addiction.
Acupuncture
One of the more common natural therapies to fight a nicotine addiction, acupuncture has a high success rate attached to it. The needles for acupuncture are fairly different from the regular needles and are as thin as the human hair. In the treatment sessions for a nicotine addiction, these needles are inserted in the ear and are kept there for about 20 minutes. Acupuncturists have a remedy for nicotine cravings in-between sessions as well. Small balls (as big as the tip of a ballpoint pen) are taped on the ear. When the patient feels an urge to smoke, they are asked to gently press this ball in a bid to stimulate an acupuncture point. The observations of a recent study stated acupuncture to be an effective method of fighting a nicotine addiction. The success rate of people using acupuncture as a quitting technique is high when the sessions are taken on time. For effective results, it is advised to complete at least eight sessions within a month.
Ginseng
Even though there have been no accurate studies to back ginseng’s abilities to fight a nicotine addiction. This long-term hero of Chinese medicine has properties that have resulted in the preventing the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It is this dopamine that is responsible for the addiction associated with smoking. While nicotine is the primary leader for inducing the addiction, dopamine is also a strong contributor, as it is responsible for the feel-good feeling after smoking a cigarette. It is advised to consume ginseng only after consulting a doctor. One can have it raw or in the form of tea, soup, or opt for basic ginseng supplements.
Perforate St. John’s-wort
An herb that is primarily known to be used to treat depression, perforate St. John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum) can help in fighting the urge and negative feelings that are associated with quitting smoking. It is a method that is paired with other methods, as it does not directly encourage a person to quit smoking. It works in subsidizing the urge for smoking. Some people have also shown symptoms of depression and sadness when they try to quit smoking, perforate St. John’s-wort can help individuals deal with sadness associated with nicotine withdrawal.
Hypnotherapy
A natural remedy to quit smoking, this one has been questioned widely for its abilities of actually helping with a nicotine addiction. There are claims that when one is hypnotized, there is a higher chance of them following instructions without asking questions. They are also prone to accepting suggestions like giving up smoking or getting rid of a habit. To overcome a nicotine addiction, the person suffering from the addiction is asked to imagine situations where they would not be smoking or craving a cigarette. They are also asked to think of the positive outcomes that could be associated with quitting smoking. Even if this is not the most effective method, many people have relied on it to quit smoking and it also has an average success rate.